Charles A. Buford

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Board-Certified Business Litigation and Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney | Certified Circuit Civil Mediator

Charles “Chuck” Buford is a dual Board-Certified civil trial and business litigation attorney and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator who has spent more than forty years helping clients resolve high stakes disputes in a practical and strategic manner. Known for his calm presence and deep experience across nearly every area of civil litigation, Chuck has guided businesses, individuals, and insurers through the types of conflicts that define careers and reshape companies.

Chuck began his practice as a litigator, trying cases in commercial, construction, real estate, professional liability, personal injury, and employment matters. His early trial experience shaped the way he approaches every dispute. He prepares thoroughly, understands the pressure points that influence decision-making, and never loses sight of the business realities that determine how and why cases resolve. As his litigation career grew, he became increasingly involved in mediation and recognized the critical role that a skilled neutral can play in avoiding the cost and risk of trial. He obtained his circuit civil mediation certification in 1998 and began developing what would become a core focus of his practice.

Since then, Chuck has successfully mediated more than 1,000 cases across Florida. His mediation work spans industries including real estate, construction, banking, employment, probate, and commercial litigation. He is known for his ability to bring highly adversarial parties together, identify the issues that truly matter, and keep negotiations moving when progress seems unlikely. Clients and counsel appreciate his direct communication style, patience, and determination to help parties find common ground.

Chuck continues to maintain a litigation practice that benefits from the insights he has gained as a mediator. He has represented individuals and consumers as well as local, national, and multinational businesses. His experience ranges from contract disputes resolved before filing suit to complex multi-party commercial cases litigated through trial and appeal. Whether acting as an advocate or a neutral, Chuck’s approach remains consistent. He works to help parties reach results that are fair, durable, and based on a clear understanding of risk.

Areas of Expertise in Mediation:

• Business & Commercial Litigation
• Real Estate & Construction Disputes
• Employment & Workplace Disputes
• Probate & Trust Litigation
• Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice
• Insurance & Professional Liability Claims
• All Types of Miscellaneous General Civil Litigation
• Contracts, Debts, Foreclosure, and More

Education

• University of Florida, J.D., 1980
• University of Florida, B.S.B.A. with Honors, 1977

Professional Credentials:

• Board-Certified in Business Litigation, The Florida Bar (since 1992)
• Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney, The Florida Bar (since 1992)
• Admitted to The Florida Bar – 1981
• Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator (Since 1998)
• Recognized Member, Florida Circuit-Civil Mediator Society

Representative Matters

• Mediated More Than 1,000 Civil Cases Since 1998. Successfully mediated disputes in business litigation, commercial matters, real estate, construction, employment, insurance, professional liability, and probate.
• Resolved High Stakes Business Survival Conflicts. Assisted companies facing existential threats arising from contract disputes, partner disagreements, and commercial litigation, guiding parties to outcomes that preserved the business and prevented costly trial exposure.
• Handled Complex Multi-Party Commercial and Construction Litigation. Represented contractors, developers, businesses, and individuals in disputes involving construction defects, delays, payment issues, and multi-party commercial conflicts.
• Litigated Significant Probate, Trust, and Employment Matters. Advocated for clients in disputes involving fiduciary duties, trust administration, workplace issues, and business governance.
• Advised Individuals, Businesses, and Insurers Across a Wide Spectrum of Civil Litigation. Guided clients ranging from consumers to multinational corporations through contract, tort, and regulatory disputes.

Community & Professional Organizations

• Florida Circuit Civil Mediator Society
  • Recognized Member
• American Bar Association, Litigation Section
  • Member
• The Florida Bar, Trial Lawyers Section
  • Member, 1981 – Present
• Ruth Eckerd Hall
  • Former Board Member
• Petersburg College Foundation
  • Former Board Member
• Clearwater Bar Association, Litigation Section
  • Member

Chuck’s extensive background in business litigation and dispute resolution makes him an ideal mediator for parties seeking an efficient, fair, and results-driven approach to conflict resolution.

To schedule a mediation session (via Zoom or in-person), contact Chuck today.

Outside the Office

Chuck enjoys time on the water and exploring Florida’s islands with his dog, Ziggie. His daughter often joins him with her own dog, and outings on the boat have become a favorite way for their family to unwind. He also enjoys golfing and making the most of life on the Gulf Coast.