Roger C. Benson is a highly accomplished mediator, arbitrator and neutral, independent investigator with a proven track record of success. One of the first court-certified mediators in Florida. Extensive experience teaching mediation techniques. Firmly established reputation as a creative and tireless professional committed to a philosophy of neutrality. Trained to serve as an organizational ombudsman.
Summary of Qualifications
- Creative, dynamic problem solver, with excellent mediation, risk management and negotiation skills.
- Results-oriented with the ability to quickly identify, understand and address legal and emotional issues and to find innovative, cost-effective and durable solutions.
- Skilled at engaging reluctant and difficult personalities in the mediation process. Focused, patient, confident, calm and diplomatic, working in even the most stressful, challenging circumstances.
- Licenses: Member, The Florida Bar; Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator: County, Circuit, Family, Appellate
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Areas of Expertise
Click any of the following specific areas of expertise for more information:
Professional Experience
Mediation
Mediated 2,500+ cases, including complex, multi-party litigation in both state and federal courts.
Issues included employment and civil rights claims, labor law claims, medical, dental, nursing and hospital/nursing home malpractice, personal injury/wrongful death, construction disputes, real estate matters, contested high asset divorce, securities claims, insurance claims and commercial claims.
Litigation
Extensive jury trial experience. Litigated in the following areas:
Employment and labor law
- National Labor Relations Act : Represented unions, management, and individuals in representation and unfair labor practice proceedings.
- Fair Labor Standards Act : Represented individuals and employers in minimum wage and overtime cases.
- ADEA, Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act : Represented individuals and employers before federal and state agencies and in litigated claims in federal and state courts; as well as in employment contract disputes and litigation.
Personal injury
Wrongful death, automobile negligence, animal owner liability, premises liability, unsafe workplace liability, medical/dental malpractice.
General
Commercial claims, probate claims (will contests), and contested divorce.
Work History
Roger C. Benson, Attorney and Mediator St Petersburg, Florida, 1978–1998
Jackson, Lewis, Schnitzler & Krupman New York, New York, 1976–1978
National Labor Relations Board Tampa, Florida, 1973–1976
Professional Training
- Harvard Law School—Advanced Negotiation: Applications to Gender
- U.S. Department of Justice Americans with Disabilities Act mediation training for professional mediators
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator: circuit/country/family
- Additional advanced circuit and family mediation training
- Advanced Workshop for Mediators in Intellectual Property Disputes, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), an agency of the United Nations
- Holocaust Studies for Educators, International School for Holocaust Studies, Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, Israel
- International Ombudsman Association (IOA) - Organizational Ombudsman training 101/101 plus
Lectures and Training
- Frequently invited to speak to state and national organizations on mediation.
- Primary trainer for Mediation Certification Program in Florida.
Mediation and Arbitration Panels
- United States District Court, Middle District of Florida – Mediator and Arbitrator
- Florida State courts — Mediator and Arbitrator
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (formerly NASD) – Mediator and Arbitrator
- Collins Center for Public Policy, Mediator and Arbitrator
- International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR), Mediator
Member
- National Panel of Mediators, In re: The Prudential Insurance Company of America Sales Practices Litigation, Class Action ADR Process
- National Panel of Mediators, Cremin, et al. v. Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, Inc., Class Action Claims Resolution Process
- National Panel of Mediators, Martens, et al. v. Smith Barney, Class Action Claims Resolution Process
Education
University of Miami Law School, Coral Gables, Florida Juris Doctor, 1973
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida Bachelor of Science, Major: Journalism/Finance, 1970 |
