This has been a month that reminded me exactly why I am so proud of this team. We gathered in St. Petersburg for our company-wide retreat, which is always one of my favorite moments of the year. It gave us the chance to reconnect, collaborate, and spend real time thinking about where Alvarez Dispute Resolution is headed next. We accomplished so much together, and I left feeling energized about the year ahead.
We are also proud to share that, earlier this year, nine of our neutrals were inducted into the 2026 Florida Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. To have that many members of our team recognized in one class is truly meaningful. It reflects the trust, professionalism, and excellence they bring to this work every day.
Beyond that recognition, our team has been presenting CLEs, earning new certifications, and yes, even winning championships. There is a lot to celebrate, and I hope you enjoy catching up on it all below.
Thank you for your continued trust and for staying connected!
With gratitude, Ilida Alvarez Founder & CEO Alvarez Dispute Resolution
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.
Last week we held our latest company-wide retreat in St. Petersburg and it was exactly the kind of time together our team needed. The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club was the perfect backdrop for a few days of strategy, connection, big-picture planning, and a little fun along the way. With much of our team working remotely, being together in person gave us the chance to reconnect face-to-face, spend meaningful time with one another, welcome new team members, and align around where Alvarez Dispute Resolution is headed next.
Between daily strategy sessions, team dinners, and a beautiful day on the water for a dolphin cruise, we made every moment count. We accomplished so much, shared important ideas, strengthened our vision for the firm, and left feeling energized for what is ahead. We are grateful for the momentum, the people, and the opportunity to keep growing together as a team. The year ahead is going to be an exciting one.
We're elated to share, several of our neutrals have been admitted into the 2026 Florida Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. Among those recognized, are our founder Ilida Alvarez, Esq. and neutrals Yamile Tamargo, Esq.; Holly Savino, Esq., Christy Brigman, Esq.; Bernard Probst, Esq.; Daniel Doyle, Esq.; Paige Saperstein, Esq.; Daniel Alvarez, Esq.; and Ralph Azoy, Esq. The Academy of Distinguished Neutrals is an invitation-only organization of experienced civil mediators and arbitrators, recognized by peers and clients for excellence in alternative dispute resolution. We are proud to see so many of our neutrals included in this year's class.
Ilida Alvarez was recently featured as a Top Voice at Milano Fashion Institute in Milan.
During her conversation, Ilida brought her distinct perspective on conflict resolution to an international stage, exploring how many disputes are not simply legal in nature, but rooted in culture, identity, and shifting power dynamics. Drawing on decades of experience across complex civil and cross-border matters, she challenged traditional models of dispute resolution and highlighted mediation as a more adaptive, thoughtful framework for complex multicultural environments.
Her participation during Milan Fashion Week reflected the powerful intersection of law, culture, and global influence.
Our newest neutrals, Ralph Azoy, Esq. and Ryan Sherman, Esq., were recently featured in The Florida Bar News “On the Move” column, recognized for their recent transition to the Alvarez Dispute Resolution team. We’re excited to have these talented neutrals join our team. If you’d like to connect with Ralph or Ryan, feel free to schedule a session here.
Last month, neutrals Christy Brigman, Esq. and Daniel A. Alvarez, Esq. recently presented “Negotiation from the Trenches: Practical Strategies for Contracts & Conflict” at the BOMA Fort Lauderdale + Palm Beaches Monthly Luncheon. Their CLE session focused on practical approaches to negotiating contracts, managing high-stakes conversations, and using alternative dispute resolution to address issues before they escalate. A special thank you to M.A Construction and Marketing Director Brandi Akerman, featured in the photo, for your luncheon sponsorship support.
We are pleased to share our neutral Yamile Tamargo, Esq. is now certified as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator. This certification authorizes her to mediate family law matters throughout the State of Florida and recognizes her completion of the rigorous training and qualification requirements established by the Florida Supreme Court. With this credential, Yamile expands her service as a neutral, allowing our firm to further support clients in family law matters with the same thoughtful and efficient approach we bring to all areas of dispute resolution.
Please join us in congratulating Yamile on this well-earned professional achievement!
Alexandra Bach Lagos, Esq. recently completed her fifth year teaching Toxic Torts at the University of Miami School of Law alongside co-professor Frank Citera. The course gives students the opportunity to work through complex questions of causation, science, law, products liability, and high-stakes litigation.
For Alexandra, teaching remains one of the most rewarding parts of her professional life. It also reflects the depth she brings to her work as a neutral. Toxic torts and complex commercial disputes often involve deeply technical issues, significant emotion, and parties who need a mediator who can understand the substance while helping everyone move toward resolution.
Congratulations to Alexandra and this year’s Toxic Torts class on a wonderful semester.
Ryan Sherman, Esq. recently competed in the iDOo Beach Tennis Mixed Advanced division in Dania Beach alongside his partner, Ale G. After winning both group stage matches, they went on to win the semifinals and claim a 6–1 win in the finals, earning Ryan his first Advanced title. Congratulations Ryan!
Alexandra Bach Lagos, Esq. will serve as a panelist for From Exile to Advocacy: Jewban Journeys in Law on May 12, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Cuban Heritage Collection at the University of Miami.
This important conversation will bring together legal leaders to share stories at the intersection of identity, resilience, and the law. Alexandra is honored to join Chief Judge Ariana Fajardo Orshan, Irwin Raij, David Kubiliun, and Robert Zarco for this meaningful discussion.
Thank you to CABA and the Jewish Lawyers Association of Miami-Dade for bringing this dialogue to the community. Register HERE
Please join Paige Saperstein, Esq. on May 19th 2026 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM for an upcoming panel focused on Medical Malpractice Mediation, where the discussion will center on a critical but often overlooked factor in these cases: how they are framed from the very beginning. Early positioning, particularly during pre-mediation discussions and opening statements, can shape the entire trajectory of a case and influence how parties evaluate risk in real time.
Medical malpractice matters come with no shortage of complex issues, but as Paige highlights, it is the framing of those issues that often drives resolution. Her perspective reflects a thoughtful, strategic approach to mediation that balances both the legal and human dynamics at play.
Paige is looking forward to the conversation alongside Suly Avila, Teresita M. Sierra Baron, and Andrew Yaffa, and to connecting with colleagues in the field.
Register HERE
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Let’s continue the conversation and stay connected on all things Alvarez Dispute Resolution.
