Nierman ADR

Where Experience Meets Resolution.™

Specialized Arbitration and Mediation for Insurance and Healthcare Disputes

Trial-Tested Perspective

Craig Nierman brings 26 years of trial experience on both sides of the “v” to his work as an arbitrator and mediator. In arbitration, he identifies the key issues, decides each claim on its merits, and issues clear, reasoned awards. In mediation, he draws on his trial experience and thorough preparation to give parties frank feedback as they assess risk and evaluate their options.

Craig’s work is informed by teaching arbitration and insurance at the University of Iowa College of Law. He publishes on insurance, healthcare, and dispute resolution.

He has been inducted into the Order of the Coif and the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and is the immediate past president of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys.

Recommended by Attorneys and Clients

“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 Trial Attorney

“Attorney Nierman conducted the evidentiary hearings over two plus days with the utmost professionalism [and] decided the dispute in a timely manner and by a well-reasoned and clear written Decision.”
Connecticut Trial Attorney

“Craig went above and beyond to shepherd the parties to a resolution and early settlement. He didn't give up, even when the parties stalled.”
Florida In-House Counsel

“Craig's greatest strength is his ability to connect with people . . . That rapport is matched by real substance. Craig comes to every session thoroughly prepared, with a firm command of both the governing law and the facts of the case.”
Iowa Trial Attorney

Representative Cases:

Arbitration of nine-figure payor-provider dispute concerning thousands of patient accounts, multiple healthcare providers, and complex medical necessity issues.

Mediator in an eight-figure employment and shareholder oppression dispute involving a specialized medical clinic, its affiliated real estate entity, and a former employee/shareholder, with overlapping litigation and arbitration.

Chair of arbitration panel in malpractice/wrongful death case involving contested arbitrability and multiple specialties.

Arbitrator in first-party insurance dispute involving complex coverage issues, producer errors and omissions, and allegations of extracontractual damages.

Mediator in a contract dispute between affiliated regional medical clinics and a national care-coordination and referral network.

Chair of arbitration panel considering a payor-provider dispute involving emergency relief, complex medical necessity issues, and punitive damages allegations.

Education

Harvard Law School

Negotiation Master Class

University of Iowa College of Law

J.D., with High Distinction

University of California, Davis

B.A., Political Science

Insurance and Healthcare Disputes: Experience Informing Resolution

Craig’s prior practice focused on complex insurance and healthcare disputes involving intertwined legal, financial, contractual, and regulatory issues. His experience includes multi-party matters, layered insurance programs, and expert-driven records.

Insurance Coverage and Claims

First- and third-party coverage disputes, including excess and layered programs
Duty to defend and indemnity allocation across multiple insurers
Extracontractual and bad faith exposure
Subrogation and recovery actions
Producer liability and carrier–broker disputes

Healthcare and Payor–Provider Disputes

Reimbursement disputes involving ERISA plans, commercial insurers, and government payors
Managed care and network participation conflicts
Professional negligence and risk allocation disputes
Regulatory matters, including HIPAA compliance
Provider contracting, affiliations, and transaction-related disputes

He has represented and opposed insurers, healthcare providers, businesses, individuals, and public entities, providing a balanced perspective on how different stakeholders assess risk and approach resolution.

This experience informs a disciplined and even-handed approach to evaluating evidence, managing complex records, and resolving disputes efficiently.

Arbitration and Mediation

Arbitration

Craig’s focus is on serving the parties, not the process. He believes that arbitration should be faster, less expensive, and at least as fair as trial.

With his broad experience, Craig identifies the key issues, applies the law to the facts, and moves the case forward efficiently. His awards explain why each claim succeeds or fails on its merits.

Mediation

Craig comes in prepared.

He is not a “number carrier” or bully; instead, he knows the verdicts and law, gives frank feedback, and helps the parties evaluate their risks.

His credibility, established through decades in the courtroom, enables him to connect with everyone. Clients feel heard as he listens to their story and perspective. He persists—for months if necessary—to get the deal done.

Recommended by Attorneys and Clients

“Mr. Nierman does an extraordinary job . . . he is right up there with the best of the best.”
Illinois Trial Attorney

“Attorney Nierman conducted the evidentiary hearings over two plus days with the utmost professionalism [and] decided the dispute in a timely manner and by a well-reasoned and clear written Decision.”
Connecticut Trial Attorney

“Craig went above and beyond to shepherd the parties to a resolution and early settlement. He didn't give up, even when the parties stalled.”
Florida In-House Counsel

“Craig's greatest strength is his ability to connect with people . . . That rapport is matched by real substance. Craig comes to every session thoroughly prepared, with a firm command of both the governing law and the facts of the case.”
Iowa Trial Attorney