L. Craig Nierman

L. Craig Nierman

319.354.1104

319.354.6962 f

nierman@phelantuckerlaw.com

Tammy Swart, Legal Assistant

swart@phelantuckerlaw.com

Craig Nierman helps attorneys and their clients win without the uncertainty of trial through mediating and arbitrating insurance, tort, commercial, and healthcare cases.

Engagement

Craig comes in with a deep understanding of the facts and law. His demeanor is engaging, yet firm and fair.

In the mediation context, he builds and maintains trust throughout the day and is not afraid to respectfully push back when warranted. Here is what people are saying:

• Mr. Nierman does an extraordinary job…Based off of my experience with working with Mr. Nierman during these mediations, he is right up there with the best of the best.
  – Illinois Attorney
• I found Mr. Nierman to be fair, impartial, and to take the time necessary to work with parties and facilitate resolution.
  – Kansas City Attorney
• He does not quit. One of the best I have ever worked with.
  – Iowa Litigant
• Craig was professional, fair and patient in his efforts to mediate the dispute and instrumental in its resolution.
  – Milwaukee Attorney

Experience

An “AV” rated, 25-year litigation veteran, Craig brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants in jury and bench trials, appeals, and arbitrations. Clients have included:

• Individuals, businesses, and carriers in insurance cases including first party (e.g., health, property, life, “no fault,” etc.), third party (e.g., wrongful death, professional negligence, property, injury, etc.), extracontractual damages, agent/broker errors and omissions, and subrogation claims.
• Businesses, people, non-profits, and government entities in a variety of commercial tort, contract, employment, corporate governance, and acquisition matters, as well as real estate development, sale, and leasing issues; and
• Patients, insurers, hospitals, and other providers in healthcare cases such as malpractice and products liability claims, reimbursement and revenue cycle issues (e.g., payer contracting as well as questions of experimental treatment and medical necessity), primary and secondary payor conflicts, and HIPAA compliance.

Expertise

Craig taught Insurance Law at the University of Iowa College of Law and has testified nationally as an expert witness in insurance litigation. Before law school, he managed litigation and claims for an international insurer, with stints in Indianapolis, San Francisco, and Iowa. The business law textbook he co-authored is in its third edition.

A Harvard Law School-trained negotiator, Craig has published on the psychological aspects of mediation as well as several insurance topics. His feature article analyzing and applying empirical research on negotiations is expected in 2025.

To schedule a no-fee consultation regarding a negotiation question or an upcoming mediation or arbitration, click here.

Craig married his high school sweetheart; they have two adult children and a grandchild. He values time with his family and friends, learning new things, and adventuring, especially kayaking and mountain biking.

Practice Areas

• Arbitration & Mediation