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22 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous
I have been in trial practice in Pensacola for over thirty years and my experiences with Charlie Cetti as a trial attorney were top notch. Since he has been a full time mediator, Charlie Cetti is also one of the best mediators in Northwest Florida in my experience. In Pensacola, Mr. Cetti is in the very top tier of mediators and he has achieved excellent results in some of my most difficult cases. I recommend him as a mediator without any hesitation whatsoever.
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17 Sep, 2014 by Scott
I have hired Charlie Cetti many times to mediate very difficult cases. On several cases nobody thought there was a chance to settle - Charlie Cetti was able to get it done by talking to everyone with plainspoken effective language that everyone could understand as well as real world examples ppulled from his lifetime of expirence.
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15 Sep, 2014 by Ryan
I have mediated approximately 50 cases with Mr. Cetti over the past 10 years. In those cases, I have represented both Plaintiffs and Defendants, in a wide range of matters - from injury, commercial disputes, to employment law claims. He is in the top 5% of mediators easily. He has always, without exception, come to mediation well prepared, having reviewed the pre-mediation summaries in detail, and often having conducted research into the issues in our cases. I have seen cases settle that I honestly thought were highly unlikely to resolve. He has a very personable "bedside manner" and has always been able to communicate with a wide range of clients from differing socioeconomic backgrounds in a way that works for each. Having taken over 100 jury trials to verdict, participants know he comes to the table with the experience that not all mediators have. Charlie is a first name guy, and enjoys a stellar reputation with the local legal community. I strongly encourage you to consider Mr. Cetti as a mediator for any Florida case that may require his services.
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22 May, 2013 by Anonymous
Anita always kept me informed and helped me to make decisions that would benefit me. She made a very difficult situation manageable. I would highly recommend Anita.
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30 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous
I was selling a small piece of vacant property to a neighbor I've known and trusted for years. The property wasn't worth much, but my neighbor and I both wanted to make sure all the paperwork was done correctly. We contemplated printing our own documents off of a website, but I've heard too many horror stories of things going wrong years later with the sale of property. So, wanting to make sure my neighbor and I didn't accidentally mess up something in the paperwork on our own, I hired Ms. Fox to handle the closing. As it turns out, there were so many documents we would have never known needed to be signed and notarized, let alone submitted to the county clerk. Ms. Fox and her assistant Alisa were respectful of the fact that some neighbors still operate on handshakes and they didn't do anything to turn the situation into a contentious process. We were able to close in about two weeks, and when we got to Ms. Fox's office, everything was perfectly organized and ready for us. She definitely knows her stuff, and she did a great job of explaining things to us in terms we understood. The whole thing took about 30 minutes (they had sent the documents over ahead of time for us to review). I appreciate that Ms. Fox treated us as though our time was equally valuable as hers. Her retainer was very affordable (in fact, I was expecting it to be a lot more). When I saw how much work she had done at such a reasonable rate I wondered why I had ever thought of NOT using an attorney. Unlike some attorneys, she didn't even charge us for copies of everything. I do a lot of research before I hire somebody or make a significant purchase, and I'll say this: save yourself time and money because I've already done the legwork. Hiring Ms. Fox instead of using those online forms or another attorney was a great decision.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Julie bragg
My experience with Mr Condon is nothing less than stellar!! He has always made me feel welcome and addresses my individual hurdles as they come. For those that know the background of my work comp case, know it is one of the more complicated cases. He always handles each situation promptly and with grace. Sincerely, Julie W Bragg
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06 Dec, 2022 by Deborah aeppli
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30 Jun, 2022 by Gayle pitts
My lawyer retired, Rhett Smith. He referred me to Condon. He lied, tricked and pressured me into signing a settlement. Took my $300k+ and left me with pennies. I'm 65 and had to go back to work crippled.
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01 Feb, 2023 by Christi brake
Wanda Radcliffe is an amazing Injury attorney
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26 Jan, 2022 by Anthony guthrie
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09 Nov, 2021 by Keenan harrigill
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16 May, 2024 by Greg miller
Excellent for Santa Rosa County Court!
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16 Mar, 2024 by Edward rose
Only in it to take advantage of people regardless thier innocents. Told me the Judicial system just cares about processes and not justice. I am a Veteran on VA and Social Security Disability. He took all the money I had. I gave it to him up front and all he did was drag out the case for 8 months then sold me out for a plea deal because he thought I was not serious when I told him I only had the money I paid him in full up front. I had to get that $5500 from a Charity for Veterans that belived in my innocents. I still have to pay court costs which put money into funding victims of things I was not even charged with or convicted of being guilty. He can't defend your Constitutional rights. He can't defend your Declaration of Independence rights because the USA Government never made it a Lawful document. USA Independence, and individual sovereignty is a pipe dream lie which he profits from.
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13 Jul, 2023 by Paige hunter
Very unprofessional and misleading!! Front desk hung up on me and wouldn’t answer the office phone. While on the phone continued to argue with me when all I asked was for a call back from Mr. Sellers who I’ve contacted for 2 weeks with no answer in office or by cell. Mr. Sellers told his client he would be getting out of jail when they go to court June 29th and then tells him in court sorry I messed up. Saddest part is we both told the kids he was getting out and he didn’t. Mr. Sellers client contacted me from jail and asked me to call Mr. Sellers to see what’s was going on. Waiting for my call back from Mr.Sellers.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Ashley
My sister hired this firm to represent her to help her get a Final Judgment Set Aside among other issues in her case with the help our family that was well communicated with Greg. He proclaimed that he would help with all of her matters. I even spoke with him and his support staff too about my sister’s case but now refuse to speak with me to inquire as to why they have now filed a Motion to Withdraw from her matter and he has left numerous issues unresolved as I find it disgusting and disturbing of their lack of professionalism. Again, this firm was suppose to help her on numerous of matters. He waited nearly 3 months to file the “Motion” that he now claims he was “only” hired to do on her matter with the court after getting paid in advance. He received a letter from opposing counsel proclaiming they took too much money from my sister’s 401k account and has sat on it too admitting it has gone unanswered. This issue too was another reason why he was hired. The office never answers the phone and they use their caseload as an excuse as to their poor performance. “Often citing that my sister is not their only client”. How would that statement make you feel if you were a client of theirs? A deadline was missed in her case by 4 days and the excuse of a security breach was used that nearly happened weeks prior to the Judge asking for a Briefing Order to be submitted, which was not disclosed in their Motion for Extension of Time after they missed the Judge’s deadline. One would think that if a security breach caused your firm to miss a deadline, it would have been well noted in their Motion for Extension of Time to the Judge. Luckily, the Judge granted his extension; however, the brief submitted wasn’t in support to set a Final Judgment aside as the case cited was in opposition to their claim to set aside. It seems excuses is all this firm has and unwilling to refund my sister’s money for their lack of being prepared. They claim they’ve used up all of her funds too. No invoice was ever given upon employment. They also failed to submit a document that the Judge asked to accompany the briefing order, part (b) an Amended Final Judgment to include computations that was not included with their brief. They repeatedly asked for documents that was supplied numerous of times to them! I’d strongly encourage you to get my sister’s Motion to Set Aside Final Judgment, their Brief to that Motion and opposing counsel’s response to their Brief from the Court in Escambia County (Brock Kennedy v. Amy Kennedy) as it should be a guiding light for anyone in need of an Attorney. This attorney will talk a big game to get hired it seems to me. He should have been very transparent about his “big” caseload as this excuse was given multiple of times to my sister and to me by Jennifer and Greg. Jennifer asked that I help with the writing of the Motion to Set Aside as their paralegal was out of the office due to an illness and they were short staffed, then blatantly lied about it. I have legal experience, so I drafted and submitted a Motion to them to help them with “their big caseload”. I actually cited a great case in my Motion to Set Aside that wasn’t even used in their brief. This firm cited a case that wasn’t in even in support to set aside and opposing counsel noted that in his response and the Judge sided with opposing counsel. I’d actually have to agree with the Judge’s ruling for their failure to submit cases that supported their position to set aside. All public record. It is an attorney’s job to keep clients apprised of their case status, which is their fiduciary duty. An attorney shouldn’t half attempt to handle legal matters and wait months to get a result! Do your research and carefully read reviews of other clients as my comments and opinions are of the same of others. Unfortunately, the legal profession in Florida is saturated with Attorneys that talk a big game prior to being hired and do less than mediocre work once hired.
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05 May, 2022 by Anonymous
Terrible at responding to questions or concerns. Will only seem to fight for mothers in court. Dad's, beware.
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29 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
Concerned. I am currently going through a divorce with Mr Farrar as my attorney. Communication is bad. Weeks often go by without answers to my questions. He and his team often lack essential knowledge regarding my case. Hopefully things will turn around. I will update this review once the case is over.
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02 Jul, 2020 by Billy
I had good oil case but he wanted 10,000.00 dollars to take it poor folks don't have that kind of money laying arround seam like a good fellow.I needed his help very bad the oil company is taking all of our money we have all working interest in a well.
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08 Jan, 2014 by Anonymous
Dr. John Ralls was extremely helpful in a reviewing a mineral lease for my family. We weren't sure where to even begin trying to lease the property. We heard of Dr. John Ralls from one of my father's acquaintances. He stayed with us and gave very insightful and knowledgeable advice. I would definitely recommend this lawyer for anyone involved in a lease, property, or contract case.
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12 Sep, 2009 by Anonymous
Perhaps it was because he was and is a Doctor besides from being an attorney that I found his personality, sincereity and vast knowledge so impressive. He helped me resolve a couple problems I had been facing to my advantage when others really didn't listen, understand or care about anything else than their money.
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22 Jul, 2024 by Chelsey flanigan
I do not want to give too much detail but it was evident she just wanted my case settled and didn’t want to put in the work although she was paid a hefty amount! I felt completely on my own.
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09 Mar, 2024 by Attitude adjuster
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27 Feb, 2024 by Kathy conforti
The best defense attorney you’ve probably never heard of. Excellent lawyer.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Mediation Lawyer Can Do for You

A mediation lawyer specializes in resolving disputes outside of the courtroom through a process called mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation lawyers can represent clients in various matters, including divorce, business disputes, employment conflicts, contract issues, personal injury claims, and more.

Unlike litigation, mediation is a less adversarial and more cost-effective way to settle disputes, often leading to faster resolutions and preserving relationships between the parties involved.

When Should I Hire a Mediation Lawyer?

Consider hiring a mediation lawyer when you’re involved in a dispute and want to avoid the time, expense, and stress of going to court. Common reasons to hire a mediation lawyer include:

  • Divorce or child custody disputes: A mediation lawyer can help you reach a fair settlement on issues like property division, alimony, and parenting arrangements without going to court.
  • Business or contract disputes: For disagreements such as contract disputes, partnership conflicts, or intellectual property issues, a mediation lawyer can assist in resolving the matter through negotiation.
  • Employment disputes: Issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage disputes can be addressed through mediation to find common ground and avoid lawsuits.
  • Personal injury cases: Mediation can help both parties agree on compensation in cases like car accidents or slip-and-fall claims without a prolonged court battle.
  • Property disputes: Disputes over property ownership, landlord-tenant issues, or boundary disagreements can be settled more amicably through mediation.
  • Family or inheritance disputes: Mediation can help resolve conflicts over wills or trusts without further dividing the family.

What Does a Mediation Lawyer Do?

A mediation lawyer provides a range of services to help clients resolve disputes through negotiation and mutual agreement. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Representing your interests: Acting as your advocate during mediation to ensure your rights are protected and you understand your legal options.
  • Preparing for mediation: Reviewing the facts of the case, gathering necessary documents, and advising you on potential resolutions.
  • Facilitating communication: Helping to facilitate open and constructive dialogue between parties to clarify points of contention.
  • Negotiating settlements: Assisting in negotiating fair and balanced settlement terms that are in your best interest.
  • Drafting mediation agreements: Preparing the official mediation agreement that outlines the terms of the settlement, which is often legally binding.
  • Avoiding litigation: Aiming to reach a settlement that eliminates the need for a court trial, saving time and resources for both parties.
  • Handling complex legal issues: Explaining the legal implications of various settlement terms in cases with complicated legal matters.

How Are Mediation Lawyers Paid?

Mediation lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the time involved. Common payment methods include:

  • Hourly rate: Charging an hourly fee ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on experience and case complexity.
  • Flat fee: For simpler mediations, some lawyers may offer a flat fee covering all legal work involved in the process.
  • Retainer: In ongoing or complex cases, a retainer may be required as an upfront payment billed against as work progresses.

Discuss fees and payment structures with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the cost of mediation services.

How Much Does a Mediation Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a mediation lawyer depends on several factors, including the case's complexity, the lawyer’s experience, and the time required to resolve the dispute. General cost estimates include:

  • Hourly rates: Typically between $150 and $500 per hour.
  • Flat fees: For simple mediations, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Total mediation costs: Can vary widely, from $2,000 to $10,000 for straightforward cases, up to $10,000 to $50,000 or more for complex disputes.

Always request a detailed cost estimate during your consultation to understand total expenses.

Top Questions to Ask a Mediation Lawyer

Before hiring a mediation lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with mediation cases like mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in handling similar disputes.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate based on your specific case.
  3. What is the likelihood of resolving my case through mediation?
    Seek an honest assessment of whether mediation is suitable for your situation.
  4. How long will the mediation process take?
    Inquire about the expected timeline and number of sessions required.
  5. Will you personally handle my case?
    Confirm who will manage your mediation and represent your interests.
  6. Can we pursue alternative dispute resolution (ADR) if necessary?
    Ask about other forms of ADR, such as arbitration, if mediation doesn't resolve the conflict.

How to Check the Credibility of a Mediation Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable mediation lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Verify their bar status: Confirm with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary history.
  • Look for mediation experience: Review their website or professional profile for specialization in mediation and successful case histories.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Check platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google for client feedback.
  • Ask for references: Request references from past clients familiar with their mediation skills.
  • Check for certifications: Look for certifications from organizations like the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR).

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:

  • Relevant documents: Any materials related to the dispute, such as contracts, emails, financial records, or court filings.
  • List of key issues: A detailed list of the main points of contention that need resolution.
  • Timeline of events: A chronological account of events leading up to the dispute, including prior resolution attempts.
  • Goals for the mediation: Be prepared to discuss your desired outcomes and areas where you're willing to compromise.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Any queries about the mediation process, fees, or their approach to dispute resolution.

Being well-prepared will help the lawyer assess your case effectively and provide the best possible advice for resolving your dispute through mediation.

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