Solely Focused On Dispute Resolution
Florida • Alabama • Nationwide
Upchurch Watson White & Max is a Florida- and Alabama-based professional association of mediators. Our team of conflict resolution specialists practices in a wide range of alternative dispute resolution disciplines. Specific areas of practice include business mediation, corporate mediation, commercial mediation, family mediation, arbitration and more. We also offer niche services such as multi-party, complex, malpractice and class action mediation. Please explore our site to learn more about our mediators in Florida and Alabama and the mediation services we offer.
Meet Our Newest Mediators
Newsroom Updates
Mediator Karen Brimmer Named 2025 Circle of Excellence Honoree in ADR
MIAMI, Fla. (October 15, 2025) — Upchurch Watson White & Max mediator Karen A. Brimmer has been selected to receive the Miami-Dade Bar’s 2025 Circle of Excellence Award in the category of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
This year’s competition drew more than 420 nominations, the most in the award’s history, making Ms. Brimmer’s selection a noteworthy recognition of her dedication, professionalism and contributions to the ADR field.
Best Lawyers in America® 2026 Honors 14 Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediators
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fred Lauten, a former judge, picks up his first listing for ADR Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group (UWWM) is proud to announce that 13 current members of its panel and one retired panel member are included in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America®.
UWWM Mediators to Lead Opening Plenary on AI at 2025 Florida DRC Conference
Two members of the Upchurch Watson White & Max panel, A. Michelle Jernigan and Lawrence H. Kolin, will help kick off the 2025 Florida Dispute Resolution Center Conference as featured presenters in the Opening Plenary session titled “Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in Mediation.” The session, set for Friday, Aug. 1,
The Latest Blogs
State Court Class Actions Have Surprising Resurgence
A recent ABA panel of class action experts discussed the surprising resurgence of state court class actions despite the federal 2005 Class Action Fairness Act’s (‘CAFA’s”) efforts to rein in state court class action over the last 20 years.
When the Practice Ends but the Risk Doesn’t: A Reminder About Tail Coverage
Whether you represent the plaintiff or the defendant, always check the professional’s “Claims Made & Reported” policy in effect at the time of the incident—especially if the defendant retired soon after. A slightly higher premium may have purchased a Tail Coverage Endorsement, extending protection for several years beyond the policy’s expiration. Discovering that coverage early can change the outcome for both sides and make the case ideal for early mediation.
Resolve to Evolve: Celebrating ADR Week in Florida
This year, Florida’s ADR Week is observed October 12 – 18, 2025, with the theme:
“Resolve to Evolve: Embrace ADR for a Harmonious Tomorrow.”
The Court’s official proclamation commends mediators, arbitrators and other neutrals for helping Floridians resolve disputes in ways that conserve judicial resources and foster communication, understanding, and lasting agreement.