Lyzette@OrlandoMediationLaw.com
Legal experience.
I began my legal career in 1986 as a Civil Trial Lawyer, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts. My practice included all phases of litigation: insurance coverage, personal injury, product liability, complex tort, civil rights, employment, professional negligence and construction law.
My trial experience taught me the importance of certainty and closure, both of which can be achieved in mediation, but not always through the unpredictability of trial.
Why I’ve chosen to specialize in Mediation.
Mediation enables participants to control their case!
- Since 1996, my practice has been devoted exclusively to Mediation. My practice encompasses all aspects of Civil, Family, Dependency and Appellate Mediation.
- I have successfully mediated over 4000 cases.
- Trials result in winners and losers. I’ve been involved in cases which were retried, after being remanded by the appellate court, resulting in vastly different results with different juries. No one can guarantee the outcome of a trial.
- Judges and juries can reach unexpected verdicts that can leave parties frustrated, exhausted and defeated, even if they have prevailed legally. Trials are unpredictable, expensive and time consuming, sometimes taking years to conclude.
- Mediation provides the flexibility to be creative and in some situations enables the participants to reach solutions that a Court may not be able to order.
- Mediation is confidential. Agreements can also be confidential. Parties and business owners can benefit when disputes are not made public.
- Mediation enables participants to control the direction and outcome of their case.
My Credentials
- Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1986, I have the highest possible rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell.
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit-Civil, Appellate, Family and Dependency Court Mediator since 1996.
- Member, FL Chapter, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
- Admitted to the Federal Bar Association for the Middle District of Florida: Mediation Roster.
- Orange County Bar Association: Volunteer Mediator for the Citizens Dispute Center.
- Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers: Mentor.
- Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court: Barrister
- Adjunct Professor: University of Florida College of Law, Institute for Dispute Resolution.
- Frequent lecturer and mentor on Mediation Advocacy.
- Diversity and multi-culture presenter for the Orange County Mediation annual training.
- Over 2000 hours of Continued Mediator training.
- Successfully mediated over 4000 cases.
August 2018 presentation on Mediation for the Young Lawyers Training.
Professional History
Work
- Lyzette SanGermain, P.A. founded 2016
- Orlando Mediation Law
- Orlando Family Mediation
- Fraxedas Mediation Firm: 1998-2016
- Adjunct Professor: University of Florida College of Law
- Upchurch, Watson, White & Max: 1996-1998
- Litigation Attorney, 1986-1996
Education
- University of Florida: Juris Doctorate awarded 1985
- Florida State University: Bachelor of Science awarded 1980
Personal
Home
Family
Family
- Resident of Central Florida since 1988
- Hometown: Miami, FL
- Languages: English and Conversational Spanish
- I am a first generation American: my Father immigrated from Spain, my Mother immigrated from Cuba.
Family
Family
Family
I've been married for 20 years
to the most wonderful guy in the world.
I have 2 amazing stepdaughters, both nurses.
Being part of a diverse and blended family
has been my greatest blessing.
My three grand girlies are the light of my life.
Community
Community
Community
- Board of Trustees: Mead Botanical Garden
- Team member: Mead Community Garden
- Orlando Museum of Art
- Orlando Science Center
- Team leader: American Pilgrims on the Camino, Orlando chapter: http://www.americanpilgrims.org
Spirit
Community
Community
- In 2015, I walked the historic Camino de Santiago, the medieval pilgrimage from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostella, Spain. It was a memorial to my parents. 487 miles in 36 days.
- In 2016, I returned to walk the Interior route of the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago de Compostella. 150 miles in 13 days.
- In 2017, I continued my journey walking to Santiago De Compostella on the Coastal route of the Camino Portuguese.
- 2018 brought a new camino adventure when I volunteered at a traditional albergue (hostel ) to support pilgrims on their journey.