 In mediation, or alternative dispute resolution (ADR), a neutral third party (mediator) helps the disputing parties reach a fair, voluntary, negotiated agreement. The mediator does not decide who is right or wrong. Since its beginnings, the Collins Center for Public Policy has found smart solutions to important issues facing the people of Florida and the nation. The organization is viewed as independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit and is passionately committed to lasting results. Because of this exemplary reputation, the Collins Center has been relied upon to act as a neutral third party in important ADR issues and challenges.
Collins Center's Managed Mediation Programs
Class-Action Settlements
In the 1990s, the Collins Center's Alternative Dispute Resolution Program administered large and complex class-action settlements. Cooperative relationships were established with large insurance carriers such as Prudential, John Hancock, American Banker, TransWorld and American Fidelity. |
Recreational Vehicle
 The Collins Center began administering Florida's RV mediation and Arbitration Program in 2003. This Program provides alternative dispute resolution to consumers and manufacturers of recreational vehicles sold in Florida.
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Foreclosure Mediation Program
In 2009, the Collins Center established a mortgage foreclosure mediation program to assist homeowners and mortgage lenders. We are currently operating this program in three judicial circuits in Florida with a success rate of 74 percent and more than 2,000 successfully resolved cases (December 2009). |
Hurricane Mediation
 The 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons recorded eight major storms. More than 2.5 million property insurance claims were filed. With 2 percent of the claims disputed, the Florida Department of Financial Services authorized a hurricane mediation program to resolve disputes between insurance companies and their respective policyholders. The Collins Center processed more than 21,000 mediation requests with a settlement rate of greater than 90 percent
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 Service Areas
The Collins Center offers a wide range of dispute resolution services to the legal community, insurance industry, private businesses and government agencies across the country. We retain a network of highly skilled neutrals, and we have developed a strong reputation for quality service and high ethical standards.
Mediation —In this ADR method, a neutral guides a discussion of several ways to solve a problem. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties but helps with developing workable solutions by the parties.
Arbitration —This option involves presenting a case to a neutral, who makes a final and usually binding decision.
Certification —Florida Supreme Court-certified professional mediators and arbitrators; selected based on their qualifications, and their reputations for fairness and objectivity.
Conflict management consultants —The Collins Center can consult with and design an ADR process customized to match the case.
Class-action lawsuit administration —Our computerized case-file-management system is capable of handling thousands of claims. A team of customer service representatives is on duty full time to assist class-action claimants.
Training —The Collins Center's team of ADR professionals offers mediation and conflict resolution training for lawyers, business professionals and government agency staff.
In-house ADR system design —The Collins Center assists organizations in designing and implementing their own dispute-resolution systems and trains employees in ADR methods.
Because it takes place outside an overcrowded court system, ADR provides the following benefits:
Speed —In ADR, there is no docket — no long wait to have your day in court. The only variable governing the length of the process is the parties' desire to resolve their conflict and the complexity of the case.
Economy —Time saved is money saved. In addition, many of the expensive procedures associated with courtroom litigation, such as filing appeals and motions, are eliminated.
Expertise and Impartiality —ADR offers parties the assistance of neutrals who are experts in the subject matter of their disputes.
Flexibility —ADR is conducted in an atmosphere that is less formal than a courtroom. Meetings might take place face to face in a neutral locale or even by phone.
Privacy —ADR processes are not open to public scrutiny like disputes settled in court. Hearings and awards are kept confidential.
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