How to Avoid Making a Disaster Out of a Disaster!

This program will examine the power of the individual consumer when confronted with local and regional disasters that directly affect themselves and their families.  The speaker will address not only what the individual should know, but also the power of the consumer as part of their community in creating a conflict resolution process that provides quick relief in order to rebuild the community, while also guaranteeing the due process rights of each individual involved in that disaster.  The program will also examine man-made situations, such as the recent mortgage foreclosure debacle, and insurance and real estate frauds on a large scale.  Lastly, this will be examined as a new frontier for the ADR professional to explore as an additional source of work, income and satisfaction.

Melvin A. Rubin, an attorney for over 40 years, has served as an ADR consultant, trainer and practitioner, for the past 28 years.  He helped design and organize the Hurricane Andrew mediation recovery program for the state of Florida, and once again after the disastrous 2004 hurricane season.  He and his family personally experienced these disasters, which gives him special insight in rebuilding communities after incredibly emotional and traumatic life-altering events.  He assisted in the writing of the state emergency rules; training the mediators and monitoring the program.  He also participated in the creation of the mortgage foreclosure program in Florida, as well as providing ADR services in a variety of other mass claims.  Mr. Rubin has written and lectured extensively for over 13 years on disaster conflict resolution for government officials, insurance industry representatives and conflict resolution professionals, both nationally and internationally.