Next week’s Thanksgiving holiday gives us a much needed day off to gather with the people who mean the most to us and appreciate the good around us. As I look back on this year, my gratitude runs deep. I am thankful for the growth we have seen at Alvarez Dispute Resolution, for the skilled neutrals who have become part of our team, and for the law firms that trust us to guide their matters toward resolution. I am also grateful for each of you who takes the time to read, support, and stay connected with us. Your engagement means a great deal to our team and reminds us how fortunate we are to be part of such a dedicated legal community.
I hope you enjoy a Thanksgiving filled with great company, delicious food, and moments that stay with you long after the holiday ends. Wishing you a warm and restful holiday surrounded by the people who matter most.
With gratitude,
Ilida Alvarez
Founder & CEO
Mediation Focus
Asset - Based Lending Disputes | Automobile Negligence | Automobile/Trucking Accidents | Bankruptcy | Class Actions/Multi-District Litigation | Collections | Commercial & Consumer Disputes | Commercial Real Estate | Construction Defect | Contract and Business | Family Law | First and Third Party Insurance | General Liability | HOA | Landlord/Tenant | Maritime Law | Medical Malpractice | Nursing Home | Negligent Security | Personal Injury | Premises Liability | Probate | Product Liability | Professional Liability | Professional Negligence | Real Estate | Sexual Harassment | Subrogation | Tort | and Wrongful Death.
I’m proud to highlight Ralph Azoy, who has joined Alvarez Dispute Resolution as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator. Born and raised in Miami, Ralph brings over 15 years of experience as a lawyer in the areas of criminal law, first and third party insurance, personal injury, and business disputes. Ralph began his career as a judicial intern for the Honorable John J. O’Sullivan in the Southern District of Florida.
His passion for advocacy continued in the courtroom as an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County. He later transitioned to civil practice, focusing on premises liability and property insurance. In 2014, he founded his own firm where he continued focusing on premises liability, property insurance, and expanded into business disputes. Having represented both sides of the equation, Ralph brings a deep understanding of what drives both sides in disputes, which furthers his ability to facilitate resolutions. Ralph has handled several mediations statewide both as a litigator and mediator, and he approaches each case with balance, empathy, and practical insight. Fluent in English and Spanish, he remains dedicated to mentoring young lawyers and giving back through extensive pro bono service.
Mediation Specialties:
Ralph's calendar is available online at AlvarezDisputeResolution.com, where you can also view scheduling options for our full panel of neutrals. We offer various dispute resolution services, including half and full-day mediations, arbitrations, expedited mediations, and global mediations. Reserve a time slot directly through our online calendar or contact us through the website for any questions.
Alexandra Bach Lagos was featured in the Miami-Dade Florida Association for Women Lawyers Member Spotlight
We are pleased to celebrate Alexandra Bach Lagos, who was recently featured in the Miami-Dade Florida Association for Women Lawyers (MDFAWL) Member Spotlight. Through her work as a certified mediator, qualified arbitrator, and court-appointed neutral, Alexandra brings fairness, clarity, and sound judgment to some of the most complex matters.
Beyond her practice, she has dedicated years to mentorship and leadership within MDFAWL, helping to shape pathways for future women leaders in our profession. We are proud to see her contributions recognized and invite you to read her full spotlight feature here, so you can learn a little bit more about her.
At yesterday's Women in Insurance Symposium, Ilida Alvarez joined Elaine Caprio and Sheryl O’Briant for a powerful discussion on the realities of mediation and the human dynamics that shape it.
Ilida spoke about the psychology at play when attorneys enter a mediation with strong and opposing viewpoints, and how a skilled mediator must manage personalities as much as positions. She shared practical insight on reading the room, easing tension, and reframing conversations so both sides feel respected and understood. Ilida noted that the goal is not just settlement, but a resolution that each party can live with and feel good about.
She also brought humor to the conversation, calling herself a “recovering attorney” and sharing how stepping into the mediator role has been the most rewarding part of her career. Her guidance offered a thoughtful look at how patience, perspective, and empathy are essential tools in moving parties from conflict to agreement.
This November, we launched our inaugural Neutrals for a Cause Give Miami Day Challenge, bringing our community together to spotlight the charities that inspire our neutrals and celebrate the spirit of giving this holiday season.
Give Miami Day is one of the nation’s largest annual giving events, uplifting nonprofits that strengthen our community. In that spirit, eight of our neutrals each selected a charity close to their hearts, and we invited our LinkedIn community to vote in a bracket-style challenge leading up to November 20.
Alvarez Dispute Resolution is proud to be making donations to all three winning charities, with the largest contribution going to the first place organization. Thank you to everyone who has been voting, resharing, and following along. Your engagement is what makes our first Neutrals for a Cause Challenge so meaningful, there is still time to help determine the winner, please cast your vote by 3 PM today. We look forward to giving back together on this important day for Miami.
Thank you to everyone who follows, likes and shares our LinkedIn and Instagram posts. We’re grateful for the opportunity to build a digital community where we share insights on mediation and arbitration, highlight industry trends, and showcase perspectives from our expanding team of Neutrals. We look forward to continuing the conversation with you online.
If you haven’t joined us yet, now’s the opportune moment, it’s just a click away: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram
Let’s continue the conversation and stay connected on all things Alvarez Dispute Resolution.
