ADR Services
Overview
Alexandra Hedrick is a mediator certified by the Florida Supreme Court (circuit civil) and the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida. Ms. Hedrick has mediated all types of civil cases, excluding family law. Mediations can occur at any time in a dispute - even long before suit is filed or after a judgment is entered while the case is on appeal. Examples of the types of cases Ms. Hedrick has mediated include:
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Mediator’s Role
Mediation provides a forum for parties to resolve disputes by agreement rather than in court. Mediations are intended to be collaborative and non-adversarial, where lawyers and non-lawyers work together to resolve the dispute. The mediator acts as a neutral facilitator for communication and negotiation between the parties. Decisions about how the case is resolved are made by the parties, not the mediator, and no result can be imposed on anyone without his or her agreement. Prior to undertaking a mediation assignment, Ms. Hedrick checks to ensure that there is no conflict of interest that would affect her impartiality.
Mediation Rates
Ms. Hedrick’s mediation compensation is based on an hourly rate, with one-half paid by the plaintiff or plaintiffs and one-half paid by the defendant or defendants unless another allocation is specified. The hourly rate applies to preparation, travel time outside of Duval County, Florida, time conducting the mediation, and any continued mediation work after the initial session. Finally, the mediation invoice includes a $125 administrative fee shared by the parties (for scheduling the mediation and filing required notices and reports). If the matter has more than three parties (including class and collective actions), Ms. Hedrick’s rate is $300 per hour plus a $125 administrative fee. When any mediation is cancelled fewer than three business days in advance, a $300 fee per side is invoiced.
Mediation Location
Generally, mediations are held in the offices of one of the parties’ counsel. When this is not feasible, Ms. Hedrick will assist the parties in finding another location for the mediation. Ms. Hedrick does not charge travel time for mediations within Duval County.
Mediation Statements
Parties should submit mediation statements a few days before the mediation. They should exchange the statements with one another whenever possible, because the case is more likely to settle if both parties have as much information as possible. In the rare case where the mediation statement should not be shared with the other party, that restriction should be noted on the first page of the statement and in any cover letter to the mediator. Requests to maintain “mediator only” statements as confidential are always honored.
Confidentiality
Mediations are confidential as provided by state and federal law and rule. Information provided to the mediator in private caucuses is also confidential unless a party authorizes it to be shared, or it is clear from the context that it is to be shared.
Arbitration
In arbitration, the parties submit their dispute to an impartial person or persons who render a final and binding decision. Arbitration may be required by contract or statute. Ms. Hedrick has served as an arbitrator in public and private matters.