Retired Circuit Court Judge Donald H. Mason brings more than 30 years of experience across the legal system, including judicial service, civil litigation, criminal prosecution, law enforcement, mediation, and arbitration.
Judge Mason served on the Circuit Court for Florida's 20th Judicial Circuit from September 2012 until his retirement in July 2023. During his judicial tenure, he presided over a broad range of matters, including civil litigation, criminal cases, family law, probate, guardianship, and domestic violence proceedings. He also served as Administrative Judge for Charlotte County, overseeing court operations, case management, and judicial administration.
Prior to his appointment to the bench by Governor Rick Scott, Judge Mason practiced law in Massachusetts and Florida, concentrating in civil litigation, personal injury, business and corporate law, land use and zoning matters, real estate, and maritime law. He later served as a felony prosecutor and Office Head of the Charlotte County State Attorney's Office, supervising prosecutors and staff while maintaining an active felony caseload.
Following his retirement from the judiciary, Judge Mason established Mason ADR Solutions and became certified as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator and Qualified Arbitrator. He is also certified as a General Civil Mediator under Rule 31 of the Tennessee Supreme Court and currently serves clients in both Florida and Tennessee.
Drawing on decades of courtroom and judicial experience, Judge Mason helps parties realistically evaluate risk, identify obstacles to resolution, and make informed decisions. He is known for his patience, professionalism, and practical approach to dispute resolution.
As an arbitrator, Judge Mason approaches every matter with the same discipline, preparation, and attention to detail that characterized his judicial service. His arbitration awards are thorough, well-reasoned, and clearly explain the basis for the decision, providing parties with confidence in both the process and the result.
Clients of Mason ADR Solutions can expect integrity, impartiality, and a commitment to ensuring that all parties are heard and treated with fairness and respect. Whether serving as a mediator or arbitrator, Judge Mason strives to provide an efficient, professional process that promotes meaningful resolution and lasting results.
Mediation and Arbitration Services
At Mason ADR Solutions, our mission is to help parties resolve disputes efficiently, professionally, and fairly. We provide attorneys and their clients with a practical alternative to the cost, uncertainty, and delay often associated with litigation.
Mediation is a confidential and flexible process designed to help parties reach a voluntary resolution of their dispute. Judge Mason facilitates productive discussions, encourages meaningful dialogue, and assists parties in evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of their respective positions.
While Judge Mason may offer observations and assist parties in evaluating risk and potential outcomes, all settlement decisions remain with the parties themselves. The mediation process preserves the parties' right to self-determination while providing a structured environment for informed decision-making.
Drawing upon more than thirty years of legal experience and over a decade on the bench, Judge Mason helps parties identify obstacles to resolution, narrow areas of disagreement, and explore practical solutions that address the interests of all involved. His experience as a Circuit Court Judge, Administrative Judge, prosecutor, civil litigator, and law enforcement officer provides a unique perspective that enables him to effectively assist parties in resolving even complex and challenging disputes.
When parties seek a reasoned resolution from a neutral decision-maker, arbitration offers an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation.
As an arbitrator, Judge Mason approaches every matter with the same discipline, preparation, and attention to detail that characterized his judicial service. He carefully evaluates the evidence, applicable law, and arguments presented before issuing a decision.
Judge Mason's arbitration awards are thorough, well-reasoned, and clearly explain the basis for the result, providing parties with a clear understanding not only of what was decided, but why. The clarity and reasoning reflected in his decisions are frequently recognized by counsel and parties as fair and balanced assessments of the issues presented. In many instances, his arbitration awards have provided a framework that helped facilitate settlement of remaining disputes and related claims.
Drawing on his experience as both a Circuit Court Judge and Administrative Judge, Judge Mason manages arbitration proceedings efficiently and professionally, minimizing unnecessary delay and expense while ensuring that all parties have a full and fair opportunity to be heard.
Whether serving as a mediator or arbitrator, Judge Mason is committed to providing a professional, impartial, and respectful process that promotes meaningful resolution and lasting results. Clients of Mason ADR Solutions can expect integrity, fairness, thoughtful decision-making, and a commitment to ensuring that every party is heard and treated with respect throughout the dispute resolution process.
Selecting the right mediator or arbitrator can significantly impact the outcome of a dispute. Attorneys and parties choose Judge Mason because he combines extensive judicial experience, practical case evaluation, efficient case management, and thoughtful decision-making to help parties resolve disputes fairly and effectively.
As a former Circuit Court Judge and Administrative Judge with more than thirty years of legal experience, Judge Mason brings a unique perspective to every matter. His background includes judicial service, civil litigation, criminal prosecution, law enforcement, mediation, and arbitration, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of both the legal and practical issues that drive disputes.
Attorneys value Judge Mason's ability to realistically evaluate risk, identify obstacles to resolution, and assist parties in making informed decisions. Whether serving as a mediator or arbitrator, he is known for his professionalism, patience, preparation, and commitment to ensuring that all parties are heard and treated with fairness and respect.
Judge Mason has successfully mediated and arbitrated disputes involving:
Judge Mason's approach has been recognized by attorneys and parties for its fairness, professionalism, and practicality. His arbitration decisions are frequently viewed as thoughtful and balanced assessments of the issues presented, and in many instances have provided a framework that helped facilitate settlement of remaining disputes and related claims.