Kari A. Metzger Esq.

Kari is a certified mediator and arbitrator with more than 30 years of experience in civil litigatin, dispute resolution, and law firm leadership.  Her practice is devoted exclusively to helping parties resolve complex disputes efficiently, practically, and fairly through mediation and arbitration.

Throughout her career, Kari has handled a wide range of civil matters, with particular depth in insurance, commercial, and business disputes.  Having spent decades litigating cases from inception through trial and appeal, she brings a thorough understanding of risk assessment, case valuation, and litigation strategy to the neutral's role.  This experience allows her to engage meaningfully with counsel and parties, identify the true drivers of conflict, and assist in navigating both legal and practical obstacles to resolution.

Kari is committed to professionalism, impartiality, and excellance in alternative dispute resolution.   As a neutral, she is known to be well-prepared, even-handed, and direct when appropriate, while always maintaining respect for the parties and the process.  Her approach is primarily faciitative, informed by evaluative insight when helpful, with the goal of assisting parties in reaching durable, informed outcomes. 

In addition to her work as a neutral, Kari previously served as managing partner of a litigation and ADR firm for 16 years.  In that role, she led attorneys and staff, developed firm strategy, and worked closely with clients on complex and high-stakes matters.  This leadership experience informs her ability to manage multi-party disputes, balance competing perspectives, and keep proceedings focused, professional, and productive.

Kari understands that successful dispute resolution requires more than knowledge of the law.  It requires preparation, judgment, credibility, and the ability to earn the trust of both counsel and parties.  She strives to create a process that is efficient, candid, and respectful, while remaining flexible enough to adapt to the needs of each case.  Whether serving as mediator or arbitrator, her objective is to provide a fair, thoughtful forum in which disputes can be resolved with clarity and confidence. 

• Law School: University of Miami School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1992. Order of the Coif. Moot Court Board. Executive editor of the University of Miami Entertainment & Sports Law Review. Magistrate of Phi Delta Phi Honor Society.
• College: University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1985

Certified Circuit Civil Court Mediator

Certified United States District Court Middle District of Florida Mediator

Former Section Chair, Hillsborough County Bar Association Mediatoin & Arbitration Section

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Hillsborough Association For Women Lawyers

Florida Bar Association

• $500.00/hour for up to three party mediatoins
• $150.00 per hour per party for mediations of four parties or more
• Three hour minimum
• The fee will be divided equally between or among the parties unless otherwise agreed by all parties before or at the mediation

OUT OF TOWN TRAVEL: No travel charge for cases mediated in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pok or Pasco counties.  Travel outside these counties will be billed at one half of the regular hourly rate.

CANCELLATION POLICY:  There may be a two (2) hour cancellation fee if canceled less than five (5) business days prior to mediation.   If the mediation is rescheduled the cancellation fee is waived.  Waiver of cancellation fee will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Cancellation should by by agreement of all litigants and in writing (email or letter) copying all litigants' counsel.