Litigation is not always the fastest or most cost-effective path to resolving a dispute. Mediation offers parties a confidential, structured alternative — one that puts the outcome in their own hands rather than leaving it to a judge or jury. At Crenshaw, Dupree & Milam, our Lubbock law firm provides experienced mediation services across a wide range of civil, commercial, and personal injury matters throughout West Texas.
Our mediation practice is led by two of the firm’s senior partners, both of whom bring decades of trial experience to the mediation table. That depth of litigation knowledge is a distinct advantage — our mediators understand how cases are built, where the strengths and weaknesses lie on both sides, and what it takes to bridge the gap between parties and reach a durable resolution.
Mark O. Blankenship is a certified mediator with more than thirty years of litigation experience. Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and inducted into the American Board of Trial Lawyers (ABOTA), Mr. Blankenship has tried hundreds of cases to verdict across a wide range of matters — including general liability, medical malpractice, commercial litigation, construction defect, and workers’ compensation. He brings that same depth of knowledge and practical judgment to the mediation process, helping parties find resolution in cases from the routine to the highly complex.
Matt D. Matzner is a certified mediator with 29 years of litigation experience, including extensive work in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels. A former briefing attorney to Federal District Judge Sam R. Cummings and a longtime member of the Federal District Court Advisory Committee, Mr. Matzner brings a unique understanding of federal procedure and court expectations to every mediation. His practice spans civil rights, governmental liability, employment law, commercial litigation, insurance law, and personal injury matters.
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party — the mediator — facilitates structured negotiations between disputing parties with the goal of reaching a mutually acceptable settlement. Unlike arbitration or litigation, the mediator does not render a decision or impose an outcome. Instead, the mediator helps parties communicate effectively, identify common ground, and work through the issues that are keeping them apart.
The benefits of mediation are significant. It is typically faster and less expensive than going to trial, the outcome is confidential rather than part of the public record, and both parties retain control over the final resolution. For businesses, individuals, and insurers alike, mediation is often the most practical and efficient path forward.
Our certified mediators have the experience to handle a broad range of dispute types, including commercial and business disputes, insurance litigation and coverage disputes, personal injury and wrongful death claims, medical and professional liability matters, employment disputes, construction defect claims, workers’ compensation matters, and governmental and civil rights claims.
If you are an attorney, insurer, or party seeking to schedule a mediation with one of our certified mediators, we invite you to contact our office to discuss availability and logistics. Our mediators are available for half-day and full-day sessions in Lubbock and can accommodate remote mediation when appropriate.
Contact our Lubbock law firm at 806-590-1780 or via e-mail to schedule a session or learn more about our mediation services.
