Mediator Resume

Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, P.A. – Of Counsel

Attorney, Mediator, Arbitrator, Retired Trial & Appellate Judge

Of Counsel, Rodey Dickason Sloan Akin & Robb P.A., 2021-Present; Judge, State of New Mexico Court of Appeals, 2008-2020; Chief Judge, State of New Mexico Court of Appeals, 2017-2019; Judge, State of New Mexico Second Judicial District Court, 2004-2008; Attorney, Linda M. Vanzi Esq., 2001-2004; Attorney, Vanzi & Gagne P.C., 1998-2001; Attorney, Simon & Oppenheimer, 1997-1998; Law Clerk to the Honorable Edwin L. Mechem, United States District Judge, 1995-1997.

Over 25 years of experience in the law as a practicing attorney, trial judge, appellate judge, and teacher. Authored or participated in thousands of opinions in virtually all areas of civil, criminal, and administrative law, including statutory and constitutional law, civil rights, arbitration, contracts, labor and employment, insurance, business and commercial law, torts (including medical and other professional malpractice, negligence, and products liability), indemnification and contribution, family and probate law, wills and trusts, water and property law, foreclosure and redemption cases, class actions, construction, public utilities, tax, government, environmental matters, and workers’ compensation. As Chief Judge of the New Mexico Court of Appeals, managed and administered the court’s operations, including preparing the court’s budget and testifying before the state legislature in support. Presided over civil trial docket, encompassing the full complement of civil trial matters as well as direct appeals in administrative cases. Served as counsel in civil cases litigated at the trial level in the State of New Mexico District Courts and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, and at the appellate level in the New Mexico Court of Appeals, New Mexico Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, including cases involving labor and employment, contracts, and civil rights (including Titles VII and IX). Substantial experience in a variety of areas of employment law including disability, discrimination based on age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, FLSA, harassment, non-compete, retaliation, Title VII, wage and hour, and whistleblower claims. Prior to joining the bench, represented employees in both the public and private sector. Since leaving the bench, represent public and private sector employers. Appointed by the Federal District Court to serve as EEO Monitor for City of Belen Police Department from 2002-2004. As a trial and appellate judge, authored or participated in countless opinions dealing with employment matters including those listed above. Considerable experience in construction matters, including as a trial and appellate judge. Since leaving the bench, currently represent clients in construction-related matters.

Currently serving as a mediator in civil cases. Previously served as a volunteer mediator in civil cases during years as a trial judge and regularly consulted with the mediator on cases in the New Mexico Court of Appeals Mediation Program.

Probate, trust, employment, malpractice, personal injury, contracts.

Successful resolution of a legal dispute through mediation depends heavily on the willingness and ability of the parties and their counsel to enter into the mediation process in good faith; do the work necessary to prepare themselves and the mediator to engage in informed consideration and discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the claims and defenses; and assess their respective positions and demands realistically, in light of the relevant facts, law, and litigation risks. The parties are expected to provide the mediator with materials that will enable her to gain a clear understanding of their respective interests, concerns, and positions. After careful study of those materials (and independent analysis, as necessary), she uses an evaluative approach to identify and develop potential ways to facilitate a path to common ground and, hopefully, resolution of the dispute.

University of New Mexico School of Law (JD-1995); University of El Paso (Graduate work in Biology, 1986); Marymount College (BA-1977).

Admitted to the Bar: New Mexico (1995); US District Court: New Mexico; US Court of Appeals: 10th Circuit (1996); US Supreme Court (2022).

State Bar of New Mexico (Chair, Judiciary Budget Committee; Chair, Judicial Education, Training and Advisory Committee; Chair, Judicial Education Committee; Chair, Uniform Jury Instruction Committee; Chair, Client Protection Fund).

Teaching: Adjunct professor at University of New Mexico School of Law, teaching classes including State Constitutional Law, Federal Constitutional Law, Advanced Legal Writing, Civil Rights Litigation, Appellate Decision-making, and Evidence and Trial Practice (2001-Present); NITA teacher and team leader for national and in-house trial and deposition programs (2000-Present). Speaking Engagements: Over 100 speeches, CLEs, and other presentations to judges, lawyers, professional groups, civic organizations, and students on topics including civil rights, employment discrimination, professionalism, trial and appellate practice, discovery, and jury instructions. Publications: Authored several law review articles on various issues of state constitutional law.

Hourly Rate: $600.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $600.00/hr Cancellation: $750.00/Day Cancellation Period: 5 Days Comment: NM Gross Receipts Tax will be added to all invoices. For work requiring travel, related expenses will be charged, including fares/mileage and lodging. Mileage will not be charged for in-state travel of less than 50 miles.

English

United States of America

Albuquerque, New Mexico