*** I am not available for in-person mediation. Mediations will take place via Zoom video conferencing.

INTRODUCTION

The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals is an invitation-only professional association whose membership consists of mediators & arbitrators distinguished by their hands-on experience in the field of civil & commercial dispute resolution.

BACKGROUND

Pat Cusack was born and raised in Chicago. After a brief legal practice in Illinois, he and his family relocated to Florida where he practiced as a civil litigator for 35 years before becoming a mediator.  During this time Pat tried over 100 cases representing both individuals and businesses. Having handled thousands of cases and mediations as an attorney throughout Florida, Pat has first-hand knowledge of the risks and benefits of litigating and/or mediating. 

SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL MEDIATION

The litigation process allows the parties to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their own and their adversaries' cases.  Once the parties agree to mediate, it is vital to a successful mediation that both parties exchange all information that will be relied upon at mediation. Producing records, pictures, or any evidence for the first time at mediation makes it infinitely more difficult for the parties to negotiate a settlement.  Respect the mediation process. Mediation will be the first time the parties get to speak face to face and lay their "cards on the table" so to speak. A party's communication of his/her case should always be presented in a civil manner.  A discourteous presentation has the immediate effect of throwing up barriers which will frequently lead to an impasse.  Listen to your opponent's case and ask yourself the chance of them proving part or all of their damages or defenses. There are certainly many other matters to consider before going into a mediation; these are just a few. Bottom line. No one ever gets everything they want at mediation. Both parties must be willing to compromise their respective interests in order to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. When this happens it is ALWAYS better to mediate than litigate.

• Northern Illinois University, J.D. – 1980, DeKalb Illinois
• Elmhurst University, B.A. - 1975, Elmhurst, Illinois
• Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
• Florida Department of Financial Services Certified Mediator

CURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

• Florida Bar – 1985 to present
• The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
• Escambia–Santa Rosa Bar Association
• Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator 2017 to present
• Florida Department of Financial Services Certified Mediator
• Illinois Bar   
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois  
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida 
• U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida 
• Awards and Honors
• Escambia–Santa Rosa Bar Association Community Service Award – 2007

$195 PER HOUR, PER PARTY WITH A THREE (3) HOUR MINIMUM FOR MEDIATIONS SCHEDULED FOR A HALF DAY. 

MEDIATIONS WITH FIVE OR MORE PARTIES WILL BE BILLED AT THE FOUR PARTY RATE AND SPLIT PRO RATA AMONG ALL PARTIES.

THIS FEE SCHEDULE WILL ENCOMPASSE ALL TIME SPENT ON THE CASE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, REVIEWING DOCUMENTS AND PREPARING DOCUMENTS.

A CANCELLATION FEE OF THREE (3) HOURS WILL BE CHARGED FOR ANY MEDIATION CANCELLED LESS THAN SEVENTY TWO (72) HOURS PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED MEDIATION.

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