NEWS CENTER

Various articles, news releases, announcements, and other items of interest regarding our firm appear in this section of our site. Click on the links to read the latest news about our firm and the field of mediation.

	UPCHURCH WATSON WHITE & MAX AWARDED CIRCUIT'S RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE MEDIATION PROGRAM Posted 7-1-10 July 19, 2010 is the commencement date of the Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program in the Seventh Circuit. Sandra C. Upchurch will administer the program for the firm.
	ACTIVE STATE, NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL SPEAKING SCHEDULE FOR FIRM PRINCIPALS, PANEL MEMBERS Posted 5-14-10 Principals and panel members of Upchurch Watson White & Max are requested for statewide, national and international speaking engagements.
	Sandy Upchurch Elected to Florida Bar's 7th Circuit Board of Governors Posted 4-26-10 Sandy Upchurch will be sworn in as The Florida Bar's 7th Circuit Board of Governors representative on June 25 at the Annual Meeting in Boca Raton.
	Sandra Upchurch in runoff for Florida Bar Board of Governors Seventh Circuit Seat Posted 3-25-10 Sandy Upchurch will face opponent Judy Lane in the April runoff for the 7th Circuit Board of Governors position vacated by retiring representative, Chobee Ebbets.
	Panel Members Sought for Speaking Engagements Posted 2-16-10 Principals Larry Watson and Rod Max as well as Family Business and Wealth practice group chair, Gerry Le Van have been selected for various United States speaking engagements.
	Sandra C. Upchurch in race for Florida Bar Board of Governors Seventh Circuit Seat Posted 1-12-10 Upchurch Watson White & Max proudly announces the candidacy of panel member, Sandra C. Upchurch, for the Florida Bar Board of Governors Seventh Circuit Representative.
	FIRM ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF SPECIAL MASTER / MAGISTRATE GROUP Posted 11-24-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max is please to announce the creation of its Special Master / Magistrate practice group. Firm members of this group include John Upchurch, Michael Orfingr, Howard Marsee, George Sprinkel, IV and Mac Voght.
	The Rodney Max Mediation Fellowship Posted 11-3-09 Third year law student Whitney Henry has been selected as the 2009-2010 Rodney Max Mediation Fellow Ms. Henry will receive a $5,000 fellowship award for the 2009-2010 academic year.
	UWWM Sponsored FL Bar Young Lawyers Division Meeting Posted 10-26-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group served as the inaugural sponsor of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Board of Governors meeting at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club on Friday, October 23, 2009.
	Brad Wash Becomes Shareholder in Mediation Firm Posted 10-14-09 The principals of Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group are pleased to announce that R. Bradford (Brad) Wash has become a shareholder in the firm. Based in our Birmingham Alabama office, Brad joined the firm’s mediation panel in February, 2007.
	UWWM Principals to Address the Tennessee Supreme Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission Posted 10-8-09 Upchurch Watson White and Max principals, Lawrence M. Watson, Jr. and Michael S. Orfinger will address the Tennessee Supreme Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission at the Seventh Annual Advanced Mediation Techniques Workshop on Friday, October 16.
	Michael S. Orfinger Appointed to National Special Master Group Posted 9-8-09 Michael S. Orfinger, principal with Upchurch Watson White and Max Mediation Group, has been inducted as a Fellow of the Academy of Court-Appointed Masters (ACAM).
	Gerald Le Van to Address Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) Posted 8-26-09 Gerald Le Van, Chair of Upchurch Watson White & Max Family Business and Wealth Mediation Group, will present “Family Business Succession; Expanding Your Services” to the Florida ACTEC Fellows on September 12 at the Orlando Airport Hyatt.
	UWWM to Host CLE in Maitland Office Posted 8-24-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group has invited CNA Insurance Managing Trial Attorney, Linda S. Bittner to present “Medicare, Medicaid and Mediated Settlements” on September 9, 2009 from 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM in their Maitland, Florida office.
	John Upchurch Speaks at Florida Negotiation & Settlement Planning Summit Posted 8-19-09 John Upchurch principal and CEO of Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group presented “Getting to Yes in Mediation” at the First Annual Florida Negotiation & Settlement Planning Summit on, August 21, 2009 at the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate, FL.
	UWWM Exhibitors at FDLA Annual Meeting Posted 8-6-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group will be exhibitors at the Florida Defense Lawyers Association (FDLA) 2009 Annual Meeting being held from August 6 – 8 at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami, Florida.
	UWWM Sponsors FLABOTA Convention Posted 7-23-09 Upchurch Watson White and Max Mediation Group and Delta Settlement Solutions are co-sponsors of the Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (FLABOTA) 12th Annual convention taking place July 23-26, 2009 at the Longboat Key Club and Resort in Sarasota, Florida.
	UWWM 2009 Super Lawyers Posted 7-2-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group is pleased to announce that principals John Upchurch, Larry Watson, Terry White and Rod Max have been named to the 2009 Florida Super Lawyers list.
	Michelle Jernigan Invited to Speak to Central Florida Law Firms Posted 6-4-09 Michelle Jernigan, shareholder with Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group and noted speaker throughout the state of Florida has been invited to present a CLE seminar titled, "What's Going on in the Other Room? Getting inside the minds of the other parties".
	John Briggs: Featured Speaker at MC Consultants Conference Posted 5-29-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group panelist, John Briggs, was a featured speaker at the MC Consultants 2009 East Region Construction Defect and Construction Law Conference at the Boca Raton Resort and Club, May 28 - 29.
	Response to Health Care Challenges: National Health Care & Life Sciences Panel of Neutrals Named Posted 5-22-09 As health care litigation continues to rise, the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution's (CPR) members are increasingly seeking highly-qualified mediators and arbitrators specializing in life sciences and health care-related disputes.
	UWWM Exhibitors at FLCC Conference Posted 5-19-09 UWWM will be exhibitors for the third consecutive year at the Florida Liability Claims Conference (FLCC) from May 23-30, 2009 at Disney's Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
	Michelle Jernigan: Speaker at Conference for Florida Business Families Posted 5-15-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group Shareholder, Michelle Jernigan, was selected to speak at the second annual Florida Families in Business Conference that was held on May 18, 2009 in Hallandale, Florida.
	Honorable Ben Overton Recognized as UF Distinguished Alumni Posted 5-14-09 Justice-emeritus Ben F. Overton, of Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group will be receiving the UF Distinguished Alumnus award at this year's University of Florida Levin College of Law graduation ceremony on Friday, May 15, at 2:00 P.M in the O'Connell Center.
	UWWM to Sponsor CBA Event Posted 5-13-09 UWWM is sponsoring the Clearwater Bar Association Young Lawyers Division annual board transition meeting at the Island Way Grill in Clearwater, Florida.
	UWWM Mediators Address Attendees of Government Law Conference Posted 4-21-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max mediation panelists, Dean Jon Mills and Sandra C. Upchurch, were selected to present at The Florida Bar 32nd Annual Local Government Law in Florida conference held May 8-9, 2009 at The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes Resort in Orlando, Florida.
	UWWM to Sponsor OCBA Gala Posted 4-9-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group will be sponsoring the 12th Annual Orange County Bar Association Gala on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center from 6:30-10:30 PM.
	Richard Lord Selected to Speak at the National Association of Subrogation Professionals Seminar Posted 3-31-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max Shareholder, Richard Lord, has been selected by the National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP) to participate as an instructor at the annual Subrogation Litigation Skills and Management Conference.
	Mediation Firm Welcomes Gerald Le Van Posted 2-26-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max welcomes accomplished Family Business practitioner, speaker and author, Gerald Le Van, to their sophisticated panel of mediators. Le Van will serve as Chair of the firm's Family Business Services Group.
	Rod Max to speak at FJA Workhorse Seminar Posted 2-4-09 Rod Max, will be presenting "Ten Key Steps to a Successful Mediation: Preparation, Presentation and Negotiation" on Wednesday, February 25 at the 2009 Florida Justice Association (FJA) Workhorse Seminar.
	New Arbitration Protocol Posted 1-27-09 The International Institute for Conflict Prevention and resolution has just published a comprehensive new protocol for document production and presentation of witness testimony in commercial arbitration.
	Sandra C. Upchurch Joins Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Panel Posted 1-12-09 Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Sandra C. Upchurch to the firm's mediation panel.
	Mediation Firm Principal To Speak at ABA MidWinter Meeting Posted 1-9-09 Lawrence M. Watson Jr., principal with Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group, will present at the 2009 MidWinter meeting of the American Bar Association (ABA) Forum on the Construction Industry.
	FIRM ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS PRACTICE GROUP Posted 12-2-08 Upchurch Watson White & Max is pleased to announce the creation of a specialty group designed to facilitate negotiations with government agencies.
	Philip Elliott Recognized at VCBA Traditions Night Posted 11-10-08 Philip H. Elliott, Jr., mediator with Upchurch Watson White and Max and a 50 Year member of The Florida Bar, was recognized for his half-century of service to the Volusia County legal community at the Volusia County Bar Association (VCBA) annual Traditions Night.
	Rod Max Mediates HealthSouth Recovery of $133 Million Posted 11-5-08 Rod Max recently had the privilege of mediating the resolution of a $133 Million derivative action in connection with HealthSouth and one of its previous investment bankers.
	Michelle Jernigan: Conflict Resolution in the Family Business Posted 10-30-08 Michelle Jernigan, shareholder with Upchurch Watson White & Max and co-director of the firm's Family Business services panel, will be presenting "Conflict Resolution in the Family Business" to Stetson University's Future Leaders Association (FLA) on November 17, 2008.
	Michael S. Orfinger: Guest on WNDB Radio Posted 10-13-08 Principal, Michael S. Orfinger, was a guest on WNDB radio program It's Your Money, Tuesday October 14, 2008 from 9:06 - 10:00 AM.
	New Panel Member: Roger J. Larue, Jr. Posted 9-23-08 The nationally recognized mediation firm of Upchurch, Watson, White & Max is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger J. Larue to the firms mediation panel.
	Michelle Jernigan Selected for FEC Board of Advisors Posted 9-17-08 The FEC's Board of Advisors is a select group of individuals whose experience and talents help foster a nurturing and innovative learning environment for the center.
	Justice Overton Invited to Speak on FAF Panel Posted 8-28-08 The First Amendment Foundation (FAF) will hold an interactive symposium highlighting 30 years of cameras in the courtroom in Florida on September 23, 2008 at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida.
	Mediators on Panel at ACCTM Conference Posted 8-12-08 Principals, Lawrence M. Watson, Jr. and Rodney A. Max and Shareholder, A. Michelle Jernigan spoke at the ACCTM 2008 Retreat and Conference.
	Shareholder's Published in ACCTM Journal Posted 8-7-08 A. Michelle Jernigan and Richard B. Lord, shareholders with UWWM and co-directors of the firm's Family Business services panel, collaborated on an article titled, "The Mediator's Role in the Family Business".
	Richard B. Lord Completes Harvard Advanced Negotiation Program Posted 8-6-08 Richard B. Lord has recently completed and received a certificate from the Advanced Negotiation Program of Instruction for Lawyers at Harvard Law School.
	UWWM 2008 FL Super Lawyers Posted 7-3-08 With a 20 year track record of mediating and arbitrating high profile cases, John J. Upchurch, Lawrence M. Watson, Jr., Terrence M. White and Rodney A. Max are once again selected to the Florida Super Lawyers list.
	Upchurch Addresses International Academy of Mediators Posted 6-3-08 John Upchurch appeared before the International Academy of Mediators at the organizations semi-annual meeting.
	Mediation Firm Shareholder to Address Family Business Alliance Posted 4-30-08 A. Michelle Jernigan, shareholder with Upchurch Watson White & Max, has been invited to speak at the Family Business Alliance annual meeting.
	John Upchurch Teaches Polish Law Students Posted 4-23-08 John Upchurch has returned from Warsaw, Poland, where he was a guest lecturer from April 7  11, 2008 at Warsaw University's Law School
	UWWM Web Site Wins ADDY Award Posted 4-16-08 Zgraph was presented eight ADDY Awards, including a Silver ADDY Award for the new Upchurch Watson White & Max web site in interactive media.
	UWWM Podcast Series Posted 1-29-08 John Upchurch and A. Michelle Jernigan discuss upcoming real estate issues in the first of a series of podcasts.
	Terry White Addresses Rail Labor and FL Trial Attorneys Posted 1-9-08 Terrence M. White, Principal with Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group, has been invited to address the members of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys (ARLA) and the Florida Justice Association (FJA) this February.
	UWWM Case Note: SCO decides USFI v JSUB Posted 12-27-07 On Dec 20, 2007, the Supreme Court issued its long awaited opinion in United State Fire Insurance v. JSUB, Inc.
	Panel Members Attend Special Masters Conference Posted 12-14-07 Principal Michael Orfinger and panelist, Howard Marsee (right), member of the Academy of Court Appointed Masters, attended a recent ABA seminar in Washington, D.C., "The Art and Science of Serving as a Spcial master in Federal and State Courts."
	Firm to Sponsor ABA Conference Posted 11-28-07 Upchurch Watson White & Max will be a major sponsor of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution's Tenth Annual Spring Conference "Pacific Currents: Sound Perspectives on ADR" / Maitland UWWM Office to Host Legal Support Specialists Seminar
	UWWM Nominated for CPR Award for Excellence in ADR Posted 10-18-07 Upchurch Watson White and Max has been nominated by Holland and Knight for CPR Institute's inaugural Law Firm Award for Excellence in ADR.
	Firm Welcomes New Mediation Panel Member, Walter K. "Wally" McDonough Posted 9-5-07 Presentation and Welcome Reception Scheduled for October 10, 2007.
	Family Business Mediation Practice Posted 7-25-07 Shareholders Richard Lord and Michelle Jernigan recently chaired the public launch of the UWWM Family Business Mediation Group, with a symposium for business advisors.
	The National Arbitration Forum Adds Richard B. Lord Posted 7-17-07 Shareholder, Richard B. Lord has joined The National Arbitration Forum's national panel of independent and neutral arbitrators and mediators.
	Dye Ann Graham, Former General Counsel for Tupperware Corporation, Joins Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group Posted 6-26-07 Upchurch Watson White and Max is pleased to announce the appointment of Dye Ann Graham, former General Counsel for Tupperware Corporation, to the firm's mediation panel.
	Rod Max Guides Parties to Class Action Settlement Safeguarding Motor Vehicle Records Personal Information Posted 6-22-07 Rod Max, court appointed mediator for the class action lawsuit, Fresco, et al v. Automotive Directions, was instrumental in reaching an agreement approved by the US District Court Judge Jose E. Martinez, requiring the companies to adopt a "Protecting Drivers' Data" program.
	Howard Marsee Sought for Statewide Speaking Engagements Posted 6-5-07 Upchurch Watson White & Max mediation panelist, Howard Marsee has been requested to speak at recent and upcoming events.
	Stephen G. Fisher Presents to The Hartford Insurance Company Posted 5-9-07 Stephen G. Fischer, panelist with Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group, recently presented "Comparative Negligence Law in Florida & How It Affects Case Evaluation, Negotiations and Settlement at Mediation" at the Hartford Insurance Company Claims Office in Tampa.
	Gary F. Canner Joins Upchurch Watson White & Max Posted 4-25-07 We are pleased to announce that Gary Canner, former Circuit Mediator for the Eleventh Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals, has joined the Upchurch Watson White & Max mediation panel.
	Rod Max: Preferred Mediator Posted 3-27-07 The nationally recognized leading mediation firm, Upchurch Watson White and Max (UWWM), is featured in the March 2007 issue of Birmingham magazine.
	University of Florida Symposium: Mediation in Florida and Beyond Posted 3-21-07 John Upchurch and former Chief Justice Ben Overton of the Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group were two of four featured speakers for the University of Florida Institute for Dispute Resolution's ADR Symposium on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 entitled "Mediation in Florida and Beyond."
	Rodney A. Max: Preferred Speaker Posted 3-5-07 Rodney A. Max has recently been selected for two speaking engagements to be held at The Grande Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama.
	Philip Elliott, Jr. Receives The Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Award Posted 3-1-07 Philip Elliott, Jr., longtime panel member of Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group, receives The Florida Bar President's ProBono Service Award.
	Larry Watson: Nationwide Speaker Posted 2-19-07 Lawrence M. Watson, Jr. has recently been requested to fulfill various speaking engagements throughout the nation.
	Brad Wash Joins UWWM Panel Posted 2-15-07 The nationally recognized mediation firm of Upchurch Watson White & Max is pleased to announce the appointment of R. Bradford "Brad" Wash to the firm's panel of mediation specialists.
	Facilitating the Facilitators Posted 12-14-06 Lawrence M. Watson, Jr. and Michael S. Orfinger, principals with
	UWWM Principals Invited to Speak at AFTL Seminar Posted 11-21-06 Terrence White and Rodney Max, principals with Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group, have been selected to speak at The Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers (AFTL) 2006 "Mediation Techniques and Strategies" CLE seminar.
	Howard Marsee Joins National Special Master Group Posted 11-21-06 Howard R. Marsee, panel member with Upchurch Watson White and Max Mediation Group, has been inducted into the Academy of Court-Appointed Masters (ACAM).
	Upchurch Watson White & Max Blog Posted 8-18-06 Our goal at Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group is to bring
	Rodney A. Max: "Mediation Pioneer" Posted 6-29-06 Rodney A. Max, principal with Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group, has been selected as one of Lawdragon's 500 Leading Judges in America for 2006.
	Selected Legal Elite Second Year In A Row Posted 5-12-06 Lawrence "Larry" M. Watson Jr., a founding partner of Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group, has been selected for the second year in a row as one of Florida Trend's Florida Legal Elite.
	Chief Execs Eye Mediation Posted 3-23-06 UWWM mediators have been invited by TEC (The Executive Committee) to host a two day presentation on mediation and arbitration.
	Max Tapped To Address International Conference Posted 2-22-06 Rodney A. Max, principal with Upchurch Watson White & Max has been invited to speak at a legal conference being held in Lima, Peru.
	Mac Voght Selected By Kenneth Feinberg for Mississippi Katrina Program Posted 1-17-06 Mac Voght has been appointed to an exclusive panel of mediators and arbitrators taking part in a Liberty Mutual hurrican dispute resolution program.
	Veteran Group Become Shareholders In Mediation Firm Posted 1-5-06 In recognition of years of distinguished service as civil mediators in major litigation and commercial disputes, four veteran panel members become shareholders in Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group.
	G.B. McVay Mac Voght Joins Mediation Firm As Mississippi Representative Posted 11-18-05 Upchurch Watson White & Max is pleased to announce the appointment of Mac Voght, a veteran central Florida trial attorney, to our panel of mediation specialists. The firm is establishing a presence in the state of Mississippi. Mr. Voght is relocating to Natchez, MS. and will be our representative in that state.
	John Upchurch Joins Special Master Group Posted 10-19-05 John J. Upchurch, President of Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group, has been tapped for membership in the Academy of Court Appointed Masters, the only national organization for special masters.
	Upchurch Watson White & Max Recognizes State's MEDIATION WEEK With Seminars / Radio Appearances Posted 10-18-05 The State of Florida issued a proclamation designating October 16th - 21st as Mediation Week. Article reviews firm events / activities in recognition of the week and of National Conflict Resolution Day - October 20th.
	Mediation Group Panelist Addresses ACR Seminar Posted 10-17-05 John Fleming Kelly, a mediator and arbitrator affiliated with Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group, recently addressed the Commercial Section of The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)
	Firm Dramatically Expands South Florida Presence Posted 8-19-05 In a major expansion move, the regional mediation firm of Upchurch Watson White & Max has appointed five mediators from West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami to their multi-state panel of distinguished neutrals.
	Mediation Firm Principal, Lawrence M. Watson, Jr. Receives 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award. Posted 7-22-05 Lawrence M. Watson, Jr., principal with Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group, has been selected as the recipient of The American College of Civil Trial Mediators? 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award.
	John Upchurch Addresses Graduates at Warsaw University Polish-American Commencement Ceremonies Posted 6-13-05 John J. Upchurch delivered the prinicpal commencement address to this year's graduates of the University of Warsaw Center for American Law Studies.
	Lawrence M. Watson, Jr. Speaks at ICLE Seminar for Members of the Georgia State Bar Posted 5-15-05 Larry Watson, principal with Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group has been selected as one of the speakers to address members of the Georgia State Bar Association on May 20th in Atlanta.
	Mediation Firm Principal Speaks at Insurance Workshop Posted 5-12-05 Michael S. Orfinger addressed claims, insurance and law professionals at the Casualty Injury Claim & Lawsuit Workshop on May 11th at the Hilton Orlando in Altamonte Springs.
	Mediation Panelist Speaks to Venezuelan-American Chamber of Commerce Posted 5-11-05 Dr. Oscar J. Franco, of the Upchurch Watson White & Max Miami office addressed members and guests of the Venezuelan-American Chamber of Commerce of the United States at a luncheon conference on May 11, 2005.
	Mediation Firm Teaches Negotiation Advocacy, Ethics to Corporate Counsel. Posted 3-3-05 On February 15th, Upchurch Watson White & Max hosted a 3 hour CLE Seminar followed by a Cocktail Reception for the Central Florida Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel.
	Mediation Panel Gains Law School Dean JON MILLS and Supreme Court Certified Mediator BETH MILLS. Posted 11-5-04 Firm is pleased to announce the addition of two distinguished mediators.
	Justice Major B. Harding Joins Mediation Panel Posted 10-1-04 JUSTICE MAJOR B. HARDING JOINS UPCHURCH, WATSON WHITE & MAX MEDIATION GROUP
	Upchurch Watson White & Max Adds Shareholder: Trial Attorney Michael S. Orfinger Joins Firm - Feb. 5, 2004 Posted 9-3-04 Upchurch Watson White & Max Adds Shareholder: Trial Attorney Michael S. Orfinger Joins Firm
	UFLaw Article Featuring John Upchurch Posted 9-2-04 John Upchurch is Featured in the UFLaw Annual Report