By Karly Wannos, Esq. | Employment Attorney & Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator

When attorneys choose a mediator for an employment dispute, they often look at experience, subject-matter knowledge, and demeanor. But one of the most important—and often overlooked—questions is this:

Will the mediator actually drive progress, or simply carry numbers back and forth?

In complex employment cases, that distinction matters more than ever.

Settlement Isn’t Just About Numbers—It’s About Movement

Employment disputes often come with heightened emotions, reputational concerns, and legal uncertainty. Whether it’s a retaliation claim, wage/hour dispute, or Title VII case, parties may enter mediation with inflated expectations, rigid positions, or a misunderstanding of risk.

That's where a skilled mediator makes a difference—not by repeating offers, but by strategically managing the negotiation process.

An Effective Employment Mediator Should:

• Reality-check inflated expectations with credibility and tact
• Deliver hard truths in a way that encourages—not alienates
• Pace the negotiation strategically, applying pressure or patience as needed
• Use tools like brackets or mediator’s proposals to break impasses
• Build trust on both sides to facilitate productive dialogue

Why It Matters to Employment Litigators

Attorneys don’t want a neutral who just plays messenger. They want someone who understands the substance of employment law and the art of negotiation—someone who can make meaningful progress toward resolution.

Experienced counsel value mediators who:

• Understand ADA, FMLA, retaliation, discrimination, and wage/hour claims
• Can reframe legal risk in practical, business-minded terms
• Know when to challenge unrealistic positions—on both sides
• Help protect relationships, reputations, and client interests while closing the gap

My Approach: Focused on Movement, Not Just Math

As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and practicing employment attorney, I’ve handled disputes involving:

• Wrongful termination
• Workplace retaliation
• FLSA and wage/hour claims
• Harassment and discrimination under Title VII
• Non-compete and contract disputes

Karly Wannos doesn't just move numbers between rooms—She helps parties understand their risk, reframe expectations, and make practical decisions. When appropriate, I use brackets, proposals, or structured solutions to accelerate resolution and maintain momentum.

Because in mediation, movement is the goal—and every tool should serve that purpose.

Schedule an Employment Mediation with Karly Wannos

If you’re seeking a mediator who combines deep employment law experience with strategic negotiation insight, let’s connect.

Book a mediation or request more information:  www.wannoslaw.com/contact