Scott S. Cairns

In the dynamic legal landscape of Florida, where disputes can arise in various forms – from intricate commercial disagreements to sensitive employment matters – finding effective and efficient ways to resolve conflicts is crucial. For many individuals and businesses across the Sunshine State, litigation can be a costly and time-consuming path. This is where the specialized services of a seasoned mediator become invaluable. In Jacksonville, Florida, Scott S. Cairns stands out as a highly respected and experienced legal professional who has dedicated his practice to alternative dispute resolution (ADR), particularly mediation and arbitration.

Scott S. Cairns brings a remarkable depth of experience to the field of mediation. Before focusing entirely on ADR, he was a distinguished partner at a prominent law firm, where he spent over 38 years representing clients in a broad range of complex and often high-profile cases. This extensive background in litigation across trial and appellate courts throughout the United States has equipped him with a unique perspective, allowing him to understand the nuances of both sides of a dispute. His transition to mediation signifies a commitment to helping parties find common ground and reach mutually beneficial resolutions outside of the courtroom. For those in Florida seeking a knowledgeable, fair, and effective path to dispute resolution, understanding Scott S. Cairns’s practice and his approach to mediation is an important step toward a peaceful and efficient outcome.

Scott S. Cairns's mediation practice is strategically located in the iconic Bank of America Tower, a prominent landmark in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. The address is Bank of America Tower, 50 N Laura St # 3300, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA. This central location offers exceptional accessibility for clients not only from Jacksonville but also from surrounding communities and across Florida.

The Bank of America Tower is one of the tallest and most recognizable buildings in Jacksonville, making it easy to find. Its downtown position ensures excellent connectivity to major interstates and local roadways, simplifying travel for individuals attending mediation sessions. For those utilizing public transportation, the office is conveniently located near various bus routes, further enhancing its accessibility. The building itself is a modern, professional environment, providing a comfortable and confidential setting for mediations. Clients visiting the office will find parking options typically available in nearby garages, adding to the convenience of their visit. This prime location underscores the professionalism and accessibility that Scott S. Cairns offers to all parties involved in dispute resolution.

Scott S. Cairns's practice is primarily focused on mediation and arbitration, leveraging his extensive litigation background to facilitate effective dispute resolution. His services cover a wide range of legal areas, where his deep understanding of both law and human dynamics proves invaluable. Here are the key services he offers:

• Certified Mediation Services: Scott S. Cairns is a certified circuit court mediator for the Florida Supreme Court and a certified mediator for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. This dual certification allows him to mediate disputes at both state and federal levels, ensuring a broad scope of service. He provides neutral, impartial assistance to parties in reaching mutually acceptable agreements, helping them avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of court trials.

• Commercial and Contract Disputes: Leveraging his extensive experience in commercial litigation, Mr. Cairns mediates a wide array of business-related conflicts. This includes disputes arising from contracts, shareholder and partnership litigation (including claims of breaches of fiduciary duty and corporate governance issues), and issues related to fraud in the sale of real property and securities. He helps businesses resolve complex financial and operational disagreements efficiently.

• Employment and Workplace Disputes: A significant portion of Mr. Cairns's practice involves employment law. He mediates sensitive issues such as discrimination and harassment cases under federal and state laws, wage and hour disputes (including Fair Labor Standards Act opt-in claims), and wrongful death in the workplace. He also handles cases involving restrictive covenants like non-competition agreements, theft of trade secrets, and disputes arising from mergers, acquisitions, and layoffs. His prior experience in counseling clients on traditional labor issues under the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act, including union campaigns and contract negotiations, further enhances his ability to mediate complex labor disputes.

• Personal Injury and Product Liability: With a background in high-exposure toxic tort, product liability, and personal injury matters, Mr. Cairns is adept at mediating these sensitive cases. He helps injured parties, and those responsible for alleged damages, navigate the intricacies of liability, compensation, and settlement, often across various jurisdictions.

• Arbitration Services: In addition to mediation, Scott S. Cairns also serves as an arbitrator. Arbitration provides a more formal, yet still private, alternative to court, where a neutral third party (the arbitrator) hears evidence and makes a binding decision. His extensive trial experience makes him well-suited to evaluating evidence and rendering fair and informed arbitral awards.

Scott S. Cairns's career is marked by a history of dedicated service, significant achievements, and widespread recognition within the legal community. These highlights underscore his suitability as a trusted mediator for individuals and businesses in Florida:

• Decades of Litigation Experience: With over 38 years as a litigation partner at McGuireWoods LLP before exclusively focusing on mediation, Mr. Cairns possesses an unparalleled understanding of trial and appellate court proceedings. This deep practical experience across various types of cases, including employment, tort, and commercial litigation, allows him to provide invaluable insights during mediation sessions. He understands the strengths and weaknesses of different legal arguments and the potential outcomes of litigation, guiding parties toward realistic resolutions.

• Dual Certification as a Mediator: His certifications as a circuit court mediator for the Florida Supreme Court and a mediator for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida highlight his recognized expertise and authorization to conduct mediations in both state and federal jurisdictions. This allows him to handle a broad spectrum of complex cases.

• Extensive Experience with Sensitive and High-Profile Cases: Throughout his career, Mr. Cairns has represented clients in matters that often involved sensitive and high-profile issues. This experience has honed his ability to manage delicate situations with discretion and professionalism, crucial attributes for effective mediation.

• Recognized by Prestigious Legal Publications: Scott S. Cairns has received consistent recognition from his peers and leading legal publications. He has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© survey for Litigation - Labor & Employment and named to "Florida Super Lawyers" in categories such as Employment & Labor, Business Litigation, and Employee Benefits/ERISA. He has also been recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by Jacksonville Magazine and a "Leader in the Field" for Employment (Foreign Expert) and Litigation (Experts Based Abroad) by Chambers Global. These accolades are strong indicators of his professional excellence and high regard within the legal profession.

• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell: The "AV Preeminent" rating from Martindale-Hubbell is the highest possible rating for an attorney, indicating both legal ability and ethical standards. This rating, based on peer reviews, confirms his exceptional professional capabilities and integrity.

• Expertise in Discrimination and Harassment Cases: His significant experience in handling discrimination and harassment cases under both federal and state laws means he is particularly well-equipped to mediate these emotionally charged and legally intricate disputes, fostering environments conducive to fair settlements.

As a highly specialized professional service in alternative dispute resolution, Scott S. Cairns’s practice does not typically offer promotional discounts or "special offers" in the traditional sense. The value provided in mediation and arbitration services stems from the mediator's deep experience, impartiality, and ability to guide parties toward a constructive resolution.

However, clients can expect transparency and clear communication regarding fees and scheduling. Prospective parties are encouraged to contact his office for an initial discussion to understand the mediation process, typical timelines, and fee structures applicable to their specific dispute. The focus is always on delivering high-quality, efficient, and effective dispute resolution services that can ultimately save parties significant time and money compared to traditional litigation. The "offer" is the opportunity to resolve complex legal matters with the guidance of a highly credentialed and experienced neutral, often leading to a more amicable and controlled outcome.

For those in Florida seeking mediation or arbitration services, reaching out to Scott S. Cairns is straightforward. You can connect using the following contact details:

• Address: Bank of America Tower, 50 N Laura St # 3300, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA

• Phone: (904) 571-5603

The office is prepared to assist with scheduling consultations and providing further information on how Scott S. Cairns can help facilitate the resolution of your legal dispute.

For individuals and businesses across Florida, Scott S. Cairns represents an exceptional resource for resolving legal disputes through mediation and arbitration. His extensive background as a seasoned litigator for over 38 years provides him with a profound understanding of the intricacies and challenges of courtroom battles. This experience is precisely what makes him so effective as a neutral third party – he knows what both sides face in litigation, allowing him to guide them towards practical and equitable solutions outside of court.

Locals in Florida can trust Mr. Cairns due to his strong professional credentials, including his certification by the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court, as well as his consistent recognition in prestigious legal directories like The Best Lawyers in America© and Florida Super Lawyers. His expertise in complex areas such as commercial, employment, and personal injury disputes means he is well-equipped to handle the specific needs of Florida’s diverse population and business community.

Choosing mediation with Scott S. Cairns offers Floridians a path to dispute resolution that is often more cost-effective, time-efficient, and less adversarial than traditional litigation. His office in the accessible Bank of America Tower in Jacksonville further underscores a commitment to convenience and professionalism. For those seeking to navigate legal conflicts with an experienced, impartial, and highly respected professional, Scott S. Cairns is an ideal choice, providing a valuable service that fosters resolution and preserves relationships.