Bay to Bay Mediation –
Bill Bowles, Mediator
- Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
- Certified Federal Court Mediator (Middle District of Florida)
Bill Bowles accumulated 25 years of legal experience in civil litigation before transitioning his practice to alternative dispute resolution. Over the course of his career Bill represented both defendants and plaintiffs in claims arising out of automobile accidents, slip and falls, trip and falls, negligent security, and dog bites. Bill has handled the defense of nursing home claims and has litigated first party insurance claims, contractual claims, business disputes and insurance coverage disputes.
About Bay to Bay Mediation
The mediation landscape in Florida changed drastically following the pandemic and these changes are here to stay. Florida courts now automatically generate a Differentiated Case Management Order which sets a presumed mediation date 420 days from the date of filing. This development created significant pressure on attorneys to move discovery along quickly and to schedule mediation as soon as possible. This pressure in turn caused many mediators’ calendars to become clogged and has created a scheduling nightmare for paralegals and legal assistants, adding even more stress to an already stressful job.
In addition to these changes, the Tort Reform passed in March 2023 and the unprecedented number of lawsuits filed in anticipation of the change in the law has pressed overflowing dockets past maximum capacity. When these new cases come out of the stays implemented by some courts, the need for mediation services in Florida will be greater than ever before.
At Bay to Bay Mediation, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of customer service possible while reducing the time and stress involved with scheduling your mediation. We provide both the attorneys and staff with real time responsiveness and a superior professional experience that will make you glad you selected us from the many other choices available throughout Florida.
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What We Do
Types Of Mediation We Can Help With
Bill has extensive experience handling and is available to assist with disputes in the following areas:
In today's post-Covid legal system, seeking alternative ways to settle claims and lawsuits is even more important and desirable because the judicial system is more overburdened than ever and sometimes ineffective. Lawsuits can take years to resolve and require a great time commitment from all parties and lawyers. In addition, there are significant costs and expenses necessary to prepare and present a case through trial. Let us help get your case settled.
Who We help
The Role Of A Mediator
Generally, the mediator is an attorney who has had extensive
experience in the particular area of litigation giving rise to the
case and understands the legal and factual issues in dispute. The
principal role of the mediator is to facilitate communication
between the parties in conflict with a view towards helping them
reach a voluntary settlement that is timely, fair and
cost-effective.
Although the mediator manages the meeting and is in charge of the
proceedings, he/she does not impose solutions or decisions and has
no power to force a settlement. The mediator may raise issues and
help parties explore options, however, the parties themselves must
agree on the ultimate resolution of the dispute.
The entire proceeding, including all offers, communications and
discussions with the mediator are privileged and confidential. They
cannot be shared with the judge or the jury if the case does not
settle.
Why Choose Us
When Time Is Of The Essence, We’ve Got Your Back
Bill is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and has been an attorney licensed to
practice law in Florida for over 25 years. After graduating from the University of Florida Levin College
of Law, where he served as an editor of the Law Review, Bill began his legal career in the casualty
department of a former insurance defense firm primarily representing defendants in auto accident cases.
Bill then spent several years practicing commercial and insurance defense litigation, with a focus on
defending nursing home and medical malpractice matters. Following this, Bill transitioned to representing
plaintiffs in all types of personal injury matters.
Although Bill's experience has been primarily focused on civil litigation with an emphasis on personal
injury and wrongful death cases arising out of auto accidents, premises liability and other
accident-related injuries, he has also represented plaintiffs and defendants in business, commercial and
consumer disputes in both state and federal court. Bill has tried over fifty jury trials and participated
in multiple binding and non-binding arbitrations. With this background Bill has substantial experience in
evaluating and negotiating a broad spectrum of civil cases from both sides of the table
Get Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
If The Case Does Not Settle At Mediation Is There Any Charge For Follow-Up?
Bill will work tirelessly to get your case resolved but in the event of an impasse there is no charge for as much follow-up as necessary to achieve a settlement.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
We have a five (5) day cancellation policy. If a mediation is cancelled more than five days in advance there is no charge. If cancelled less than five (5) days in advance, there is a three and one-half (3.5) hour charge divided equally between the parties.
Are All Mediations Conducted Via Zoom?
Given the current dynamics and demand for Zoom mediations we expect this to remain the most popular medium moving forward. If one or more parties prefer an in-person mediation setting, however, we have conference rooms available in both Tampa and Brandon and Bill is also willing to travel to other destinations upon request.
Have Any Other Questions?
Schedule Your Mediation With Us Today