Blane McCarthy
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Overview

Blane McCarthy

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Blane McCarthy is a board-certified civil trial lawyer and a certified circuit mediator whose law practice is now limited to conducting mediations.

Current Practice = Full-Time Mediator: As a certified circuit mediator since 2000, Blane has conducted over 700 mediations, primarily for personal injury matters, commercial disputes, settlement conferences, and probate cases. He chaired the Jacksonville Bar Association’s Mediator Section for eight years and served on the JBA’s Board of Governors from 2013-2024, ending with his JBA Presidency in 2023-2024. Blane joined Miles Mediation & Arbitration in August 2021 to transition to full-time mediation and to help open its Jacksonville office. Blane offers in-person, virtual, and hybrid mediations.

Prior Practice = Injury Lawyer & Mediator: Prior to transitioning to full-time mediation, Blane primarily represented injury victims. He achieved Board Certification (Civil Trial) by the Florida Bar in 2010 and has the highest ratings available from Martindale Hubbell (5.0 AV) and Avvo (10.0). He handled cases involving a wide spectrum of injuries – from broken fingers to catastrophic third-degree burns to death.

Admitted to Practice

  • The Florida Bar, 1995
  • United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, 1995

Education

  • Stetson University College of Law, Juris Doctorate, cum laude, 1995
  • Stetson University, Bachelor of Business Administration, magna cum laude, 1992

Professional or Trade Affiliations

  • Jacksonville Bar Association – President 2023-2024, Treasurer 2021-2022, Secretary 2020-2021, Board of Governors since 2013, Inaugural Chairman of the Litigation Section 2012-2013, Chairman of the ADR Practitioner’s Section 2003-2005 and 2006-2012
  • Christian Legal Society, Jacksonville attorney chapter – President 2000-2002, Board of Governors 2002-2008, 2012-2019, Director of the Pro Bono Project (legal aid ministry with the City Rescue Mission) since 2001
  • National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, since 2011

Honors & Awards

  • Board Certification in Civil Trial law by The Florida Bar, since 2010
  • AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell, since 2004
  • Certified Circuit Mediator, since 2000
  • Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award, 2015
  • Jacksonville Bar Association President’s Award, 2019

Publications

  • Commentary: Mediation: Strategies for effective communication in joint sessions, Jacksonville Daily Record, December 2024
  • Commentary: Do not forsake joint session in mediation, Jacksonville Daily Record, July 2024
  • Get it in Writing: The Importance of a Signed Mediation Agreement, December 2023
  • Commentary: Don’t let your growling stomach distract you, Jacksonville Daily Record, June 2023
  • Commentary: Sign here, please – don’t neglect the final mediation paperwork, Jacksonville Daily Record, May 2023
  • What We May See as the Legal Side of the Astroworld Tragedy Plays Out, 2022
  • Jacksonville Daily Record Five Keys to Success at Mediation, 2019
  • Jacksonville Daily Record Buyer’s Remorse May Work at Target, but Don’t Expect it to Work in Court, 2018
  • Jacksonville Daily Record Non-Appearance in Mediation Cases Can be a Frequent Problem, 2013
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Not All Sanctions Are Created Equal, 2012
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin The Finality of Mediated Settlement Agreements – Unilateral versus Mutual Mistakes, 2011
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Buyers Remorse Rarely Negates a Mediated Settlement Agreement, 2010
  • Jacksonville Bar Journal Sign Here, Please – the Final Mediation Paperwork, 2009
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation Confidentiality – Do Loose Lips Really Sink Ships?, 2008
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation Agreement – The Difference Between “Both” and “Either” 2008
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin How Many People Does It Take To Render A Mediated Settlement Agreement Ambiguous? 2007
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation Agreement to Agree = Disagreement, 2007
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation Settlement Agreements – Nail Down Your Essential Terms, 2007
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Cancellation Fees – The Mediator’s Perspective, 2006
  • Jacksonville Lawyer Magazine Minimizing Mediation Costs, 2006
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation Agreements – Haste Brings Absurdity, 2006
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Dissecting the Standard Mediation Order, 2005
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation – Eliminate the Impact of Remorse, 2005
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Voluntary Mediations, 2004
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediator’s Tip – State Your Case, As Ordered, 2004
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation Expenses – Are They Taxable? 2004
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation Agreements – Don’t Let Your Growling Stomach Distract, 2004
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation/Negotiation Tactic – Hardball, 2003
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin JBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Section – Help Us Help You, 2003
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation Appearance – Comply or Foot the Bill, 2003
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Voluntary Mediation – Give Your Agreements Teeth, 2003
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation/Negotiation Tactic – Stonewalling, 2003
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediator Misconduct – What Can Be Done to Prevent It? 2003
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation Agreements – Mistakes Can Be Costly, 2002
  • Jacksonville Bar Bulletin Mediation – It’s Not Just For Litigation Anymore, 2002

 

Spotlight: Blane McCarthy – Click to Read

Getting to Know Jacksonville Mediator Blane McCarthy – Click to Read

10 Reasons to Hire Blane McCarthy for Your Next Mediation – Click to Read

12 Reasons to Hire Blane McCarthy for Your Next Personal Injury Mediation – Click to Read

Speaking Engagements

  • Tactics and Tools to Achieve Your Mediation Goals,” Florida Defense Lawyers Association’s 25th Annual Florida Liability Claims Conference (FLCC), June 17, 2022
  • Presenter at the Jacksonville Bar Association’s annual CME Mediator seminar in…
    • 2022 (Marketing for Mediators – What, Why, When, and How?)
    • 2021 (Nonparty Involvement, updates)
    • 2018 (Jeopardy for Mediators)
    • 2015 (Opening Statement)
    • 2013 (Implementing Local Administrative Order and Exhibit A)
    • 2012 (Marketing Your Mediation Practice)
    • 2011 (Getting Paid)
    • 2010 (Nonparty Involvement)
    • 2009 (Sealing the Deal – Memorializing the Agreement)
  • Litigating Slip, Trip and Fall Cases in Florida Slip, Trip and Fall Fundamentals, Taking on a Case, Discovery and Evidence Tips, 2015
  • Advanced Trial Tactics Jury Selection and Opening Statements, 2014
  • Applying the Rules of Evidence Witnesses; Authentication, Exhibits and Courtroom Presentation, 2012
  • Damages in Personal Injury Quantifying Damages; Documenting the Extent of the Injury, 2012
  • Litigating To Win Through Advanced Trial Advocacy Jury Selection, Opening Statement, 2008
  • Sharpening Your Personal Injury Practice Tips For More Effective Mediations, 2008
  • Countdown to Trial Trial Notebooks, Preparing Your Witnesses, 2008
  • Gaining The Best Settlement In Auto Injury Cases Evaluate Liability Issues and Coverage, Avoid Trial With Settlement Negotiations and Methods, 2007
  • Ray Ehrlich Trial Advocacy Seminar Mediator Panel, 2004

Community Involvement

  • San Jose Baptist Church – ordained deacon since 1997, Director of Adult Ministries since 2004
  • City Rescue Mission – coordinator of the Christian Legal Society’s Pro Bono Project since 2001, working with the City Rescue Mission’s Lifebuilders Program
Rates and Fees

Rates - Blane McCarthy

If you have questions regarding our rates and fees, please contact support@milesadr.com

Jacksonville (2hr Min.), Savannah (4hr Min.) Rates
2 Party Case: $225 per party; per hour
3 Party Case: $180 per party; per hour
4 Party Case: $160 per party; per hour
5+ Party Case: Flat Rate Available Upon Request
Arbitration Hourly Rate: $350

Travel time and expenses, including meals and lodging, billed separately and split equally among the parties at the Neutral's hourly rate.
Pre/Post Consultation & Document Review: Hourly Mediation/Arbitration Rate

Mediation /Arbitration Admin Fees
Savannah Mediation Admin Fee - $250 per party
Jacksonville Mediation Admin Fee - $200 per party
Arbitration Commencement And Administration Fee: $1500 per party

MEDIATION CANCELLATION POLICY

Mediations cancelled within 10 days of the mediation will be charged a cancellation fee of $500. However, mediations cancelled, rescheduled or settled within 24 hours of the mediation will be charged 4 hrs. of the Neutral's hourly rate . Cancellation fees shall be sent to the cancelling party unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.

ARBITRATION FEE PAYMENT POLICY

Arbitration Commencement and Administrative Fee is $1500.00 per party, per arbitrator. At the commencement of arbitration, each party will be invoiced $1500.00. This fee is refundable minus $500.00 per party until the initial case management order has been issued. All arbitration related invoices are due upon receipt.

ARBITRATION CANCELLATION POLICY

If a single-day Arbitration Hearing scheduled on the merits of the case cancels or reschedules within 15 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 4 hours of the Arbitrator’s hourly rate. However, if the single-day Arbitration Hearing cancels or reschedules within 2 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 8 hours of the Arbitrator’s hourly rate.

If a multi-day Arbitration Hearing scheduled on the merits of the case cancels or reschedules within 28 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 4 hours of the Arbitrator's hourly rate for each day reserved for the hearing. However, if the multi-day Arbitration Hearing cancels or reschedules within 7 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 8 hours of the Arbitrator's hourly rate for each day reserved for the hearing.

Issuance of the Final Arbitration Order/Award

Arbitration Awards/Orders will not be issued to either party until Miles has received full payment for all fees and expenses associated with the arbitration.