Mediator Resume

Experienced legal advisor in complex civil litigation with emphasis on legal analysis for mediation and arbitration proceedings and trial and appellate strategies. Twenty-one years’ experience as an appellate justice, including six years as chief justice, on Texas Fourth Court of Appeals presiding over thousands of appellate cases in a wide variety of civil and criminal matters. Ten years’ experience as an arbitrator and mediator.

Langley & Banack, Inc.

Attorney, Arbitrator, Mediator, Chief Justice/Justice (retired)

Attorney/ADR Provider/Chair of Appellate Practice Group/Chair of Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group/Member of the firm Management Committee, Langley & Banack Inc., 2015 - Present; Chief Justice (2009 - 2014)/Justice (1994 - 2008)/ADR Coordinating Justice (2003 - 2008), Fourth Court of Appeals State of Texas, 1994 - 2014; Chair, Texas Council of Chief Justices, 2012 - 2013; Five-member Texas Multi-District Litigation Panel, 2007 - 2014; Law Offices of Catherine M. Stone, 1991 - 1994; Watkins Mireles Brock & Barrientos PC, 1983 - 1991; Briefing Attorney, Justice James Baskin and Justice Pete Tijerina Fourth Court of Appeals, 1982 - 1982.

More than two decades of experience as a neutral/impartial judge reviewing and resolving appeals in complex criminal and civil matters, ranging from capital crimes to multi-million dollar awards in diverse areas of law such as: construction and finance litigation; oil and gas contract and ownership disputes; water rights disputes; product liability injury claims; professional negligence claims; governmental liability and immunity cases; probate and wills disputes, including multi-generational claims; intellectual property disputes; labor and employment claims; trucking and other vehicular liability claims; general real estate disputes; complex real estate development claims; and fiduciary liability claims. Many cases involved complex procedural issues in addition to the issues of substantive law, such as application of state and federal arbitration rules and case law. Authored nearly 3000 written opinions in these areas of law and participated in more than 3000 additional case dispositions as a panel member. Currently maintains active appellate, arbitration, and mediation practices throughout Texas and engages in trial court litigation support practice and appellate and litigation evaluation and consultation. Previously provided full litigation and appellate services in a personal injury boutique firm.

Served as a mediator in approximately 130 matters in the last 10 years ranging from large property and commercial disputes to both large and small tort claims. Experienced in conducting mediations on virtual platforms such as Zoom.

Fraud in real estate transactions; commercial real estate disputes; property disputes, including oil and gas issues; equitable division of property and other assets upon dissolution of high asset marriages, partnerships, or division of church communities; personal injury claims from vehicular or on-the-job accidents or premises liability; and commercial disputes involving breach of fiduciary duties or professional negligence.

As a mediator I facilitate honest evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the parties’ arguments, seek solutions that eliminate subjective or emotional impediments to the mediation process, and focus on practical resolution of the dispute. I request brief pre-mediation position statements and review all documents provided and relevant case law. I generally speak briefly with each lead counsel the day prior to the mediation to obtain additional insights.

Able to conduct hearings virtually and review all filings and exhibits electronically; familiar with Zoom, LoopUp, GoToMeetings, etc.

St. Mary's University School of Law (JD - 1982); Assumption College (BA, magna cum laude - 1976).

Admitted to the Bar: Texas (1982). Board Certified, Texas Civil Appellate Law (1987 - Present).

American Bar Association, National Association of Women Judges (past), National Council of Chief Judges (past), Texas Bar Association, San Antonio Bar Association, Bexar County Women's Bar Association, Texas Bar Foundation, San Antonio Bar Foundation.

Selected Recent Publications: Author, The Dual Role of a Chief Justice, 45 St. Mary's L.J. 553 (2014) Author, Fourth Court Update, San Antonio Lawyer Magazine (2003-2010) Selected Recent Speaking Engagements: Speaker, Texas Trial Lawyers Association Mid-Year Conference, Navigating Arbitration (2018) Speaker, St. Mary's University School of Law, The Scholar Law Journal, Minority Issues in the Law (2014) Faculty Member, Texas Center for the Judiciary College for New Judges, Effective Time Management and Use of Legal Staff (2008-2014) Faculty Member, South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class, Appellate ADR Procedures (2008, 2009) Faculty Member, Leadership San Antonio, Lessons on Leadership (2009) Speaker, Harvard Business School Alumni Club, Texas Judicial System and Fourth Court Overview (2009).

Arbitrations will generally be conducted virtually and no travel charges will be incurred for virtual proceedings. Travel expenses within Bexar County will not be charged.

Hourly Rate: $650.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $650.00/hr Cancellation: $350.00/Day Cancellation Period: 2 Days Comment: Hourly fee estimate is 6 hours for half-day (4 hours of mediation and 2 hours of study time); payment to be split equally among parties unless otherwise agreed. Hourly fee estimate is 10 hours for full-day (8 hours of mediation and 2 hours of study time); payment to be split equally among parties unless otherwise agreed. Additional study time will be billed at $650 per hour, payment to be split equally among parties unless otherwise agreed. Will charge for out of pocket expenses related to travel. PLEASE NOTE: MEDIATIONS ARE TO BE CONDUCTED REMOTELY FROM MAY THROUGH OCTOBER. Cancellation flat fee of $350 if canceled within 2 days of the scheduled mediation date.

English

United States of America

San Antonio, Texas