A dedicated advocate for the marine and maritime industry, Jo Colbert Stanley, is a seasoned attorney, accomplished arbitrator/mediator, and intrepid maritime affairs consultant. Jo holds a Diploma in International Maritime Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, where she is a Fellow. She is a Florida Supreme Court-qualified arbitrator and certified mediator and serves on multiple arbitration panels, including the International Yacht Arbitration Council, the American Arbitration Association, and as a Chair-qualified Public Arbitrator with FINRA. Jo is also a Registered Mediator for Florida’s Department of Financial Services, where she handles an extensive caseload of property insurance matters.
Jo is an active voice in the legal and boating communities, globally, nationally, and locally. Recognized for her insightful approach to collaborative growth, creative problem-solving and risk management, Jo serves on the Broward County Marine Advisory Committee and is co-chair of WISTA International’s Yachting Committee. She is a member of the Admiralty Law Committee of The Florida Bar and is currently serving her third term as Chair of Broward County Bar Association’s Admiralty/Maritime Law Section. Jo is also an enthusiastic and engaged member of the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute, the Port Everglades Association, and the Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club.
In addition to her professional roles, Jo regularly presents on maritime law and dispute resolution, contributing to continuing legal education seminars, conferences, and publications. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University, aligning her academic pursuits with her professional focus on conflict management within the maritime industry. Outside of her legal and academic work, Jo co-owns and operates Stanley Yacht Services, a yacht management and maintenance outfit in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she channels her dedication to the yachting industry into hands-on support for yacht owners and seafarers alike.