Beth Greenfield-Mandler comes to JAMS after serving as acting chief circuit mediator for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, in Florida. Ms. Greenfield-Mandler has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), focusing on resolving complex federal legal and commercial disputes through mediation. She is a seasoned neutral who handles a wide range of matters, including business and commercial, federal, appellate, civil rights, class action and intellectual property disputes. With a legal background spanning over five decades, she brings a deep understanding of litigation dynamics and a commitment to facilitating fair, efficient and confidential resolutions. Her nuanced approach balances exceptional communication skills and patience with empathy to help parties reach mutually acceptable outcomes even in highly contentious situations.

Known for her meticulous preparation, Ms. Greenfield-Mandler has earned the confidence of attorneys and clients alike. She is a knowledgeable ADR practitioner who actively contributes to the development of best practices in the field of dispute resolution. Her dedication to improving access to justice and promoting collaborative problem-solving underscores her role as a leader in the field. She is a champion of ADR as a powerful tool for conflict resolution outside the courtroom. 

ADR Experience and Qualifications

• 18 years of experience resolving matters as the circuit mediator, and acting chief court mediator for 18 months for the S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, handling over 2,500 mediations, including matters involving commercial litigation; class action litigation; admiralty; labor and employment; U.S. constitutional litigation; civil rights litigation; age, race, sex and national origin discrimination; Federal Tort Claims Act litigation; Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUPTA); banking; contract; personal injury; franchise and distribution litigation; patent and copyright; bankruptcy; federal tax; environmental and the sovereignty of Native Americans
• State of Florida circuit mediator, Eleventh Circuit Court, handling circuit court family, dependency and unified court and county court cases
• Private mediation practice as Eleventh Circuit Court mediator, handling family, dependency cases, circuit and county matters
• Certified; Family, General Circuit, County, Dependency and Appellate Courts; Florida Supreme Court; 1998

Representative Matters

• Business Commercial
• Mediated class action matters involving banking overdraft fees and faulty automobile air bags
• Mediated qui tam actions regarding Medicare and private insurance excess billing matters
• Mediated ERISA claims involving disability insurance entitlement
• Mediated mortgage loan modifications pursuant to pandemic relief
• Mediated Qui tam actions for Medicare and private insurance excess billing matters
• Civil Rights
• Mediated claims against public and private higher education institutions for violation of civil rights and contract rights
• Mediated claims under Title 42, section 1983, including excessive force, and Fourth Amendment claims during criminal restraint and arrests
• Employment Law
• Mediated employment litigation and claims against municipalities, law enforcement agencies and public education institutions, as well as cases involving municipal liability
• Mediated litigation against public officials for commercial and private harassment
• Maritime Admiralty
• Mediated admiralty claims by cruise guests who were injured or assaulted while shipboard and during cruise excursions
• Mediated admiralty claims by cruise employees for injuries during employment by cruise lines
• Mediated admiralty claims for lost and damaged vessels
• Personal Injury and Tort
• Mediated Federal Tort Claims Act litigation for personal injury and property damage

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

• Chair, Mediator and Ethics Advisory Committee, Supreme Court of Florida (MEAC), 2008–2016

Background and Education

• U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2006–2025
  • Acting Chief Circuit Mediator, 2023–2025
• Circuit Mediator, State of Florida, Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, 2005–2006
  • Assistant Mediation Trainer (Family and Circuit Training Programs)
• Assistant Attorney General, State of Florida, 2000–2002
  • Board Administrator
• Private Mediation Practice, 1990–2005
• Staff Attorney, Guadian ad Litem Program, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, 1999–2000
• Circuit Court, Family Court Training, American Arbitration Association,1990, 1991
• Certified Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association, 1990
• Contract Attorney, 1984–1990
• Senior Associate; Britton, Cohen, Kaufman & Schantz, P.A.; 1982–1984
• Associate; Whitman, Wolfe & Gross, P.A.; 1980–1982
• J.D., South Texas College of Law (now Texas A&M University School of Law), 1979
• B.A., University of Florida, 1975