FordHarrison LLP is pleased to announce that Denise L. Wheeler, a Partner in the firm's Fort Myers, FL office, has been certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Circuit mediator. The certification lasts for two years and begins on May 23, 2014.
"Over the course of representing parties in litigation for over 20 years, I have come to understand that helping parties resolve their conflicts presents the greatest opportunity to be of value," stated Denise. "Mediation is a process that simply works far better than our current court system."
Circuit Court Mediators must have at least a bachelor's degree and 100 points, which can be gained by completing a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit mediation training program, and completing 16 hours of continuing mediator education for each area of certification. Denise will be added to the Florida list of certified mediators.
Denise is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar and focuses her practice on representing employers in all types of employment law issues. She has extensive experience in defending employers in lawsuits brought by employees in both state and federal courts involving discrimination laws, employment contracts, wage and hour claims, non-compete issues, wrongful termination, retaliation, whistle blower, employee benefits, union and collective bargaining issues, OSHA, minimum wage and overtime claims, and general personnel matters. Denise also counsels management in preventive measures, handbooks and policies, liability avoidance, documentation and employee discipline advice, investigations, training, and compliance with federal, state and local employment laws.