F. Shields McManus

Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit, County & Family Mediator

Mediator • Arbitrator • Special Magistrate

Martin County, Florida | Serving South Florida and Statewide
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F. Shields McManus is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit, County, and Family Mediator based in Martin County, Florida. Shields frequently mediates disputes in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Palm Beach Counties, and also serves as an arbitrator and special magistrate in civil matters.

A former Florida Circuit Court Judge and civil trial attorney with more than 40 years of courtroom experience, Mr. McManus brings judicial insight, trial experience, and practical legal judgment to the mediation and arbitration process.

After retiring from the circuit court bench, he transitioned into alternative dispute resolution to help parties resolve legal conflicts efficiently while avoiding the cost and uncertainty of prolonged litigation.

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Mediation Philosophy

Mr. McManus believes mediation provides a constructive and efficient path to settlement.
Clients frequently turn to mediation to resolve:
- Financial disputes
- Personal injury claims
- Business conflicts
- Family law matters

Drawing on decades of experience as both a trial lawyer and judge, he approaches mediation with balanced judgment, practical insight, and a steady courtroom-tested perspective.

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Professional Background

Before becoming a mediator, Mr. McManus spent three decades practicing as a civil trial attorney before serving ten years as a Florida Circuit Court Judge.

During his judicial service he presided over civil and family matters in:
- Martin County
- Okeechobee County
- St. Lucie County

Over the course of his legal career he has tried more than 100 jury trials and handled complex matters involving:
- Civil litigation
- Personal injury claims
- Medical malpractice
- Condominium and homeowner association disputes
- Complex financial litigation
- Divorce, custody, and support cases

He was also among the first attorneys on Florida’s Treasure Coast to represent condominium and homeowner associations in developer turnover litigation.

Shields mediates and arbitrates disputes involving: