UWWM Mediators Address Attendees of Government Law Conference

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 .

Dean Mills, former Dean of the Levin College of Law, University of Florida, and current Director of the UF Center for Governmental Responsibility and Ms. Upchurch, former Deputy City Attorney for Ormond Beach, Florida , serve as chair & co-chair of the firm's Government Affairs Practice Group.

Their seminar titled "Utilization of Florida's Governmental Conflict Resolution Act and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act" was presented on May 8.

The City, County & Local Government Law Section of the Florida Bar "serves as an organization and resource within The Florida Bar for lawyers representing local government interests and also practicing in this field on behalf of private interests."

Dean Mills served as Founding Director of the Center for Governmental Responsibility at the University of Florida College of Law from 1973 - 80 and from 1988 to present and was Dean from 1999-2003. He was elected to the Legislature in 1980, serving as Speaker of the House from 1987 - 88. He brings a broad-based knowledge of constitutional and governmental law to the UWWM mediation panel.

Ms. Upchurch has provided general counsel services to state and local governments including contract and claims review, preparation of legislation and consent decree monitoring, and has handled contract, zoning, annexation, land use, employment and law enforcement disputes. She is keenly aware of the concerns facing governmental entities once litigation is threatened or initiated and brings this knowledge to the table as she assists parties in resolving their governmental disputes in the most cost-effective manner possible.