Meet Jim Shea
Trusted Mediator & Arbitrator
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Successful Mediations
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Years of Experience
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With over 30 years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution, Jim Shea is dedicated to helping parties navigate conflicts with efficiency and creativity. His extensive background gives him a deep understanding of the complexities and sensitivities involved in every case, ensuring that each party feels heard and respected throughout the process. Jim’s unique expertise is further enhanced by his over decade-long role as Chief Legal Officer and Chief Risk Officer for a group of nationwide telecom, satellite, and fiber installation companies. During his tenure, Jim managed and oversaw all Legal, Risk and HR divisions for a $100M+ entity with over 700 employees and 1200 subcontractors. Multiple entities that he helped manage earned prestigious and consecutive Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies awards.
This invaluable perspective allows him to appreciate and anticipate the concerns faced by both corporate and individual clients, making him exceptionally effective at bridging gaps and fostering constructive dialogue. Whether working in person or virtually, Jim empowers parties to identify, measure, and mitigate risk at every stage of the dispute. He brings a calm, pragmatic approach to mediation, guiding participants toward practical solutions while maintaining focus on the bigger picture.
Jim is committed to paving the way for meaningful and lasting outcomes. His professionalism, empathy, and forward-thinking mindset help parties move beyond impasse and reach resolutions that are mutually beneficial and sustainable.
Jim’s mediation style is characterized by his ability to listen intently and adapt to the unique dynamics of each case. He recognizes that every dispute is different and tailors his approach to meet the specific needs and goals of the parties involved. By fostering an atmosphere of trust and open communication, Jim helps participants feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and interests, which often leads to more creative and effective solutions.
A strong advocate for the use of technology in dispute resolution, Jim embraces virtual mediation platforms to offer clients greater accessibility and convenience. His proficiency with these tools ensures that even remote sessions are conducted smoothly and efficiently, without compromising the quality of the mediation process. This adaptability makes him a valuable resource for clients seeking flexible and modern approaches to conflict resolution.
Education & Professional Experience
Explore Jim Shea’s strong academic foundation and decades of hands-on legal experience. From top-tier education to extensive courtroom and mediation practice, Jim’s credentials reflect his commitment to professionalism, expertise, and effective dispute resolution.
- Emory University School of Law, Juris Doctorate
1990
- Boston College, Bachelor of Arts, History, cum laude
1987
Admitted to Practice
- State Bar of Georgia
1990
- The Florida Bar
2003
- State Bar of Alabama
2005
Certifications
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
2011, 2021
- Florida Supreme Court Certified County Mediator
2021
- Florida Supreme Court Approved Arbitrator Training
2018
- Alabama Dispute Resolution Center Approved Mediator
2021
Professional or Trade Affiliations
- National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals – Florida Member
- American Bar Association –ADR Section Member, Forum on Construction Law Member
- Florida Bar Association – ADR Section Member
- Association of Commercial and Transactional ADR Professionals – ACT ADR
- Saint Petersburg Bar Association – ADR Section
- Vice Chair
2022
- Chair
2023, 2024
Representative Litigation Experince
- Negotiated multi-million-dollar contracts to provide nationwide television and internet installation services for world's largest telecommunications companies.
1990
- Negotiated multi-million dollar exclusive contracts to provide nationwide municipality-wide fiber installation projects.
1987
- Oversaw defense, arbitration and resolution of FLSA and PAGA collective actions.
2003
- Investigated and responded to Title VII, ADA, and FMLA claims.
2003
- Represented America's Largest Homebuilder.
2003
- Represented America's Largest Home Improvement Company.
2003
- Represented America's Largest Pharmacy Chain.
2003
Community Involvement
- Stetson University – Disruptive Leadership Certificate Program Advisory Board – Advisory Board Member
2011, 2021
- Tiger Point Sports Association: Board Member, Baseball Coach & Soccer Coach
2018
- Santa Rosa County District 5 Parks and Recreation Commission – Committee Member
2021
- Gulf Breeze Middle School Advisory Council; Chair
2021
- Gulf Coast Texans Futbol Club - Team Manager
2021
Publications
- Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season: Mediating First Party Property Insurance Claims
December 2024
- Preparing For Mediation Success: The Three Elements of Pre-Mediation Planning
June 2024
- Will General Contractors or Subcontractors Get Hammered by New State Legislation?
June 2022
- Right Resolution for Wrong Advances – Mediating Employment-Related Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Claims
April 2022
Speaking Engagements
- Mediation Ethics Discussion: Recent MEAC Opinions and Their Implications for Practicing Mediators, SPBA
2022
- Keys to Successful Mediation, FL NELA
2023
- The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - Where Good Claims Go Bad and How to Keep it From Getting Ugly!, Windstorm Insurance Network
2025
- Construction Insurance & The Role of ADR In Resolving Construction Disputes, Florida Construction Law Institute
2025
- The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - Where Good Claims Go Bad and How to Keep it From Getting Ugly!, CLM Focus - Nashville
2025
Jim is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator, Certified County Court Mediator, and a United States District Court Certified Mediator for the Middle District of Florida.
