Neal O’Toole
Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
Supreme Court Certified Appellate Mediator
Florida Qualified Arbitrator
Florida Bar Board Certified Business Litigation Lawyer
Why I Choose to Mediate
Before entering law school, I earned degrees in psychology and political science because I was interested in the humanity involved in both. While the law itself was created to protect and promote the society, the process of litigation can often feel un-compassionate. Legal battles can be emotionally, psychically, and even physically brutal to the people involved. Mediation is a solid union of the better aspects of the law and the intrinsically cooperative nature of people.
As a litigator and a mediator, I am proud to bring my experience and training into an arena where solutions can be found and resolutions made with minimal heartache, acrimony, and turmoil.
Biography
I graduated cum laude in 1982 from Loyola University with degrees in both political science and psychology. I immediately enrolled in Tulane School of Law and, in 1985, obtained my law degree. I practiced law in New Orleans until 1988 when I relocated to Florida and joined a law firm specializing in civil litigation. In 1992, I became a shareholder in the firm that was then known as Frost & O’Toole, P.A.
I am an AV-rated lawyer, the highest rating established by Martindale Hubbel, the agency that provides attorneys’ ratings throughout the United States. I am Board-certified by The Florida Bar as a Civil Trial Lawyer and in Business Litigation. This distinction is held by less than 2% of lawyers within the state of Florida, and by only six lawyers in Polk County. I am also Board-certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA); an Associate member of the American Board of Trial Advocates; certified as a mediator by the Florida Supreme Court; and a member of the Florida Academy of Professional Mediators, Inc.
I am admitted to practice law in Florida, Louisiana and the District of Columbia, as well as before the United States District Courts and the Courts of Appeal within these states.
*Mr. O’Toole’s certification lapsed and he is currently in the process of re-certification.