Manuel R. Morales, Jr., P.A. Mediation

Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator

A practical, settlement-focused process—run with structure, preparation, and credibility. Parties benefit from a mediator who understands courtroom risk, organizes negotiation efficiently, and works the case through to resolution.

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Certified Mediator

Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator since 1999

Board Certified

Civil Trial Lawyer (Florida Bar; certified since 1991)

A.V. Rated

Highest possible rating by Martindale-Hubbell

Bilingual

Mediations conducted in English and/or Spanish

Why Counsel and Parties Choose This Process

Mediation works best when the mediator understands both the legal framework and the real-world dynamics of jury risk, credibility, and damages presentation.

Structured Workflow

Designed to maintain negotiation momentum with an organized caucus process and clear proposal exchange.

Trial Perspective

Practical evaluation where helpful, informed by real courtroom experience, while keeping decision-making with the parties.

Persistent Follow-Through

Committed to working the case through to resolution, no matter how long it takes to reach agreement.

Mediations Conducted by Zoom

Zoom mediation is fully hosted and supported by the mediator. Breakout rooms and controlled access are built into the process.

Learn More About Zoom Mediations

Request a Mediation Date

Please contact our office and we will send you a list of available dates and times for your mediation.

Contact Us

About the Mediator

Experience that translates directly to better mediation outcomes.

Manuel R. Morales, Jr. is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator (since 1999) and a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer (since 1991; continuously recertified). He brings decades of trial and litigation experience to mediation—helping parties evaluate risk, narrow issues, and reach practical resolution.

                            Professional Highlights
                            Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator (since 1999)
Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer (Florida Bar; certified since 1991; continuously recertified)
A.V. Rated (Martindale-Hubbell) — Highest possible rating
Bilingual mediations available (English / Spanish)
Twice awarded The Florida Bar's President's Award of Merit (2001 and 2005)
ABOTA Member (American Board of Trial Advocates) since 1997

                        

Mediation Approach

Preparation, structure, and credibility drive resolution. The mediation process is organized to ensure that each party is heard, key issues are addressed efficiently, and negotiation remains productive. Where appropriate, the mediator will provide practical feedback informed by trial risk—while keeping the decision-making in the hands of the parties.

Bilingual Capability

Mediations may be conducted in English, Spanish, or a combination of both to ensure that all parties fully understand the issues, risks, and settlement terms. This capability has proven essential in many cases where a language barrier would otherwise impede communication and resolution.

Education & Admissions

Mr. Morales received his Juris Doctor with honors (Cum Laude) from Nova Southeastern University in 1979 and was admitted to The Florida Bar the same year. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (5th and 11th Circuits), and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

CV and Full Credentials

Download the complete CV containing detailed admissions, memberships, education, and professional history.

Download CV (PDF)

Mediation

A confidential process designed to resolve disputes efficiently.

What Mediation Is

Mediation is a structured negotiation facilitated by a neutral mediator who assists parties in reaching a voluntary resolution. It provides a confidential forum to evaluate risk and explore settlement options as a practical alternative to the expense and uncertainty of trial.

What Mediation Is Not

Mediation is not a trial, hearing, or evidentiary proceeding. The mediator does not decide the outcome—that authority rests with the parties. The mediator does not provide legal representation for either side.

What to Expect on the Day of Mediation

1

Pre-Mediation Coordination

Participants, authority, logistics, and document submissions are confirmed before the mediation date.

2

Opening Session

Overview of the process, confidentiality reminders, goals for the day, and workflow structure.

3

Issue Discussion & Presentations

Parties present their positions and key issues are identified for productive negotiation.

4

Private Caucuses

Confidential meetings in separate rooms or Zoom breakout rooms to explore positions and options.

5

Negotiation & Proposal Exchange

Structured exchange of offers and counteroffers facilitated by the mediator.

6

Agreement & Documentation

When agreement is reached, terms are confirmed by exchange of emails from the participating attorneys for each party.

Best Practices for Productive Mediations

Decision-Makers Present

Confirm attendance of all required decision-makers with full settlement authority.

Early Issue Identification

Identify lien, subrogation, coverage, and authority issues well before the mediation date.

Concise Case Statement

Provide a clear summary of liability, damages, and negotiation posture before the session.

Key Documents Ready

Share documents that materially impact valuation in advance for efficient review.

Confirm Zoom Capability

Ensure all participants have Zoom installed and have a basic working knowledge of how to use it.

Confirm Internet Connectivity

Verify stable internet connection for all participants to avoid disruptions during the mediation.

Proper Environment

Participants should be seated in a quiet, private space, fully attentive and free from distractions.

Request a Mediation Date

Please contact our office and we will send you a list of available dates and times for your mediation.

Contact Us

Zoom Mediations

Hosted and managed by the mediator.

Zoom mediation is a standard, effective approach to resolution when the process is structured correctly. The mediator's office manages the Zoom environment with breakout rooms and controlled access.

What the Mediator Provides

Zoom mediation support

Hosted Platform

Professional Zoom hosting with controlled admissions via waiting room

Breakout Rooms

Confidential caucuses with additional rooms as needed

Process Management

Efficient movement of parties/counsel between rooms

Settlement Workflow

Terms confirmed by exchange of emails from participating attorneys

How the Zoom Mediation Works

1

Pre-Session Coordination

Zoom invitation sent with participant list and meeting details.

2

Opening Session

Process overview and confidentiality reminders.

3

Private Caucuses

Structured negotiation in confidential breakout rooms.

4

Settlement Documentation

Terms confirmed by exchange of emails from participating attorneys.

Participant Requirements

✓ Zoom installed with basic working knowledge
✓ Reliable internet connection
✓ Computer or tablet with camera/microphone
✓ Private, quiet space free from distractions
✓ Seated and fully attentive throughout the session

Request a Zoom Mediation Date

Please contact our office and we will send you a list of available dates and times for your mediation.

Contact Us

Fees & Policies

Clear scheduling and billing practices help mediations run smoothly.

Mediation Time Blocks

Half-day mediations available
Full-day mediations available
Multi-party or complex matters may require additional time
Contact office for specific fee schedule

Administrative Policies

Pre-mediation submissions accepted
Cancellation/rescheduling policy applies
Prepayment is due seven days before the mediation
All cancellations must be in writing by email 72 hours before the scheduled mediation

For specific fee information and to discuss your case requirements:

Contact the Office

Contact

To request a mediation date or discuss scheduling, contact our office.

Request a Mediation Date

Please contact our office and we will send you a list of available dates and times for your mediation.

Scheduling

Jo Vazquez

(305) 374-5050

jv@moraleslaw.com

Mediation Summaries

Manuel R. Morales, Jr.

mm@moraleslaw.com