Mediator Resume

Experienced litigator representing plaintiffs and defendants in a broad array of complex litigation, contractual disputes, class actions, statutory claims and commercial torts, with significant experience in healthcare, entertainment, insurance, manufacturing and distribution.

Burgess Dispute Solutions, LLC - Arbitrator and Mediator Loyola Law School - Adjunct Professor

Trial Lawyer, Arbitrator, Mediator, Adjunct Law Professor, Strategic Advisor, Judge Pro Tem

Arbitrator and Mediator, Burgess Dispute Solutions, LLC, 2022-Present; Adjunct Professor, Loyola Law School, 2023-Present; Special Counsel/Partner/Associate, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, 1995-2023; Associate, Graham & James, 1990-1995; Law Clerk, Pettit & Martin, 1987-1988); Legislative Assistant, US Congress, 1985-1987.

HEALTHCARE Lead trial counsel and advisor for numerous IPAs, MSOs, hospitals, medical labs, medical device manufacturers, pharmacy providers, physicians, medical groups, medical testing companies, surgery centers, and revenue cycle management companies, among others, in a wide variety of disputes involving breach of contract, ownership and shareholder disputes, physician services agreements, managed care, regulatory issues, medical necessity, employment discrimination and retaliation, and billing and coding disputes. Represented large IPA sued under the Voidable Transactions Act after its purchase of a large medical group. ENTERTAINMENT Lead trial counsel for major film studios, television broadcasters, production companies, directors, toy manufacturers; online video game producers, art owners and internet companies in significant litigation involving major motion pictures, cable affiliation agreements, production technology, production agreements, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks, director’s rights, advertising agreements, and ADA claims. INSURANCE Lead trial counsel and counsel in hundreds of insurance bad faith cases involving claims denials, wrongful cancellation, claims handling, and reserving impacts on premiums and dividends. Trial counsel on $1.2 billion certified class action alleging “over-reserving” impact on premiums. DISTRIBUTION Represented manufacturers, franchisors, and distributors in a variety of industries, including fast-food, beverage, lead acid batteries, ultrasound equipment, electronic components, and plastics in a variety of disputes involving contract termination, product defect, breach of warranty, fraud, and violation of various statutes including the New Motor Vehicle Distributor Act and the New Jersey Sales Representative Act, among others. OTHER Represented major retailer sued in a class action for allegedly collecting improper sales tax reimbursements; national hotel developer and operator in a dispute concerning the development of multiple hotels; investors in restaurant owned by well-known celebrity chef concerning joint ownership and lease of the restaurant; art recovery lawsuits for individuals; ground-breaking trademark case by a customer service software company; and, a copyright dispute against a website. Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated; Southern California Super Lawyer (2011-2024); Former President and Board Member of the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. Numerous awards for community and pro bono service.

Mediated hundreds of cases involving insurance bad faith, healthcare, ownership disputes, copyright, trademark, trade secret, real estate, asset purchase agreements, collections, fast-food franchisee dispute, product defect, software, film production, employment retaliation and discrimination, ADA and breach of contract. Mediator in over 30 mediations for the LA Superior Court and the Central District of California involving personal injury, ADA, breach of contract, insurance and TCPA claims.

I work with each lawyer to understand and implement a resolution strategy that both meets their goals and is achievable. I provide honest feedback while acknowledging the emotional, reputational, relational, business, and other factors that impact a case evaluation in addition to the merits. If appropriate, I help parties navigate the grieving process to reach a favorable outcome.

Handled and participated in several arbitrations and mediations using Zoom, and familiar with other platforms (LoopUp, GoTo Meeting, Microsoft Teams). Litigated ESI issues including appropriate search terms, metadata preservation and independent forensic review. Successfully completed Clearbrief Academy, May 2025.

University of Southern California Gould School of Law (JD, Order of the Coif - 1990); Claremont McKenna College (BA, Philosophy and Political Science, Philosophy Department Award - 1984).

Admitted to the Bar: California (1990), District of Columbia (2021); US District Courts: Central (1990), Northern (1991), Eastern (1991) and Southern (1992) Districts of California, District of Columbia (2021); US Court of Appeal: Ninth (1990) and DC (2021) Circuits; US Supreme Court (2021).

American Bar Association (Dispute Resolution and Litigation Sections); DC Bar Association; LA County Bar Association; Century City Bar Association.

Los Angeles, CA

Hourly Rate: Not provided Daily Rate: $5,000.00 Study Rate: $500.00/hr Cancellation: $2,500.00/Day Cancellation Period: 14 Days Comment: Compensation rates, established by the AAA, are set forth in the applicable Consumer Mediation Procedures.

English

United States of America

Los Angeles, California