Not every client interaction or legal matter goes as expected. Billing disagreements, unmet expectations, and misunderstandings can quickly escalate, leaving attorneys vulnerable to disciplinary action. Fortunately, mediation provides an alternative—a confidential, informal approach to resolving disputes before they escalate. Through The Florida Bar’s free mediation program, attorneys and clients can engage with a neutral mediator to find common ground, saving time, expense, and stress compared to formal proceedings. Today, we'll explore how this program helps attorneys navigate conflict, protect their practice, and reach resolutions that work for everyone involved.

In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Shanell Schuyler and Christina Magee to discuss The Florida Bar’s mediation program. 

Shanell Schuyler serves as the Director of the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) and Intake Department of The Florida Bar. She also supervises the Bar’s Grievance Mediation and Fee Arbitration Program, the Practice and Professionalism Enhancement Programs, and Diversion/Discipline Consultation Services. Shanell is a graduate of Florida State University, cum laude, with a B.S. in Finance, and Stetson University College of Law. She began working for The Florida Bar as a senior attorney in 2007. She became director of the ACAP/Intake Department in February 2012. Shanell is an active member of the National Organization of Bar Counsel where she frequently speaks on topics pertinent to lawyer regulation.

Christina Magee received her JD from the NYU School of Law and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil, Appellate, and County Mediator. She is a Qualified Arbitrator and is on the AAA Arbitration and Mediation panel for Commercial and Employment matters. Ms. Magee founded Brevard Mediation Services in 2011 and restricts her practice to mediation, arbitration, and other forms of dispute resolution. She is on the roster of Mediators for the US District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida. She is also a member of the American College of Civil Trial Mediators and a diplomate of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. She currently serves on the Florida Bar’s Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration Committee.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8800. 

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

• Attorney/Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP)
• Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration Committee
• Rules Regulating The Florida Bar Chapter 14: Grievance Mediation and Fee Arbitration
• Mediation in Florida [Florida Courts]
• Consumer Pamphlet: Grievance Mediation Program
• Mediation [Article: The Florida Bar]