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Business Profile

Mediation Services

The Zion Firm

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Mediation Services.

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 2 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 0 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:11/21/2023

    Type:Customer Service Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    **** **** I paid *** ******* ****** to mediate/represent me in helping me get my correct years of service with the school board. I also gave him check stubs along with letters from the principal stating I workd at that particular school at that time, as proof. Instead of mediating on my behalf, he gave the information to the s school board. I always called or texted him concerning my case. He never had any info to share with me. I asked him several times "Are you representing me or the school board?" He never responded. It's been over a year. He did absolutely NOTHING to help me. I do not understand why he think he should keep my money. My situation is still unsolved. He does not answer my calls nor text messages.
    I have documents of the payment. I'm 67 yrs old. I'm not good with technology.
    I'm not sure if I want to submit my complaint to the news media..

    Business Response

    Date: 12/15/2023

    From: **************************************** href="mailto:**********************">**********************>
    Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2023 9:08 PM
    To: ********************* <
    ************************************>
    Subject: Update on our BBB Profile

     

    Good Afternoon,

     

    As it is known that we must answer every concern complaint, via the portal, thus the last complaint filed upon our profile, We never had a chance to file a response due to, being in the hospital, therefore please can you allow me to address the last complaint, **************** matter was addressed with the Alachua ******************** for which this office facilitated a this matter and pursuant the terms of a confidential disclosure by this ****************** we were bound to not address certain issues and concern of ****************.

     

    Please allow office to address her concerns. We have set up a meeting with Alachua ************* ************ and Inclusion Director to discuss and address her concerns, after this meet this office has been Reframed from any contact to any files or documents addressed by the ****************.

     

    This is a Government Entity for which the does not comply to the same standards of Public entity.  Therefore, please remove complaint until this matter is resolve with the government entity of Alachua County, **.

     

     

    Respectfully, 

     

    ******************************** Ph.D

    Senior Conflict Consultant 

    Zion & Company LLC

    Mediation | Arbitration | Consulting 

    Web: zionfirm.com


    ******* 

    *********************** Suite F 

    ***********, ** 32607

    Phone: ************


    ***** Office

    ******** Tower, 41st Floor

    *****************************************************

    *******, ** 77056

    Phone: ************

    Customer Answer

    Date: 12/19/2023

    [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

     Complaint: 20899110

    I am rejecting this response because:

    Regards,

    ******************************************

    Customer Answer

    Date: 12/19/2023

    I am rejecting this response b/c Dec. 14th after Speaking with ****************. I texted **************** & told him my complaint against him will be publicized within 24/48 hrs due to my case being closed b/c he did not respond. And that I would stop it if he agree to hive me my money because he did nothing to earn my money, let alone keep it. **************** did not respond to my text at all. Another example of hom not communicating with me. I feel as though **************** doesn't take me serious b/c I'm a retired paraprofessional. I paid **************** to mediate on my behalf. Why am I just hearing about this private meeting he supposedly had. **************** has not communicated with me at all throughout this year long process.  I hired him November of 2022. This is the most communication we have had, since I've been trying to get my money in over a year.  I  gave him an opportunity for  me to not go public with my complaint.  He chosed not to respond!

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:11/13/2023

    Type:Order Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    August 21, **** and September 8, **** are the dates of the 2 transactions on my ******** card the first being for 1000.00 and the second for 750.00

    The first thing Dr. ****** told me he was going to do was file a motion to vacate a judgement that I have against me and also negotiate the 22,000.00 dollar judgement to around 5000.00 as in his experience and expertise he could get very close to that number.

    He did neither and lied about it throughout numerous phone calls and e-mails and it honestly feels like this was planned deceit from the get go

    Finally November 3, **** everything came to a head after about a month of chasing after him by phone (because not once did he ever call me back when promised as he already had my money in his pocket) he called me to conference me in with an attorney and after placing me on hold only the 2nd person I ever spoke with at this company a Dr ***** came on the phone and told me Dr ****** did not want to speak with me anymore. I told him what was going on and he listened and told me he was going to review everything and get back with me the following Monday. Monday comes around and I don’t get a call from Dr ***** so when I tried to call I find out they somehow blocked my number and I cannot call them.

    This is planned deceit and the contract I had to sign for them to represent me legally gives them the right to legally steal from me I’m sure. I have emails that I can forward to you just let me know where to send them if needed. Can you help?

    Business Response

    Date: 11/27/2023

    In the matter of - ****** ***** c/o ****** DEVELOPMENT vs ****** ********** Case #: ****– CC-*****- ***** **** County,
    Mr. ********** rented an apartment where he failed to pay rent and or comply with the lease agreement for more than 8 months owing more than $20,000.00 in rent to an apartment complex. The plaintiff filed a claim and obtained a Judgement against Mr ********** for not only failing to pay rent and Theft of Housing, but also trying to avoid a court action.  
    Mr. ********** retained this office to MEDIATE, this matter and to assist him in finding a settlement or a resolution that would satisfy all parties.
    In retaining this office, our intake process allows each party to discuss all conflict issues to be address and it is crucial to be open and honest during the mediation sessions, as this will foster trust and enable all parties to work towards a fair and just resolution.
    In contrast, Mr. **********'s approach to the mediation process was not a genuine desire to rectify the situation or to make amends for his actions, but otherwise he continues to defraud the Plaintiff.
    In defining Mediation under FL Statute ******* and under the Florida Supreme Court, this is a process that aims to facilitate open communication, understanding, and ultimately, finding a mutually agreeable solution. It provides a safe and neutral and confidental space for all parties involved to express their concerns, interests, and perspectives.

    Each mediator of this office, acting as a NEUTRAL PARTY MEANING WE DON’T REPRESENT ANYONE PERSON or PARTY, regardless of who pays the retainer.

    In the event of this matter, Mediation was set, and all parties signed a Notice to Mediation which effectively defines the process of this office. The attendees to this mediation were, Plaintiff and his 2 Florida licensed attorneys, Defendant Mr. **********, Mediator **** ** ********** and Dr. ****** as the Co-Mediator of this matter.

    After 3 hours of discussion and exploring solutions to this Theft of Housing and Judgement against and committed by Mr. **********. Mr. ********** was very dishonest and got very disrepectful to all parties in this confidential conference. In result the opposing atty's demanded payment in full and they communiacted that will not withdraw the current Judgement upon Mr. **********. Then two of the licensed attorneys informed Mr. ********** that a Judgement will last 20 years on his record unless a settlement is agreed by all parties. (Other details were discussed, but Pursuant to * ****** ***** Section *** of The Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of **** (ADRA) prohibits the mediator and the parties from any voluntary or compelled disclosure of mediation communications in any type of case or proceeding, with certain exceptions. For Mr. ********** has violated the ******* and State ***** of ***** *********)

    Under the Florida Statute *******, Mediators are defined as Neutral and are immune from any civil liability for they stand in the same effect as a Judge or a ******** *******. 

    It is also important to remember that mediation is not about assigning blame or punishment. Rather, it is about finding common ground and exploring creative solutions that meet the needs and interests of all parties involved. This may require compromise, flexibility, and a willingness to listen and understand the perspectives of others. Mr. ********** was not only witness by 3 other Attorneys to who have more than 20 years of experience of his behavior. But he fails to understand the process of mediation. The most important element here, NO party is obligated to participate in mediation, thus all opposing parties welcomed the option of mediation to find a free voluntary agreement that will assist everyone and it was acknowledged that all fees paid to this office were NON- REFUNDABLE by all parties. 
    I want to assure BBB and all our Clients that this office follows the law and every client that we assist truly understands what Mediation or Arbitration is while we stand by the rule of impartiality and fairness. zion & Company LLC works very diligently to create an environment where all parties feel heard and respected.
    Zion & Company LLC is and will always be NEUTRALS, especially in a situation like this. This was the greatest reason why this office assures that not only one licensed professional but 3 licensed attorneys were present to assist Mr. ********** to find a resolution that is acceptable to everyone involved, while also addressing the concerns and interests of each party.

    In addressing, discontinued communications to this office, after mediation was completed and an IMPASE was filed in the COURT. Mr. ********** continued to harass this office by calling multiple times until our phone system blocked all calls from his #, especially after this Mr. ********** used extreme profanity to one of our receptionists. In result it is our corporate protocol to report these action to the court and act to protect our employees from  his harassment. 
    In conclusion, we thank you Mr. ********** for your concerned response, on the other hand as we have advised you before. Please seek legal advice, and we wish you well in all your future endeavors. 

    Business Response

    Date: 11/28/2023

    In the matter of - ****** ***** c/o ****** DEVELOPMENT vs ****** ********** Case #: ****– CC-*****- ***** **** County,
    Mr. ********** rented an apartment where he failed to pay rent and or comply with the lease agreement for more than 8 months owing more than $20,000.00 in rent to an apartment complex. The plaintiff filed a claim and obtained a Judgement against Mr ********** for not only failing to pay rent and Theft of Housing, but also trying to avoid a court action.  

    Mr. ********** retained this office to MEDIATE, this matter and to assist him in finding a settlement or a resolution that would satisfy all parties.
    In retaining this office, our intake process allows each party to discuss all conflict issues to be address and it is crucial to be open and honest during the mediation sessions, as this will foster trust and enable all parties to work towards a fair and just resolution. In contrast, Mr. **********'s approach to the mediation process was not a genuine desire to rectify the situation or to make amends for his actions, but otherwise he continues to defraud the Plaintiff.

    In defining Mediation under FL Statute ******* and under the Florida Supreme Court, this is a process that aims to facilitate open communication, understanding, and ultimately, finding a mutually agreeable solution. It provides a safe and neutral and confidental space for all parties involved to express their concerns, interests, and perspectives.

    Each mediator of this office, acting as a NEUTRAL PARTY MEANING WE DON’T REPRESENT ANYONE PERSON or PARTY, regardless of who pays the retainer.

    In the event of this matter, Mediation was set, and all parties signed a Notice to Mediation which effectively defines the process of this office. The attendees to this mediation were, Plaintiff and his 2 Florida licensed attorneys, Defendant Mr. **********, Mediator **** ** ********** and Dr. ****** as the Co-Mediator of this matter.

    After 3 hours of discussion and exploring solutions to this Theft of Housing and Judgement against and committed by Mr. **********. Mr. ********** was very dishonest and got very disrepectful to all parties in this confidential conference. In result the opposing atty's demanded payment in full and they communiacted that will not withdraw the current Judgement upon Mr. **********. Then two of the licensed attorneys informed Mr. ********** that a Judgement will last 20 years on his record unless a settlement is agreed by all parties. (Other details were discussed, but Pursuant to * ****** ***** Section *** of The Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of **** (ADRA) prohibits the mediator and the parties from any voluntary or compelled disclosure of mediation communications in any type of case or proceeding, with certain exceptions. For Mr. ********** has violated the ******* and State ***** of ***** *********)

    Under the Florida Statute *******, Mediators are defined as Neutral and are immune from any civil liability for they stand in the same effect as a Judge or a ******** *******. 

    It is also important to remember that mediation is not about assigning blame or punishment. Rather, it is about finding common ground and exploring creative solutions that meet the needs and interests of all parties involved. This may require compromise, flexibility, and a willingness to listen and understand the perspectives of others. Mr. ********** was not only witness by 3 other Attorneys to who have more than 20 years of experience of his behavior. But he fails to understand the process of mediation. The most important element here, NO party is obligated to participate in mediation, thus all opposing parties welcomed the option of mediation to find a free voluntary agreement that will assist everyone and it was acknowledged that all fees paid to this office were NON- REFUNDABLE by all parties. 


    I want to assure BBB and all our Clients that this office follows the law and every client that we assist truly understands what Mediation or Arbitration is while we stand by the rule of impartiality and fairness. zion & Company LLC works very diligently to create an environment where all parties feel heard and respected.


    Zion & Company LLC is and will always be NEUTRALS, especially in a situation like this. This was the greatest reason why this office assures that not only one licensed professional but 3 licensed attorneys were present to assist Mr. ********** to find a resolution that is acceptable to everyone involved, while also addressing the concerns and interests of each party.

    In addressing, Mr. ********** discontinued communications to this office, after mediation was completed and an IMPASE was filed in the ***** **** County Civil Court. Mr. ********** continued to harass this office by calling multiple times until our phone system blocked all calls from his #, especially after Mr. ********** used extreme profanity to one of our receptionists. In result it is our corporate protocol to report these actions to the court and act with direct precaution in protecting our employees from his harassment. 


    In conclusion, we thank you Mr. ********** for your concerned response, on the other hand as we have advised you before. Please seek legal advice, and we wish you well in all your future endeavors. 

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