Practice Area

Mediation &
Arbitration

A Florida-Certified Circuit/County Civil Mediator since 1995 and Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator since 2020 — bringing tranquility, neutrality, and decades of multi-disciplinary insight to the resolution table.

Neutral • Experienced • Tireless

A Voice of Reason at the Table

Mr. Dobkin has mediated hundreds of cases across nearly three decades as a certified neutral. His command of multiple legal disciplines — from personal injury and probate to commercial litigation and professional malpractice — equips him to recognize the true contours of any dispute and guide the parties toward a resolution that holds.

"I first met Joe when he conducted one of my mediations. He was a delight to have as the mediator, providing a voice of reason in conjunction with a demeanor of tranquility. I appreciated that he remained in a neutral and attentive posture throughout the mediation. His experience and his demonstrated knowledge of multiple areas of the law qualify him as an excellent candidate for mediation, legal consultation, and legal representation."
— R.W.
Two parties shaking hands across a conference table with a mediator present
01 — Mediation

Resolution Through Dialogue

Mediation is the negotiation between disputing parties, assisted by a neutral third party who has no decision-making power. The mediator's role is to create the conditions in which the parties can hear one another, narrow the real issues, and voluntarily craft their own settlement.

Mr. Dobkin brings a steady, attentive presence to the table — one informed by decades of practice on every side of civil litigation. He understands the commitment required to resolve all of the issues involved, and he brings the energy and patience to see it through.

  • Voluntary, Confidential Process
  • All Parties Heard, Equally
  • Neutral, Impartial Guidance
  • Mutually Acceptable Settlements
Gavel, scales of justice, and bound legal documents in a private hearing room
02 — Arbitration

A Decisive, Final Forum

Arbitration places your dispute before an impartial decision-maker who listens carefully to each side and issues a reasoned decision. In binding arbitration, that decision is final, with court review available only in narrow circumstances. In non-binding arbitration, the award offers an independent assessment that often clears the path to settlement.

As a Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator since 2020, Mr. Dobkin brings the same multi-disciplinary command and unhurried discipline to the arbitration chair that has defined his work as a mediator and trial lawyer.

  • Binding & Non-Binding Arbitration
  • Florida Supreme Court Qualified
  • Single & Multi-Party Claims
  • State Court Civil Litigation
Laptop displaying a video conference grid with notebook and pen
03 — Statewide & Virtual

Anywhere in Florida, On Your Schedule

Mr. Dobkin is available to mediate and arbitrate cases anywhere in Florida via the Zoom platform, removing travel as an obstacle and giving counsel and clients the flexibility to participate from wherever they are.

Sessions can also be scheduled in the evenings and on weekends when that is necessary — or simply more convenient — for everyone involved. Resolution should not be held hostage by the calendar.

  • Statewide Zoom Availability
  • Evenings & Weekends Available
  • Convenience for Every Party
  • Same Discipline, Any Format
Cases Mediated & Arbitrated

A Wide Range of Civil Litigation

Including, but not limited to:

  • Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
  • Legal Malpractice
  • Commercial Disputes
  • Insurance Coverage Disputes
  • Property Damage Claims
  • Probate Litigation
  • Landlord/Tenant Disputes
  • Consumer Disputes
  • Small Claims
  • Negligence & Torts
  • Business & Contract Disputes
  • Professional Malpractice
  • General Civil Matters
  • Discrimination Cases
  • Condominium / Real Estate
  • Products Liability
"World peace, like community peace, does not require that each man love his neighbor — it requires only that they live together with mutual tolerance, submitting their disputes to a just and peaceful settlement."

— President John F. Kennedy, American University Speech, June 10, 1963

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Mediation is a negotiation between disputing parties, assisted by a neutral third party — the mediator — who has no decision-making power. The mediator's role is to help the parties communicate effectively and voluntarily reach their own mutually acceptable settlement of the issues in dispute.

Arbitration is a method for resolving a dispute in front of an impartial decision-maker — the arbitrator — who listens to each side and renders a decision. In binding arbitration, the arbitrator's decision is final and may only be overturned in very limited circumstances such as fraud or misuse of power. In non-binding arbitration, either party may reject the award and demand a trial; the decision often serves as an independent assessment that encourages settlement.

Services cover the full spectrum of civil disputes — including personal injury and wrongful death, commercial and contract disputes, insurance coverage, property damage, probate, landlord/tenant, professional malpractice, discrimination, real estate, products liability, and general civil matters — from single-party claims to complex multi-party litigation.

Yes. Mr. Dobkin is available to mediate and arbitrate cases anywhere in Florida via the Zoom platform, allowing parties and counsel to participate from any location without travel costs or delays.

Absolutely. Mr. Dobkin is available on nights and weekends when necessary or more convenient for the parties involved — because resolution should never be limited by the calendar.

Most mediations resolve in a single session ranging from a few hours to a full day, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of parties. Complex multi-party matters may benefit from multiple sessions. Mr. Dobkin commits the time necessary to bring about a durable resolution.

Yes. Florida law protects mediation communications under strict statutory confidentiality. Statements made during mediation generally cannot be used in subsequent court proceedings, allowing parties to speak candidly in pursuit of resolution.

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Confidential consultations. Direct access. Forty years of representation in service of the people of Miami.

  • Marcus Centre
    9990 SW 77th Avenue, Penthouse #3
    Miami, FL 33156-2661
  • 305-661-7000
  • Fax 305-598-9088
  • 24-Hour Availability • Hablamos Español

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Voices of Our Clients

Mr. Dobkin is in a realm of his own. I have never felt so comfortable and confident trusting another attorney. His attention to detail and dedication blew me away.

A.R.

I've been a client of Mr. Dobkin for close to 18 years. He's been extremely helpful in providing sound advice and counsel for the needs of my family.

M.H.

I first met Joe when he conducted one of my mediations. He was a delight to have as the mediator, providing a voice of reason in conjunction with a demeanor of tranquility.

R.W.

Called the office on a Friday afternoon with urgent questions and not only spoke with Mr. Dobkin himself — his advice worked in my favor down to the last detail.

J.V.

Great service. The level of professionalism, empathy, and experience that Mr. Dobkin exhibited during my case was phenomenal. You've found the perfect attorney.

V.P.

Mr. Dobkin and his staff have great integrity. He'd rather not take a case than waste your time and money — he creates realistic expectations from the onset.

T.V.

Mr. Dobkin was an absolute God-send. His knowledge of the law, court systems, and even the Judge in my case was on point. Exceptional service!

J.S.

Joe Dobkin is an excellent attorney I can recommend without question. A man of integrity, character, and deep concern for his clients.

J.W.

After terrible experiences with several lawyers, I found Mr. Dobkin. A wealth of expertise, caring, commitment, and integrity. Within a short time I got amazing results.

G.W.

Refreshingly down-to-earth. Mr. Dobkin balanced legal theory with practical application — and never once was preachy, condescending, or impatient.

C.E.M.

One word describes this office: Care. Mr. Dobkin and his legal assistant Patty provide the very best in courtesy, compassion, and understanding.

R.D.

A man with an amazing knowledge of the law and an amazing heart who still believes in core values. He'll always be not only my attorney but my friend.

S.F.

Mr. Dobkin and Patty handled my legal issues with everything that matters most — professionalism, expertise, respect, empathy, and patience.

B.X.

Attorney Dobkin is literally the BEST ATTORNEY in Miami. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. Top-notch.

A.S.

An outstanding lawyer who responded immediately, listened carefully, and made us feel important. Smart advice that was spot on and effective.

R.R.

A 5-star firm offering personalized service. Attorney Dobkin places himself in the individual's position. Highly recommended.

S.M.

This is the 2nd time I've worked with Mr. Dobkin and Patty — and both cases were dismissed! An absolute pleasure to work with.

R.V.

Tenacity and integrity drive the best outcomes for his clients. I have trusted Joseph with my legal needs for years and he always delivers results.

L.G.

The most professional, insightful, trustworthy and kind attorney I've had the pleasure of meeting in Miami. He has gained a loyal client for life.

C.S.

Mr. Dobkin is in a realm of his own. I have never felt so comfortable and confident trusting another attorney. His attention to detail and dedication blew me away.

A.R.

I've been a client of Mr. Dobkin for close to 18 years. He's been extremely helpful in providing sound advice and counsel for the needs of my family.

M.H.

I first met Joe when he conducted one of my mediations. He was a delight to have as the mediator, providing a voice of reason in conjunction with a demeanor of tranquility.

R.W.

Called the office on a Friday afternoon with urgent questions and not only spoke with Mr. Dobkin himself — his advice worked in my favor down to the last detail.

J.V.

Great service. The level of professionalism, empathy, and experience that Mr. Dobkin exhibited during my case was phenomenal. You've found the perfect attorney.

V.P.

Mr. Dobkin and his staff have great integrity. He'd rather not take a case than waste your time and money — he creates realistic expectations from the onset.

T.V.

Mr. Dobkin was an absolute God-send. His knowledge of the law, court systems, and even the Judge in my case was on point. Exceptional service!

J.S.

Joe Dobkin is an excellent attorney I can recommend without question. A man of integrity, character, and deep concern for his clients.

J.W.

After terrible experiences with several lawyers, I found Mr. Dobkin. A wealth of expertise, caring, commitment, and integrity. Within a short time I got amazing results.

G.W.

Refreshingly down-to-earth. Mr. Dobkin balanced legal theory with practical application — and never once was preachy, condescending, or impatient.

C.E.M.

One word describes this office: Care. Mr. Dobkin and his legal assistant Patty provide the very best in courtesy, compassion, and understanding.

R.D.

A man with an amazing knowledge of the law and an amazing heart who still believes in core values. He'll always be not only my attorney but my friend.

S.F.

Mr. Dobkin and Patty handled my legal issues with everything that matters most — professionalism, expertise, respect, empathy, and patience.

B.X.

Attorney Dobkin is literally the BEST ATTORNEY in Miami. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. Top-notch.

A.S.

An outstanding lawyer who responded immediately, listened carefully, and made us feel important. Smart advice that was spot on and effective.

R.R.

A 5-star firm offering personalized service. Attorney Dobkin places himself in the individual's position. Highly recommended.

S.M.

This is the 2nd time I've worked with Mr. Dobkin and Patty — and both cases were dismissed! An absolute pleasure to work with.

R.V.

Tenacity and integrity drive the best outcomes for his clients. I have trusted Joseph with my legal needs for years and he always delivers results.

L.G.

The most professional, insightful, trustworthy and kind attorney I've had the pleasure of meeting in Miami. He has gained a loyal client for life.

C.S.