Ron Bush received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Union College in 1981 and Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law in 1984. Prior to joining the Firm as a shareholder in 1995, Ron practiced as a Senior Litigation Associate in the New York firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. From 1991 until 1995, Ron was a shareholder in the Tampa firm of Shackleford, Farrior, Stallings & Evans, P.A.

Ron has significant jury trial experience which includes state and federal court jury trials of numerous personal injury, professional liability and property damage actions. Ron has focused his practice on the defense of personal injury claims, products liability claims, professional liability claims of all types, health care related matters, long-term care, bad faith claims and insurance coverage disputes. Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory has awarded Ron an “AV” rating.  He has been included on the Florida Super Lawyers list from 2008 – 2021, and has been named one of “The Best Lawyers in America” by Best Lawyers since 2011.

A Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator Ron is also authorized to mediate cases in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Having mediated thousands of cases as a litigant, both as Defense counsel and Plaintiff’s counsel, Ron brings a wealth of experience to the table as a neutral mediator. Ron is dedicated to providing meaningful dispute resolution services to litigants in a thoughtful and compassionate manner.  Having developed a reputation for thorough preparation and skillful handing of complex legal matters, Ron brings this same focus and attention to detail to his mediation and arbitration practice.   With over thirty-eight years of experience Ron has developed the ability to establish trust and confidence while building an atmosphere of compromise in all participants to a mediation.   Ron is also a Florida Supreme Court trained Arbitrator amd has arbitrator numberous cases as both a litigant and arbitrator.

Ron has also been a frequent lecturer and instructor on the topic of Alternative Dispute Resolution at multiple national seminars.

A member of the Florida Bar, Ron is also a member of the New York State Bar, District of Columbia Bar, United States District Court for the Middle, Southern and Northern Districts of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the Defense Research Institute and the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Ron has also completed the Litigation Management Institute hosted by Columbia Law School earning the designation of Certified Litigation Management Professional. He has also served as the Chairperson of the Hillsborough County Civil Service Board, as a member of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and on the Florida Bar Grievance Committee, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County. Ron was selected to the Leadership Tampa Class of 1998 by the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

• Fordham University School of Law, New York, New York
  • Juris Doctor cum laude – 1984
    
    
• Union College, Schenectady, NY
  • B.A. – 1981
  • Major: Economics

• Florida Bar, Member
• New York State Bar, Member
• District of Columbia Bar, Member
• Defense Research Institute, Member
• Hillsborough County Civil Service Board, Chairperson
• National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Member
• Florida Bar Grievance Committee, Member
• Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Member
• American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Member
• Chairperson of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, Florida
• Vice Regional Chairperson, Tampa Area Chair of the Florida Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

The mediators and arbitrators at Bush, Graziano, Rice & Hearing, P.A. charge for their time at the rates shown below.   Unless agreed by the parties, each participating party will be billed equally. The mediator/arbitrator is entitled to compensation for all time spent on the dispute, including preparation time, conferences whether by telephone or in person, assistance with the preparation of any settlement agreements and reporting to counsel, the court, or the arbitration panel.

Ron Bush’s 2024 Hourly Mediation Rates

• $600 per hour ($300 per hour per side) for two party mediations.
• $250 per hour per side for three party mediations.
• $200 per hour per side for four or more party mediations.

Ron Bush’s 2024 Hourly Arbitration Rates

• $600 per hour if selected as the sole arbitrator
• $550 per hour if selected as the plaintiff’s or defendant’s arbitrator
• $600 per hour if selected as the chief neutral arbitrator

The significant number of cases being set on my calendar for final arbitration hearings has necessitated our need to require a non-refundable deposit at the time of scheduling a final arbitration hearing.  The significant number of cases set has impacted my ability to calendar other mediation, arbitration, or litigation related matters.  Consequently, we have deemed it necessary to require an eight (8) hour non-refundable deposit be paid at the time of scheduling any final arbitration hearing. For every day over two (2) for which the matter is scheduled, an additional four (4) hour deposit will be required.  We will hold your scheduled arbitration on our calendar for seven (7) days.  Should the complete required non-refundable deposit not be received we will release the hold.  Of course, you will be credited for your portion of the non-refundable deposit on any invoice submitted for the actual final arbitration hearing.

Cancellations and Fees:

Mediation: In the event the Mediation Conference is to be changed or canceled, please notify my office at least 14 days prior to the Mediation Conference to avoid imposition of a two-hour cancellation fee. Any mediation cancelled on less than 14 days’ notice shall incur a 2 hour cancellation fee.

Aribitraton: Written notice of cancellation of the Arbitration must be received, by our office, via e-mail, U.S. Mail or Fax seven (7) days prior to the hearing date.  If any Arbitration, scheduled for more than one (1) day, is cancelled within seven (7) days of the hearing, the cancellation fee is $1,000.00. 

Any cancellation fee will be billed to all parties and it will be required that each party pay their respective share of the cancellation fee.  We would especially appreciate you advising your clients of these financial matters in advance of the Arbitration or Mediation. 

Travel Fees and Costs

Travel fees are charged at the above hourly rate unless otherwise agreed, in writing, in advance.  Actual travel and/or lodging costs are charged.

Note:  Mediations/Arbitrations are not booked until you receive an email or letter confirmation.