Mediators

Meet Our Florida Mediators

Neutral. Experienced. Focused on Resolution.

At Sunshine State Mediation, we believe the mediator you work with makes all the difference. That’s why every mediator on our team is selected for their legal experience, impartiality, and commitment to resolving disputes—not prolonging them.

Our team serves clients across the entire state of Florida through virtual and in-person mediation. Whether you’re involved in a personal injury, property, probate, HOA, or family law case, our mediators bring the clarity, neutrality, and structure needed to help both sides find resolution.

Meet Kayla A. Riera-Gomez

Owner & Founding Mediator

Florida Supreme Court Certified Appellate, Circuit Civil, County & Family Mediator

Kayla A. Riera-Gomez, Founder of Sunshine State Mediation

Kayla founded Sunshine State Mediation with a clear vision: to offer a better way to resolve legal disputes—one rooted in compassion, efficiency, and dignity for all parties.

With more than 15 years of legal experience, Kayla understands what it’s like to be in the courtroom—and why so many clients and attorneys want to avoid going back. That’s why she built a mediation practice that balances structure with empathy, professionalism with practicality, and neutrality with genuine care.

Kayla's diverse litigation experience includes defending businesses in catastrophic personal injury claims, representing businesses in procurement matters, family law matters, property disputes, business disputes and representation of children in personal injury cases.

Prior to practicing law, Kayla worked for nearly a decade at the Florida Legislature, with positions in the House and Senate, negotiating legislation on a variety of issues including medical malpractice, foster care, condominium and homeowners associations. Her experience provides a broad spectrum of knowledge which enhances her ability to navigate complex legal issues, foster productive dialogue, and help parties reach meaningful, lasting resolutions.

Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator (Appellate, Circuit Civil, County & Family)
Certified Mediator, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
Florida Bar, Admitted 2009
ADR/Arbitration Committee Vice Chair, Miami-Dade Bar Association
Judicial Liaison Committee Co-Chair, Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers
Traffic Court Rules Committee, Florida Bar
Member, Florida Association for Women Lawyers
Member, Broward County Bar
Past President, Coral Gables Bar Association
Past Board Member, Miami-Dade Bar Association
B.A. in English Literature Florida State University
J.D. Nova Southeastern University

Kayla’s Philosophy on Mediation

“Mediation is not about who’s right. It’s about finding a path forward that both parties can live with. My role is to guide that process with neutrality, focus, and respect.”

Jan L. Jacobowitz, Esq.

Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil & County Mediator | Legal Ethics Authority

Jan L. Jacobowitz, Certified Mediator and Legal Ethics Expert

Jan brings over 30 years of legal experience to her mediation practice, offering a calm, ethics-driven approach that supports resolution in even the most complex disputes. Her background includes roles as a legal aid attorney, personal injury lawyer, U.S. Dept. of Justice trial lawyer, commercial litigator, and in-house counsel for a large specialty insurance corporation.

A recognized leader in legal ethics, Jan has educated thousands of lawyers as a participant in nationwide CLE trainings, her many articles and as a lecturer and the former Director of the Professional Responsibility & Ethics Program at the University of Miami School of Law.

Her mediation style is professional, balanced, and especially effective in cases where trust, neutrality, and discretion are key.

Jan is available both in-person and statewide via Zoom.