Mediator Resume

O'Steen & O'Steen, LP

Arbitrator, Attorney, Judge, Mediator

Attorney, Frank E. Sheffield LLC, 2016 - Present; Circuit Judge, State of Florida, 2009 - 2016; Attorney, Frank E. Sheffield P.A., 1973 - 2008; Attorney, Dye and Conner, 1972 - 1973; Attorney, J. Marshall Gifford P.A., 1972 - 1973.

PARTNERSHIP: Represented numerous partnerships, from inception, including working with proposed partners, assisting them in setting up, and drafting all paperwork necessary to establish, to handling litigation for and between partnerships. Rendered legal advice when necessary, handled multiple types of lawsuits, and has represented various partners in the dissolution of partnerships, both amicably and adversely. Handled litigation between partners and partnerships, including dissolution and accountings in partnerships, as a Circuit Court Judge. Has also mediated partnership issues since leaving the bench. BUSINESS LAW: During over 52 years in law practice, including eight years on the bench, and since leaving the bench, has handled numerous matters related to business law, including giving business advice, preparing contracts and other documents, handling administrative disputes and agreements, handling bid protests, setting up businesses, dissolving businesses, and rendering daily advice. Business fields include medical businesses, auto repair businesses, construction related businesses, suppliers of various plumbing, electrical, construction and related products, trucking businesses, law firms, medical doctors, and more. Has a general business related practice and handled everything clients needed, from contracts, real estate matters, dissolution of marriages, preparation of wills, estates, or other matters when needed. Also had a large appellate practice for business clients. CONSTRUCTION: Represented many businesses involved in all phases of construction including bid protests, contract disputes, mechanic’s liens, performance bond litigation, debt collection litigation, general contracts, AIA contracts, arbitration of contracts between businesses, dissolution of construction businesses, contracts, mergers, and insurance issues. Had a large practice involving representation of electricians, plumbers, site contractors, bond companies, suppliers, painting companies, and all manner of businesses and individuals involved in construction. EMPLOYMENT: Practiced Civil Law as an attorney from 1972 until 2009, representing construction and private clients in all types of contracts, with work heavy on employment issues. Handled drafting of employment agreement and contracts, including substantial involvement with restrictions on disclosure, non-compete agreements and termination clauses. Represented employers, as well as employees. Did extensive work on trial work on employment agreements as counsel for both Plaintiff and Defendant. Represented individuals and companies that assisted individuals in finding employment, as well as persons that were wrongfully discharged. Negotiated employment agreements for private individuals, as well as professionals in legal, medical, accounting, and other positions. REAL PROPERTY: Represented numerous individuals and businesses in the sale or purchase of property, including handling the closings for both buyers and sellers. Also wrote title insurance. CRIMINAL LAW: Had a large criminal practice before taking the bench, as well as after leaving it. Tried every type of criminal case, trying hundreds of same. One of eight lawyers certified to try death penalty cases. Was also assigned to serve as a Felony Judge for four years. GENERAL PRACTICE: Handled thousands of cases in family law, criminal law, appellate law, construction law, eminent domain, corporate law, contracts, insurance, medical malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death, real property, worker’s compensation, administrative law, and almost any other type of law over the past 52 years. Handled numerous arbitrations and mediations as an attorney, Judge, and Florida Supreme Court certified civil trial and family law mediator.

Served as a mediator on numerous cases, involving civil property disputes, insurance subrogation, personal injury and civil negligence. Also have mediated family law matters, involving substantial property holdings and issues concerning children.

Mediated insurance subrogation case where Plaintiff's home flooded and sustained substantial water damage, while plaintiff was away for a long period of time. Flooding was result of a defective product. Insurance company paid out a large amount of damages and then filed subrogation claim against manufacturer's insurance. Defense was that product was defective, and the alternative defense was that damages were paid that were excessive, or not a proximate result of the flooding.

I believe that a mediator's job is to impartially view the facts, listen to positions of counsel and the parties, and to provide guidance to help the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The purpose is to help parties resolve issues, avoid protracted and costly litigation, and settle contested issues that otherwise interfere with their enjoyment of normal lives and business operations.

Florida State College of Law (J.D.-1972); Florida State University (B.S.-1968).

Admitted to the Bar: Florida (1972); U.S. District Court: Northern (1972) and Middle (2015) Districts of Florida; U.S. Court of Appeals: 5th Circuit (1975), 11th Circuit (1982).

American Bar Association; Tallahassee Bar Association; Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Florida Academy of Professional Mediators; Jefferson County Bar Association; Tallahassee Women Lawyers Association.

Hourly Rate: $500.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $400.00/hr Cancellation: $500.00/hr Cancellation Period: 7 Days Comment:

English

United States of America

Tallahassee, Florida