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Florida Supreme Court
Certified Circuit Civil
Mediator

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Experienced - Tenacious - Comprehensive

Ms. Lugo is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator and a Certified Arbitrator. As a mediator, she relies on her twenty-five plus years of experience representing Plaintiffs and Defendants in negligence actions, business litigation, and contractual disputes. She understands the perspective of each party and works to resolve disputes with tenacity, respect, and patience.


As an arbitrator, Ms. Lugo has sat on three-person arbitration panels and as the sole arbitrator in multiple cases. As is her custom, she takes the time to pay close attention the evidence presented by both sides and to thoroughly read all materials submitted to arrive at a fair decision in the case.

With 28 years of legal experience, Malinda Lugo has cultivated a reputation for excellence as both a civil litigator and a
compassionate advocate. Her background representing defendants for over fifteen years and representing plaintiffs for
thirteen years in medical malpractice, nursing home, and personal injury law uniquely positions her to mediate even the
most complex disputes with fairness and expertise. Now, as a Certified Circuit Court Mediator and Certified Arbitrator in
Florida, Malinda brings "The Lugo Approach" to her practice—an unwavering commitment to neutrality, equity, and
professionalism in mediation.


Malinda is adept at navigating high-tension and emotionally charged situations, creating a calm and diplomatic
environment where parties feel heard and respected.


Her multifaceted expertise spans:

  • Personal Injury
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Nursing Home Litigation
  • Auto Accidents
  • Commercial and Employment Disputes
  • Breach of Contract Claims
  • Foreclosures
  • Non-Compete Agreements
  • Business and Compliance Issues For Healthcare Providers

Drawing on her extensive litigation background, Malinda leverages her insider knowledge of defense and plaintiffs’
strategies to guide parties toward resolution. Her fluency in English and Spanish further enhances the mediation process,
ensuring clear communication and cultural sensitivity. As the daughter of immigrants and a native Spanish speaker, she
embodies a strong work ethic and dedication to fostering understanding across diverse perspectives.



Malinda's transition to mediation reflects her passion for conflict resolution and her belief in the power of collaboration to
achieve meaningful outcomes. Her approach bridges divides, builds trust, and delivers results that honor the values of all
involved.



Malinda Lugo was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1996 as she is a proud honors graduate from Florida State University
College of Law. She received her Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Florida State University in 1989. Malinda is an
active participant in her professional community. She is a member of the Florida Bar, Hillsborough County Bar
Association, and the Tampa Bay Hispanic Bar Association, a former member of the Ferguson-White Inn of Court and the
William Reece Smith Inn of Court, a board member of Enterprising Latinas, Inc. and an active member of Our Lady of
Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

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MEDIATION RATES


  • $215 per hour per party ($430 per hour total) for two-party mediations


  • $175 per hour per party for three-party mediations


  • $150 per hour per party for mediations with four or more parties


The mediator is entitled to compensation for all time spent on the matter, including, but not limited to, preparation time, telephone conferences, attendance at the mediation conference, reporting, collection efforts (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees and costs), Additional billing policies are set forth in the Mediation Confirmation and Fee Agreement delivered to the parties upon scheduling a mediation.

ARBITRATION RATES


Ms. Lugo charges $400 an hour for arbitrations. Additional billing policies are set forth in the Arbitration Confirmation and Fee Agreement delivered to the parties upon scheduling an arbitration. Arbitrations may be booked with the online calendar. Please send an email to malinda@lugo-law.com with additional details about the arbitration.

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SCHEDULING


To schedule a mediation, please check the calendar below for available dates. Then, please fill out the form below. We will be in touch to confirm your appointment. Please note that all times are Eastern Standard Time.


CANCELLATION POLICY


Mediation cancellations should be in writing (email or fax) and following agreement of all parties and counsel at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the Mediation date to avoid cancellation fees. Half day mediations cancelled with less than three (3) days’ notice shall incur a three-hour late cancellation fee. Full day mediations cancelled with less than three (3) days’ notice shall incur a six-hour late cancellation fee. Unless otherwise agreed, all parties and their attorneys are equally responsible for any cancellation fee.

MINIMUM FEE


There is a minimum three-hour (3.0 hour) charge for half-day mediations and a minimum charge of five (6.0) hours for a
full-day mediation. Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, the participating parties are responsible for dividing the
mediation fees equally.


TRAVEL


There is NO charge for travel time within the following Florida counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Manatee and
Sarasota counties. Other travel is charged at one-half the regular hourly rate unless other terms have been agreed upon in
advance. If airline travel or an overnight stay is necessary, then airfare, rental car, lodging and food will be billed at the
actual cost incurred.