In the last fifteen years or so, mediation and arbitration have become very popular methods to resolve disputes and avoid the uncertainty and costs of court.  In 2001, having participated in many mediations as a litigator, and having informally mediated several disputes between parties as the disinterested party, Glenn Curran undertook to be formally trained and certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Circuit Mediator and later became qualified by the Florida Supreme Court as an Arbitrator.  Mediation, arbitration, and similar forms of "alternative dispute resolution" handled properly can be the best way to resolve serious situations both before and after the institution of litigation.  Handled improperly, however, they can be an expensive waste of time at best and strategically detrimental to the litigation at worst.

PreSuit Mediation/Arbitration.  If you are a prospective client, or an attorney representing a client considering litigation, but concerned about the costs and time commitment involved in full-blown litigation, you may want to consider "pre-suit" mediation or arbitration.  Oftentimes, when the parties get together in this setting before they have invested tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in litigation, there is a common purpose even amongst enemies:  To save money and time.  If this is remotely interesting to you, please give us a call and let's discuss it!

Specific Areas of Expertise in Mediation and Arbitration.  In addition to being qualified to serve as a mediator and arbitrator in almost all types of litigation, Mr. Curran has unique qualifications in three areas:

Business Law.  With more than twenty years of litigation experience focused largely on corporate disputes, Mr. Curran is very familiar with the business needs and requirements involved with resolution of serious business situations.  (For a more detailed list of his corporate experience, see our  Firm Profile.)

Church Disputes.  Church disputes are particularly difficult.  Not only are the parties constrained by the laws of the government, but Christians must deal with the authority of Scripture as well.  This can be a very difficult task.  Matthew 18:15ff sets forth the general procedures for conflict resolution, but questions often still remain.  Should Christians ever sue each other?  Can they sue "non-believers"?  How does Scripture apply in today's litigious society?  Often churches (and/or their members, deacons, elders, ethics commissions, or even pastors) are not equipped to handle and resolve disputes effectively while staying within the bounds of both Scripture and the civil laws.  Sometimes, even if equipped or trained, the persons involved are conflicted beyond their ability to deal with a situation fairly, or without the appearance of impropriety.  Mr. Curran, in addition to his legal training and experience, is also a seminary trained and ordained Ruling Elder and has served on or represented the boards of several church and religious organizations.  Mr. Curran understands the very unique needs of resolving these types of controversies.

Yachting Disputes.  Do you have a dispute with a yacht brokerage or relating to the purchase or sale of your yacht?  Mr. Curran is not only a licensed attorney and a certified circuit mediator, and not only has he represented several boat manufacturers, but his long-time love for all things boating has led him into the yacht brokerage realms as well.  Mr. Curran is the President and co-founder of LighthouseYachts.com.  If you have a yachting-related dispute, Mr. Curran is uniquely qualified to help with its resolution.

Mediation/Arbitration Fees and Costs.  Mediation/Arbitration  is generally billed at $275 per hour, divided equally among the parties with a three hour minimum due in advance.  There are normally no other costs involved, but any unusual costs or expenses are passed through on the same pro-rata basis.  Do not hesitate to contact us to see if your dispute could best be solved by mediation and/or arbitration with Mr. Curran.