JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (January 8, 2024) – A 27-year judge for Florida’s 4th Judicial Circuit, Mediator/Arbitrator Karen K. Cole has been a problem solver for far longer than that. She is now using her collected skills as a member of Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group’s panel.

During 12 years of civil law practice before becoming a judge, Ms. Cole tried 19 civil jury trials as sole or lead counsel. She was AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell while in the practice of law.

Now, as a full-time neutral, she focuses on resolving disputes in practice areas including personal injury/wrongful death, negligence, insurance, commercial litigation, FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act) litigation and professional malpractice.

“Karen Cole has a distinguished record of service and leadership throughout her legal career, as evidenced by her numerous professional awards,” the mediation group’s CEO, John Upchurch, said. “We are delighted to welcome her to the firm, and our clients will be the beneficiaries of her empathetic approach to the resolution of their cases.”

Ms. Cole is a past president of the Jacksonville Bar Association and of two chapters of the American Inns of Court, one devoted to litigation and the other devoted to family law. She has received numerous statewide awards for her professional and community endeavors. These include the Outstanding Jurist of the Year Award from the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar (2014), the Fran Peacock Coker Community Service Award from the Florida chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (2012), and the Justice Teaching Jurist of the Year Award (2012). She was also named Public Official of the Year by the Children’s Home Society (2010), Community Woman of the Year by Jacksonville University (2005), and Lawyer of the Year by the Financial News and Daily Record (2004).  

She earned her law degree at the University of Florida (now Frederic G. Levin) College of Law and her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Jacksonville University.

For details or to schedule a mediation or arbitration with Ms. Cole, please contact case manager Danielle Hoffman at [email protected] or (800) 264-2622.

About Upchurch Watson White & Max

A nationally leading mediation specialty firm, Upchurch Watson White & Max is known for facilitating reasonable agreements to resolve complex issues. From offices in Florida and Alabama, state Supreme Court-certified attorney mediators with wide-ranging specialties serve as court-appointed and privately employed mediators, arbitrators and third-party neutral case managers, implementing innovative methods of alternative dispute resolution across the country. On the web: uww-adr.com.

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