LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING


  I provide research and writing support for both litigation and non-litigation matters.  I have significant experience in preparing complaints, answers, petitions, discovery requests, discovery answers, motions, pre-trial motions and memoranda, legal memoranda, trial briefs, and other similar briefs.  I also have significant experience providing coverage analyses in insurance coverage disputes.  Additionally, I provide litigation support, including preparation of motions in limine, jury instructions, voir dire examination, and similar trial preparation.


Legal Background


My background includes:

  • Insurance defense and coverage litigation and employment discrimination defense as an attorney at Butler, Pappas, Weihmuller, Katz & Craig;
  • Legal research and writing of a wide variety of motions, pleadings, memos and briefs for firms throughout Florida as an attorney at Butler, Pappas, as an attorney with National Legal Research Group and as a contract attorney;
  • Law and motion practice and trial support while of counsel to Collins & Truett; 
  • Motion drafting, discovery review, and legal research for various Florida firms.


Educational Background


  • B.A. (English) from Florida State University
  • J.D. from University of the Pacific- McGeorge School of Law (1999)


Other Involvement in the Legal Profession


  • Panelist, Florida Bar Practicing with Professionalism, 2009
  • Board Member, Legal Aid Foundation, 2008-2011 (Treasurer, 2009-10; Vice President, 2010-11)
  • Board Member, Tallahassee Bar Association, 2009-present (Treasurer-Elect, 2012-13; Treasurer, 2013-14; President-Elect, 2014-15; President, 2015-16)
  • Panelist, Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Diversity Symposium, 2015, 2016
  • Pro Bono service through the Legal Aid Foundation from 2005 to present

MEDIATION


  Mediation is a process in which a neutral, impartial third person facilitates the resolution of a dispute.  The mediation process is  informal, non-adversarial and intended to help disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement while avoiding the uncertainty and expense of litigation.


What is a mediator's role?


  Plainly put, the mediator is not going to judge who is right or wrong.  A mediator provides a forum for parties to reach a voluntary agreement by opening up communication. Although a mediator helps parties work through their issues to reach a mutually beneficial resolution, the parties retain the ultimate decision whether to settle.


What is a mediator's responsibility to the parties?


  A mediator's responsibility to the parties includes honoring their right of self-determination; acting with impartiality; and avoiding coercion, improper influence, and conflicts of interest. A mediator is also responsible for maintaining an appropriate demeanor, preserving confidentiality, and promoting the parties' awareness of the interests of non-participating persons.  A mediator's business practices should reflect fairness, integrity and impartiality.


Confidentiality


  A mediator shall maintain confidentiality of all information revealed during mediation except where disclosure is required or permitted by law or is agreed to by all parties.  


  Information obtained during caucus may not be revealed by the mediator to any other mediation participant without the consent of the disclosing party.


Assisting Florida lawyers with legal research, legal writing and mediation

Photo by Nita Smith, Tallahassee, FL.