Meet Our Neutrals — Bob Henry

Professional, thoughtful and persistent are three words that describe Bob Henry. He was known to have those qualities in his prior career as a trial lawyer, and they continue to be qualities he brings to every mediation. Bob learned from one of the best, as you will see below, and throughout his career Bob has served as a model for younger lawyers too. For those who have the benefit of Bob serving as their mediator, his broad trial practice experience and desire to help parties avoid the burdens of litigation and pitfalls of trial are invaluable. We are fortunate to have Bob as a part of our team of neutrals and hope that you enjoy learning more about him.

When did you first think about becoming a mediator?

Over the years of my law practice, I saw the negative effects of trial on my clients. Even with the best of defenses, there was a great deal of uncertainty and therefore stress when presenting a complicated medical case to a jury. In the early 2000s I attended an increasing number of mediations as an advocate. I felt mediation was promoting earlier and better settlements for my clients. I decided to take the certification course in order to learn what the mediators were being taught in hopes it would make me a more effective advocate. I enjoyed working with opposing counsel to try to resolve cases when able and knew I would get a lot of satisfaction as a mediator working for all parties to try to resolve cases short of trial.

I was certified in 2006.

What did you do before becoming a mediator?

I practiced law from 1982 to 2023 with a focus on defense of medical malpractice cases. Although I had a rare jury trial in Bankruptcy court, and tried some commercial and general liability cases, the vast majority of my cases were medical malpractice defense.

What did you like most about your prior career?

I really enjoyed my interaction with other attorneys for the most part, as well as with my clients. I worked hard to get to know my clients and counsel them through the process, often establishing a bond that lasted long after the case ended.

What is your favorite part of being a mediator?

I get tremendous satisfaction when I see the relief on the faces of the parties when they realize the case is over.

What are the traits of the greatest lawyers you have known?

I was hired out of law school to work for Charlie Abbott, a brilliant medical defense lawyer. He was smart, clever and dedicated to doing his very best for his clients. He worked very hard but always with a great sense of humor. He did not take anything too seriously and would not let me either. He taught me the importance of customer service. We are there to provide a service to our clients that goes beyond good advocacy but includes attention to their needs for understanding of the process and attention to the stresses of the process on them.

What is your favorite way to recharge?

Cycling. I ride with a group and by myself for exercise, stress reduction and general mental well-being. I also like to walk in the Ocala National Forest and read.