Law Offices of Bruce A. Blitman, Owner, 1989-Present; Law Offices of Fred J. Berman, P.A., Associate Attorney, 1988-1989; Britton Cohen Kaufman Benson & Schantz, Associate Attorney, 1982-1983; Schwartz Klein Steinhardt Weiss & Weinstein, Associate Attorney, 1983-1984.
Before becoming a full-time neutral in 1989, participated in a wide variety of legal matters at different law firms and offices. Firms concentrated on civil litigation in following areas of law: commercial litigation, collections, family litigation, representation of labor unions and their members at arbitration hearings involving discipline and discharge, and in state and federal court proceedings; traffic hearings (including DUI defense); contract disputes; personal injury, negligence and tort claims (representing plaintiffs); ERISA litigation in federal court; landlord-tenant matters as well as other matters which might arise in primarily general civil litigation practices. For some time, was involved with the early prepaid legal plans and assisted clients with matters covered under these plans. Frequently attended and participated in taking of depositions, motion hearings and assisted with jury trials and bench trials. Performed research and assisted with drafting of pleadings, memorandum of law and briefs.
Mediator since 1989, have mediated thousands of disputes involving all kinds of legal issues, including: admiralty; maritime; aviation; bankruptcy; business; community/condominium/homeowner associations; construction; consumers; contracts; credit; discrimination (all kinds); employment/EEO/workplace conflict/ADA; postal service; education/special education/teachers; health care; hurricanes (Frances, Jeanne and Wilma claims); mortgage foreclosure (AAA and Collins Center mediation programs); Loss Mitigation Mediation (LMM); intellectual property; medical, legal and other professional malpractice; negligence; personal injury; probate; products liability; real estate/landlord and tenant disputes; moving and transportation claims, etc.<br/><br/>Qualified Florida Arbitrator since 1989. Have served as a sole arbitrator and on arbitration panels of three. Served as court-appointed arbitrator in matters pursuant to Florida Statue 44. Decided cases involving nursing homes, cruise ships, commercial disputes, franchises, automobile accidents, consumer disputes, personal injury and other tort claims.<br/><br/>Since the late 1990's, have been appointed by several City Commissions to serve as a Special Master/Special Magistrate to determine (Property) Code Compliance Violations alleged by towns and municipalities. Presided over hearings, took testimony under oath and issued written awards with findings and rulings.
University of Miami School of Law (JD-1981); University of Florida (BA-1978).<br/>
Admitted to The Florida Bar, 1982; <br/>Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil and County Court Mediator, 1989;<br/>Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, 1990.
The Florida Bar; American Bar Association; Broward County Bar Association; The Florida Academy of Professional Mediators, Inc.
Have published numerous articles during the past 25 years. Among them are:<br/>1. "Ten Cornerstones for Effective Mediation Advocacy;" (with A. Michelle Jernigan); Claims Magazine; February and March, 2014;<br/>2. "Tips For Managing The 'Mega-Mediation'"; (with David R. Carlisle); American Arbitration Association's Dispute Resolution Journal Volume 67<br/>Number 4 (2013); and<br/>3. "Mediation In Florida: The Newly Emerging Case Law;" Florida Bar Journal; October, 1996<br/><br/>Have lectured and spoken extensively about the benefits of mediation and ADR during past 25 years. Among these lectures are:<br/>1. "Do Your Best, Angels Can Do No More: Reflections Of A Veteran Mediator;" Sponsored by Workers' Compensation State Mediators; Teleseminar/Webinar June, 2010;<br/>2. "Strategies For Breaking Impassses In Mediation;" Sponsored by South Palm Beach County Bar Association; November 8, 2011;<br/>3. "Mediation Techniques: Update On Mediation Law;" Sponsored by Florida Defense Lawyers Association for Florida Liability Claims Conference 2012; June 7, 2012;<br/>4. "Navigating The Mediation Minefield: What's An Ethical Mediator To Do?;" Sponsored by Professional Mediation Institute (PMI) for 3rd Annual Professional Mediation Institute Education Conference ; August 23, 2012; and<br/>5. "Mediating In Florida: An Advanced Exploration;" Sponsored by the University of Fla. Levin College of Law Institute For Dispute Resolution; October 12, 2012
$2,500 Per Day
English
United States of America
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
The AAA’s Rules provide the AAA with the authority to administer a mediation including, mediator appointment, general oversight and billing. Accordingly, mediations that proceed without AAA administration are not considered AAA mediations, even when the parties select an mediator who is on the AAA’s Roster.
The information contained in this resume has been supplied solely by the individual mediator and may, or may not, be a complete recitation of their experience. The AAA assumes no responsibility for the content, completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information contained in a mediator’s resume. If you have any questions about a mediator’s experience or background, you are encouraged to contact your case manager.
Mediators on the AAA Roster are not employees or agents of the AAA.
The information contained in this resume has been supplied solely by the individual mediator and may, or may not, be a complete recitation of their experience. The AAA assumes no responsibility for the content, completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information contained in a mediator’s resume. If you have any questions about a mediator’s experience or background, you are encouraged to contact your case manager.
Mediators on the AAA Roster are not employees or agents of the AAA.
