About David Horvath
David is a Circuit Civil and County Court Civil Mediator certified by the Florida Supreme Court. He devotes his practice to providing mediation services on a full-time basis. Before becoming a mediator, David practiced law as a civil trial attorney for 25 years during which he tried numerous cases to verdict and attended thousands of mediations. He facilitates the mediation process by applying his practical experience gained from his employment at plaintiff and defense litigation firms. David utilizes his skills of examining facts, issues, liability and damages in assisting adverse parties during settlement negotiations. He has substantial experience in analyzing risk and causation which facilitates the process of allowing the adverse parties to reach a voluntary resolution of their dispute.
Prior to devoting his practice to providing full-time mediation services, David was a senior staff attorney of The Hartford Insurance Company. During his tenure, he evaluated and performed critical analysis of matters ranging from motor vehicle accidents and premises liability claims to insurance issues and products liability cases. In addition, David was active in educating his clients and peers in communication skills and mediation strategies which are essential in providing successful mediation services.
Earlier in his career, David was an associate at a litigation defense firm where he gained valuable experience involving various claims including medical malpractice, nursing homes, contract disputes, civil rights, debt collection, sexual harassment, false imprisonment/false arrest, business disputes and professional negligence. David applies his skills learned from scrutinizing thousands of records involved in complex litigation to the mediation process by paying particular attention to details, narrowing the issues, identifying obstacles and focusing on the factors necessary to maintain a productive negotiating environment.
David's litigation experience began during his employment at a plaintiff's personal injury law firm. The claims ranged from negligence to wrongful death. He enhanced his skills regarding communication, listening and concentration by meeting with clients, drafting demand packages and evaluating voluminous records. During mediation, David utilizes those skills by listening non-judgmentally, clarifying issues, conveying interests accurately and encouraging the participants to understand and respect the conflicting points of view presented by the parties.
Memberships, Affiliations, & Credentials
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
- USF Conflict Resolution Collaborative Certification Course
- Florida Bar Member
- U.S. District Court - Southern District of Florida
- Hillsborough County Bar Association
- National Institute for Trial Advocacy [NITA] Civil Trial Advocacy Program
- Defense Research Institute
- American Bar Association
Education
Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA
Juris Doctor, 1990
Boston University, Boston, MA
Bachelor of Arts (Political Science), cum laude, 1987
Bachelor of Science (Business Administration), cum laude, 1987