Mediator Resume

Highly experienced civil litigator, mediator and arbitrator with over 20 years of experience in handling complex and high-conflict personal injury cases, professional negligence disputes, administrative law hearings and healthcare law cases. Proficient in handling complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries, birth injuries, and abuse and neglect cases. Rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell in the areas of litigation, medical malpractice, and insurance.

Blazich Law Group, LLC dba Medical Malpractice Mediators – President, Mediator and Arbitrator

Attorney, Mediator, Arbitrator, Consultant, Educator

Arbitrator/Mediator, Medical Malpractice Mediators, 2023-Present; Attorney, Blazich Law Group, LLC, 2023-Present; Attorney/Partner, Claggett & Sykes Law Firm, 2020-2023; Attorney/Partner, Alverson, Taylor, Mortensen & Sanders, 2003-2020.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE/ PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY/ HEALTHCARE LAW: Extensive experience in all phases of pre-litigation, litigation, and appeal in representing both plaintiffs and defendants in medical malpractice/ professional negligence cases and nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Experience includes preparation of pleadings; motions; written discovery; depositions of witnesses, healthcare providers, and expert witnesses; medical record review and analysis; court hearings and oral argument; settlement and verdict range analysis; settlement negotiations; compliance with applicable statutory and administrative laws and regulations; and liability evaluation through to resolution/mediation or arbitration/trial. Experience representing plaintiffs, physicians, nurses, hospitals, clinics, and physician groups. Additional experience representing nurses and physicians with Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners and Nursing Board complaints, as well as with credentialing and re-credentialing issues and Fair Hearings held by health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations. EMPLOYMENT LAW: All phases of pre-litigation, litigation and appeal. Pre-litigation practice included representing clients in Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claims, responding to Charges of Discrimination, preparing Responsive Position Statements, preparation of witnesses for interviews with EEOC Investigators, negotiating during EEOC mediations, and evaluating liability and case value. Litigation practice included representing clients in Federal District Court, conducting discovery, performing all motion practice, appearing for court ordered Early Neutral Evaluations (ENE’s), preparation of witnesses for testimony, evaluating liability and case value, handling disputes subject to collective bargaining agreements and conducting educational seminars to human resources departments to ensure compliance with employment laws. CIVIL LITIGATION/ TRANSACTIONAL: All phases of pre-litigation, litigation and appeal in both State and Federal Court in Nevada. Scope of work included representation of plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving real estate disputes, personal injury matters, contract disputes, and business litigation. Experience with contract drafting, execution and negotiation; advising clients on contractual issues and potential liability exposure; interpretation of available insurance coverage in multi-policy, co-insurance and excess insurance situations; and ensuring that contract terms comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Active full-time private mediator on a wide variety of legal issues. Specializing in multi-party disputes and complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims. Over 20 years of experience litigating personal injury cases on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. Offering services throughout the United States. Court appointed Judge Pro Tempore. Court-appointed Arbitrator and Foreclosure Mediator. Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Nevada for 2023/2024. Volunteer Mediator for Neighborhood Justice Center.

Professional liability/medical malpractice, healthcare law, administrative law, personal injury.

I believe in asking questions and gathering as much information about a case as possible prior to the mediation. I request confidential briefs from the parties with practical details about a case including the procedural history, potential appellate issues, discovery status, including any remaining discovery to be completed, cost and fee estimates through trial, the history of prior settlement negotiations and any perceived obstacles to settlement. I believe in working together with the parties to identify and reality test settlement solutions and options in an effort to minimize risk and provide the parties with cost-effective alternatives to litigation.

Willing to conduct arbitration hearings and mediations using on-line platforms such as Zoom. Willing to conduct in person, remote and hybrid arbitration hearings and mediations. Willing to receive all submissions and evidence in electronic format and/or paper submissions.

Loyola Law School (JD-2003); Loyola Marymount University (BA, Psychology and Philosophy -1999).

Admitted to the Bar: Nevada (2003); U.S. District Court: District of Nevada (2004); U.S. Court of Appeals: Ninth Circuit (2016).

State Bar of Nevada; Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the Nevada Bar; Nevada Justice Association.

Speaking Engagements: September 21, 2023 – Fall, 2022- Spring, 2023 – Teaching a series of 7 continuing education classes for the State Bar of Nevada entitled “Litigation Skills Academy”; June 21-23, 2023 – Presentation on “I Object!” evidentiary objections during trial, State Bar of Nevada 2023 Annual Meeting, New York, NY; December 5, 2022 – Presentation on “Deposition Fundamentals” sponsored by the State Bar of Nevada continuing legal education department; September 10, 2019 – Presented at the RIMS Western Regional Conference on “Putting Your Best Foot Forward as an Organization” when dealing with the insurance and underwriting process; June 18, 2019 – Presentation to Nevada Chapter of RIMS on “The Hot Seat: NRCP 30(b)(6) Depositions”; November 15, 2017 – Presented to the Las Vegas Insurance Professionals on Catastrophic Consequences following Spoliation of Evidence”; October, 2017 – Presented “From Documentation to Deposition” at St. Rose Dominican Hospital to nursing staff.

Hourly Rate: Not provided Daily Rate: $7,000.00 Study Rate: Not provided Cancellation: Not provided Cancellation Period: 14 Days Comment: Half day mediations are available for $2,500.

Croatian; English; Serbian

United States of America

Las Vegas, Nevada