Sandy Karlan

Mediator,
Private Judge,
Arbitrator &
Consultant/Expert Witness

Former Circuit Court Judge

For 19 years, Judge Karlan distinguished herself as an innovator and outstanding circuit court judge. Before joining the bench, she served on the Florida Bar Board of Governors and had an active bankruptcy, commercial, and family practice. She is a recognized expert on family law, bankruptcy law, and commercial matters.

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Professional Associations

AAA
ABI
CFLI
IAFL
Florida-Academy-Professional-Mediators,-Inc
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Professional Expertise

Mediation
Arbitration
Private Judge
Consult & Expert Witness

About Sandy Karlan

Sandy Karlan is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, a Member of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) Panel of Mediators, and the AAA Panel of Arbitrators. Before her appointment to the trial court bench, Sandy practiced commercial litigation and bankruptcy law. She has co-authored an article recommending the best practices for Florida courts.

Learn More About Sandy

Recognitions

Awards & Honors

  • On October 2021, Judge Karlan was awarded the American Inns of Court, Spellman-Hoeveler Chapter, Coach Don Shula Legends Award for her numerous contributions to the legal profession of Florida
  • In October 2014, the Judge Sandy Karlan Law Student Fellowship Award was created by Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc.
  • Judge Karlan is listed in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Law, and Who’s Who in American Women
  • Miami Metro Magazine, May 2000, Women of Miami, “100 Women to Watch”, Helen Hill and Patti Roth
  • The Florida Bar President’s Award of Merit presented by President Terrence Russell, 2002
  • The Mattie Belle Davis Award presented by the Dade County Chapter of the Florida Association For Women Lawyers, 2004
  • The Greater Miami Jewish Federation Community Service Award, November 2004
  • The Mellon United National Bank Community Service Award, 2009
  • Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, 2002

Lectures

  • Lecture on bankruptcy for the Florida Bar Marital & Family Law Certification Course
  • National Assn. of Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers invitation to speak in 2016 on bankruptcy
  • Lecturer for numerous courses at the Florida Circuit Judges’ Conferences on civil injunctions, the interaction of bankruptcy and civil court cases, bankruptcy and family court cases
  • Lecturer for numerous courses at the Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies on bankruptcy, equitable and property distribution, contempt, culture and diversity training
  • Lecturer for Florida New Judges’ College
  • Presentation at AFCC Conference, Seattle, on cyber stalking and electronic discovery

Activities

  • 2017-present: Member, Panel of Mediators, American Arbitration Association
  • 2018-present: Member, International Academy of Family Lawyers
  • 2015-present: Member, American Bankruptcy Institute
  • 2015-present: Board Member, First Family Law Inn of Court
  • 2017-2019: Chair of Policy Impact Committee (CYC)
  • 2015-2019: Member of the Governor’s Florida Children and Youth Cabinet (CYC)
  • 2014-2020: Member of The Florida Supreme Court Committee on Families and Children
  • 2012-2013: President of the Florida Chapter of the Assn. of Family & Conciliation Courts (FLAFCC)
  • 2016-2019: Member of The Florida Supreme Court's Family Court Steering Committee
  • 2018: Member Collaborative Family Law Institute
  • 1999-2002: Chair of the Florida Bar Commission on the Legal Needs of Children
  • 1988-1992: Board Member, The Florida Bar Board of Governors
  • American Bar Assn. Foundation Fellow
  • The Florida Bar Foundation Fellow

Publications

Testimonials

Sandy Karlan is an effective, skilled, and compassionate mediator with years of experience in family law matters. Sandy is patient and engages with all equally so that each person feels she is listening and genuinely cares about their perspective. While sharp and intelligent, Sandy speaks to everyone in a way that is easy to understand and puts people at ease. Sandy has the extraordinary ability of processing and analyzing financial and other information quickly and distilling it down to the main issues. Sandy is perceptive and works diligently to lessen the issues and emotions between the parties without ever making anyone feel they have to come to an agreement. Sandy is respectful of the mediation process and is a pleasure to work with; most importantly, she sincerely cares about the people and issues before her.
Crystal R.
Judge Sandy Karlan is a great listener, a skill no doubt developed as part of her life on the Family Court bench. Truly an “architect of conflict resolution,” she works tirelessly to understand the perspective, as well as the legal position, of both parties. She recognizes that perspective is the linchpin of settlement. That type of insight is unique, particularly among former judges who have left the bench to open a mediation practice.
Richard P.

I had the opportunity to use Judge Karlan as both a mediator and as an expert witness on bankruptcy issues. As a mediator, she brings her experience of over 20 years on the court bench which helps her to quickly and accurately identify the core issues while allowing her to understand the litigants' perspective.

As an expert witness on bankruptcy issues, she is invaluable both as a consultant and as an expert.

You want Judge Karlan on your side to help you to maximize protecting your client. As an expert witness, she is well respected for her knowledge and her candor with the court by the entire legal community.

Laura F.