Tom Icard Addresses Tampa Lawyers on Mediating Construction Cases

SARASOTA, FL, April 14, 2011 (Press-News.org) Sarasota attorney Tom Icard spoke recently to members of the Construction Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association during their monthly meeting in Tampa. In addition to his nationally recognized construction law practice, Icard is also regularly engaged as a mediator or arbitrator in a wide range of business disputes and other civil litigation matters.

"There are some constants in effective mediation. 'Principled negotiation' (directly addressing the merits) enhances the parties' opportunity to reach a negotiated resolution in all kinds of cases," Icard told the group. "Construction cases are different, however. They typically involve multiple parties, significant technical detail, insurance and surety bond issues. All of those and numerous other factors should be part of the equation. But regardless of the subject matter, the parties and their lawyers must invest the time and effort necessary to establish mutual credibility and good faith." Icard also discussed the advantages of "med/arb" (mediation and arbitration combined) as a means of further expediting the resolution process.

Tom Icard is a shareholder in the Sarasota-based law firm of Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A. He is a Diplomate of the Florida Academy of Professional Mediators and a by-invitation member of the Florida Circuit-Civil Mediator Society and the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. Mr. Icard began his practice in Tampa in 1973 after graduating from the Florida State University College of Law. He joined Icard Merrill as a shareholder in 1995 and focuses his practice on construction related matters, from preparation and review of contract documents to claims negotiation and multiparty litigation. He is a former member of the Executive Council of the Trial Lawyer Section of The Florida Bar and a former Chair of the Forum on the Construction Industry of the American Bar Association.

Established in 1953, Icard Merrill maintains offices in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Punta Gorda. Icard Merrill is a full-service law firm with a strong commitment to supporting its communities through its patronage of the arts, civic involvement and significant contributions of legal services to the indigent. For more information about Icard Merrill, call (941) 366-8100 or visit icardmerrill.com.