The Evolving Landscape of Arbitration Enforcement

– A Panel Discussion–

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 @ 1:00 PM EDT (10:00 AM PDT)

Join CIArb-NAB for an engaging virtual panel discussing the evolving landscape of arbitration enforcement

Inspired by Edward Mullins, Esq.’s Lexology article on the high stakes of procedural missteps and institutional influence, this timely panel explores the legal and strategic impact of the decision by the Eleventh Circuit’s recent ruling in Merritt Island Woodwerx, L.L.C. v. Space Coast Credit Union (11th Cir. May 21, 2025).

The session will feature insights from practitioners and institutional leaders on how the Woodwerx decision is reshaping the practice of arbitration for litigators, corporate counsel, and dispute resolution professionals alike.

Moderated by Ms. Angela Romero Valedon, Esq., the panel will explore key themes in a dynamic, interactive format designed to provide both practical takeaways and conceptual insight including the following:

• Strategic and legal takeaways from Woodwerx
• Procedural compliance and institutional influence
• Waiver, prejudice, and protecting the right to arbitrate
• Drafting enforceable clauses and potential institutional reforms

The featured panelists include, Mr. Edward Mullins, Esq., FCIArb, , Ms. Angela Romero Valedón, Esq.  Joan Stearns Johnsen, Esq., Joseph M. Matthews, P.A., and David W. Ichel, Esq. FCIArb

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BVYfTvigS1ubcyOb0MfeUw]

Bios

Joan Stearns Johnsen, Esq.

Joan Stearns Johnsen is a veteran mediator and arbitrator and trainer, with over thirty years of ADR experience and is on the on the panels of the AAA, FINRA, The American Health Law Association, Resolute Systems. Joan is the Director of the University of Florida Levin College of Law’s Institute for Dispute Resolution where Joan also teaches arbitration, mediation, and negotiation.

Joan is a past Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution, Current Co-chair of the IBA Mediation Committee, An academic of the Miami International Arbitration Society, and a member of the Council of CPR. Joan is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute, Certified by CEDR, and IMI Certified.

David W. Ichel, Esq.

David W. Ichel is a mediator and arbitrator specializing in complex commercial disputes.

Before becoming a full-time neutral, David was a long-time partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (New York), where he litigated a broad range of large-scale commercial disputes and advised clients for 37 years, from 1978 to 2015.

David has also taught Complex Civil Litigation, including ADR for complex litigation, at Duke Law School (2011–present) and at the University of Miami School of Law (2018–2020). He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and the Academy of Court Appointed Neutrals, a Fellow-elect of the College of Commercial Arbitrators, and a member of the arbitration and mediation panels of AAA, ICDR, ICC-USCIB, CPR, and ARIAS-US.

Joseph M. Matthews, P.A.

Joe Matthews is a distinguished arbitrator, mediator, and special master, following a legal career spanning over 45 years as a trial and appellate advocate. He is a Chartered Arbitrator and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a Fellow of the College of Commercial Arbitrators. He previously served for 12 years on the Board of Directors of the American Arbitration Association/International Centre for Dispute Resolution. He is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and holds international certifications from CEDR and IMI.

Joe is Past President of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, a Member of the American Law Institute, and an Honorary Bencher at the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland. He has taught international arbitration and dispute resolution at the University of Miami School of Law, Florida International University College of Law, the National University of Mongolia, and the University of Dundee in Scotland. He has delivered lectures in Beijing, Dubai, Salzburg, Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, and across North America. He has delivered lectures in Beijing, Dubai, Salzburg, Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, and across North America.

Edward Mullins, Esq.

Edward Mullins is a partner in the Miami office of Reed Smith LLP, where he focuses his practice on international commercial litigation and arbitration. He is board-certified in international litigation and arbitration by the Florida Bar and has extensive experience handling disputes involving distribution agreements, joint ventures, energy, construction, and investor-state arbitration.

In addition to his work as counsel, Mr. Mullins also serves as an arbitrator. He is a member of the Commercial Panel of Arbitrators for the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

Angela Romero-Valedón, Esq.

Angela Romero-Valedón. is Vice President of the Commercial Division at the American Arbitration Association (AAA), where she oversees business development across the Southeast Region—including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Based in Miami, she leads strategic outreach efforts and works closely with legal, business, and academic communities to promote the effective use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Contd.,

Since joining the AAA in 2016, Angela has developed a strong reputation for her leadership in arbitration and mediation services. A Florida-licensed attorney and former Florida Supreme Court certified circuit court mediator, she brings a broad legal perspective to her work in commercial dispute resolution.

Angela is a frequent speaker on ADR topics and has presented at legal conferences, bar associations, law schools, and business forums throughout the United States.