Atty. Rich Smukler, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida, USA

Why Mediation versus Trial? As a trial lawyer of over 35 years, I have handled thousands of cases in the area of Personal Injury law (auto accidents, medical negligence aka malpractice, products liability, pro se divorce, estates and wills, commercial and business transactional disputes, HOA, stockbroker liability claims and much more). Whenever a client says to me "I want my day in court" I take a deep breath. I will then explain the benefits of Mediation, court-ordered or otherwise. It is a chance for you to take some control of the system, as opposed to throwing your fate into the hands of a panel of jurors who frankly could care less. You will probably save a tremendous amount of money in legal fees and costs, as well as the human cost of the emotions required to bring a case to trial. Mediation is a way to put this behind you for all time. For a more complete discussion on the benefits of Mediation, please call. Rich Smukler, Esquire

Divorce

Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce

Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
I offer two billing options: hourly and per diem. Unless I am notified otherwise, you will be billed on an hourly basis. My hourly rate is $320.00 per hour for two party mediations and $450.00 per hour for mediations with three or more parties, which will be billed at the conclusion of each mediation session. The time billed will include all time spent in mediation sessions (minimum 2.0 hours), time spent if any in preparation for mediation sessions, as well as all other time spent in the mediation process, including separate conferences with each party, conferences in which all parties are present, and any telephone conferences. If all parties agree, there is an alternative billing option you may select. The alternative is a statewide rate of $4,000.00 per day, which includes travel time. If you choose this alternative billing option, you must notify me immediately to be sure the time is reserved appropriately. I do not charge for travel within the 11th, 15th, 17th and 19th Circuits in Florida, however, I do charge a reduced rate for travel time outside of these Circuits, and for airfare, if required. In addition, I will bill for all costs incurred in this mediation, such as copy costs, food and lodging expenses if overnight stays are required, and other out of pocket costs.

Villanova University

M.A. | English Literature

1992 - 1994

Villanova University School of Law

J.D. | Law

1970 - 1972

Pennsylvania State University - University Park

B.A. | English Literature

1964 - 1967

48 years of experience