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Retired Judge Ellen L. Leesfield has been Mediating and Arbitrating since she left the Miami-Dade Circuit Court Bench where she served as an Administrative Chief, a Judge in the Civil Lengthy and Complex Trial Division, and a Judge in the General and Criminal Divisions. Ellen presided over hundreds of trials, including the civil trial against the government of Cuba for the execution of an American businessman; the trial of the infamous "Spider Man Cat Burglar" and countless Commercial, Professional Malpractice, Products Liability, Construction, Employment, Partnership, Franchise and Real Estate cases.

Throughout her tenure on the bench, she trained incoming judges at the Florida Judicial College and her colleagues at judicial conferences. She also taught for over 10 years at the University of Miami Litigation Skills Program.

During her recent years in practice, she arbitrated over 150 cases and mediated over 1,000 cases including issues involving Business Disputes, Construction, Employment, Franchise, Insurance, Health Care "Payor/Payee," Personal Injury, Products Liability, and Real Estate. Her settlement rate is extraordinary. Ellen also served as special master in a hotly litigated dispute brought by the Miccosukee Indians and positioned it for final resolution.

As a panel member of the American Arbitration Association, Ellen has been admitted to the distinguished International Panel, as well as the Healthcare Panel, the Lengthy Complex Commercial Panel, the Employment Panel, and the General Civil Panel.

Ellen has been honored with numerous awards including the Judge Steve Levine Award for Integrity, Fairness and Professionalism; the Justice Gerald Kogan Judicial Distinction Award; and the Judge Mattie Belle Davis Award for Community Service.

Education & Qualifications

J.D. ~ Nova Law School (with Honors)
Undergraduate ~ University of Florida (with Honors)
Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator

Professional Memberships

American Arbitration Association
American Bar Association: Business, Employment, and Arbitration divisions
Cuban American Bar
Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Miami Chapter: Founding President
Legal Services of Greater Miami: Member of the Board of Directors
Miami Dade Bar
The Florida Bar: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Business Law, Health Law, Labor and Employment Law sections
Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association

Bar Admissions

The Florida Bar
U.S District Court, Southern District of Florida
U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit Court
U.S. Supreme Court

Practice Areas

Business Disputes
Construction
Complex Commercial
Employment
Franchise
Personal Injury
Hospital/Insurer
International
Injured Seaman
Professional Malpractice
Products Liability
Real Estate

Ellen Leesfield

Ret. Circuit Court Judge

Mediation
Arbitration
Private Judging

As manager of the Alternative Dispute Resolution practice, Judge Leesfield now brings her vast wealth of expertise and experience to her role as a special master, arbitrator, mediator and consultant on all litigation related matters, including expert testimony, evidentiary issues and trial strategy.

Judge Leesfield brings 19 years of judicial experience to this adjudicative process

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Client Testimonials

Judge Leesfield is an effective mediator who works very hard to get cases settled, even after the mediation has concluded if necessary. Her experience as a longtime Circuit Judge is invaluable and creates instant credibility and connection with clients. I highly and enthusiastically recommend her.

Robert J. Fiore, B.C.S.

Ellen Leesfield is one of the best mediators in South Florida. Her preparation is unmatched. Her dedication to resolving cases unrivaled. Her professionalism unwavering.

Daniel Poterek

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Mediation

Ellen Leesfield conducts a full service Alternative Dispute Resolution practice. She frequently serves as a Mediator, Arbitrator Umpire and Special Master. She was certified as a Florida Supreme Court mediator in 2012. She has been a panel member (neutral) for the American Arbitration Association since 2012 and was recently admitted to the prestigious International Panel, as well as the AAA Healthcare Panel. Over the past 7 years, Leesfield has arbitrated over 130 cases (arbitrated), and mediated over 300 cases mediated concentrating in the areas of Complex Commercial, Employment, Hospital/insurer disputes as well as International (ICDR) cases and Injured Seaman cases.