About the Mediator
Nataliya Gamez
Overview
I am an experienced attorney-mediator and alternative dispute resolution professional with a diverse background in trial and transactional law. Before starting my full-time mediation practice, I honed my conflict resolution skills as a litigator representing both plaintiffs and defendants in thousands of civil matters. My litigation practice included all manners of disputes, including personal injury, employment, breach of contract, real estate, and insurance coverage matters.
During my time as a plaintiff's attorney, I represented injured parties all over Texas from initial client meetings through the appellate process. Handling a high-volume, multi-county docket that included everything from soft tissue to catastrophic injuries afforded me a "boots on the ground" type of privilege to really connect with a geographically and culturally diverse client base.
On the defense side, I learned the ins and outs of how insurance companies and corporations evaluate claims and lawsuits and refined my skills and knowledge as a litigator.
The transactional side of my practice included energy and real estate law. In the energy sector, I focused primarily on oil and gas title analysis and due diligence in connection with mergers and acquisitions. In the real estate sector, I represented commercial entities in various complex transactions across multiple states.
My unique blend of multi-jurisdictional and multi-industry experience allows me the opportunity and expertise to competently assist all parties in evaluating and resolving their disputes. I have worked for, with, and adverse to some of the best attorneys in Texas. And now I have the privilege of mediating their cases and the cases of dozens other skilled and passionate advocates. I pride myself on maintaining strong, positive, and respectful relationships in the legal industry, a long-term approach that has fostered trust and cooperation during the mediation process.
As an experienced trial lawyer, I've learned that success in the courtroom, even with a strong track record, comes with no guarantees. Jury trials are inherently unpredictable, more so in today's complex legal environment. Mediation presents a valuable alternative, offering litigants a chance to find common ground and mitigate the risks associated with jury trials. Mediation involves a neutral party skilled in dispute resolution, not to dictate the outcome but to facilitate constructive dialogue. This process enables each party to openly discuss their disputes, evaluate their case's strengths and weaknesses, and work towards a viable solution. The mediator's role is to guide the parties through various stages of negotiation, including joint and private sessions. If a settlement is reached, the mediator helps formalize the agreement. Crucially, the mediation process is confidential, safeguarded by law from disclosure in court.
I am committed to finding amicable solutions for all parties involved. I possess strong negotiation and mediation skills, allowing me to effectively facilitate productive discussions and guide parties toward mutually beneficial agreements. My ability to analyze complex legal issues enables me to provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the mediation process.
With my expertise in both litigation and transactional law, I am well-equipped to handle a wide range of civil disputes. I approach each case with empathy, impartiality, and a dedication to achieving fair and equitable resolutions. I thrive on helping parties navigate the complexities of their disputes and finding creative solutions to their legal challenges. Drawing upon my legal expertise, mediation skills, and a desire to genuinely understand the nature of the conflict I'm tasked with resolving, I strive to facilitate exceptional outcomes while assisting parties in reaching mutually beneficial agreements.
Education
I received my J. D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 2006 and my B.A. from the University of Houston Honors College, graduating summa cum laude with a major in Political Science and a minor in History.
Bar Admissions
Texas, 2007Oklahoma, 2015 (inactive)
Languages spoken
As a native of the Ukraine, I am fluent in Russian.
