Expanding the Dispute Management Toolbox: Keeping Your Clients Engaged and Profitable in Times of Crisis

Co-sponsored by:

The International Bar Association (IBA)
The Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar (RRPTL)
CLE credits pending approval by the Florida Bar

The economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is presenting businesses worldwide with a novel set of challenges: how does a company deal with the convergence of unknown market demand, unpredictable supply chains, decreased revenues and a fragile labor force while maintaining business activity in the midst of a shrinking economy? One thing is certain: the legal repercussions will be far-reaching and costly for commercial clients, both big and small, to pursue by traditional means. What alternatives will clients seek and what does this mean for their relationship with outside counsel?

This session will look at the practical steps that businesses and their advisors can take to de-escalate disputes, maintain vital relationships and plan ahead to address future uncertainties. Among the topics to be addressed:

• How attorneys, law firms and neutrals can become market leaders and meet the shifting demands of commercial clients during perilous times
• What skills and processes can be utilized to maintain relationships, manage risk, and resolve differences before they escalate to disputes
• Innovative steps that a division of Intel has taken to maintain relationships and business operations in times of conflict

Moderator:      

Clarissa Rodriguez, Reich & Rodriguez, Immediate Past Chair ILS Florida Bar - Miami

Speakers:           

• Gary Birnberg, International Mediator and Arbitrator, JAMS, Co-Chair Mediation Committees of the ILS Florida Bar and  the IBA - Miami
• Howard Carsman, Global Construction Claims Manager, Intel Corporation – Portland
• Joan Stearns Johnsen, Senior Legal Skills Professor, Levin College of Law, University of Florida and Chair, ABA Section of Dispute Resolution - Jacksonville