Courts are increasingly sending Circuit and County Civil matters to nonbinding arbitration under Fla. Stat. § 44.103 and Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.820. Yet relatively few attorneys have much, if any, experience representing clients in this forum. This presentation, which is one of a 4-part series presented by the Florida Bar ADR Section, is intended to orient counsel to process, showing: (a) a short pre-hearing conference with the arbitrator; (b) a nonbinding arbitration hearing itself; and (c) a glimpse into the arbitrator’s deliberations and award.
IntroductionsPrehearing Conference between arbitrator and counselNonbinding Arbitration Hearing: arbitrator convenes; each counsel make presentationsPost-hearing arbitrator deliberation and explanation of awardQ&A by attendees as to hearing and arbitrator tasks
• Discussion of handout materials
o Arbitration Guidelines Documents (both presenters’)
• Additional discussion regarding attorney prep and presentation (time permitting)
• ConclusionChristopher M. Shulman
Rodney G. Romano