Ms. Sands has been litigating or mediating cases since 1983. She is a former managing partner with her father, Larry Sands, in the civil litigation firm of Sands, White & Sands, PA. Since 2001, she has mediated a broad range of civil disputes, including but not limited to Employment Disputes, FLSA, Discrimination, Whistleblower, FCA, SLAPP, First and Third Party Insurance Disputes, Bad Faith, FDUTPA, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Breach of Contract, Commercial Disputes, Medical and Professional Negligence, Products Liability, Trusts and Estates, Construction, Real Property, and HOA Homeowner and/or Developer Disputes. Her experience includes complex, multi-party litigation, including Multi-District Litigation, and Class Action Disputes. She has worked with clients with local, national and international interests.


She is currently a Principal in the ADR Firm of Upchurch Watson White & Max. She has a B.A. from University of Pennsylvania, cum laude, (1980) and a J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law (1983). She’s certified by Florida’s Supreme Court as a Civil Circuit Court Mediator and Appellate Mediator; approved Appellate Mediator by the Fifth District Court of Appeal, State of Florida; and certified as a mediator in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. Among other associations, she is a Member of the Windstorm Insurance Network, the Florida Justice Association, and The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. She is a frequent lecturer and consultant on issues relevant to Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Arbitration, Civil Litigation, and Effective Negotiation. Her clients have described her as exceptionally informed, prepared, persistent, insightful, and creative in identifying the issues and opportunities for a successful resolution of even the most difficult or complex claims and clients.


Ms. Sands has provided ADR services throughout Florida and the Southeast United States. She is available for mediation in most Florida locations. Additional travel expenses may apply to locations in the Florida Panhandle and the greater Naples and Fort Myers area or outside Florida; call Cathy McCleary at 1-800-863-1462, or email cmccleary@uww-adr.com for scheduling and rates.