Arlene Klepatsky JD MSN RN
Castro Valley,CA
Summary
I am a professional with active licenses to practice law and registered nursing in the state of California. Though I am experienced as a litigation attorney for the defense, and as a practicing critical care registered nurse, I have worked with various law firms and other legal professionals for over thirty years. Most of the work that I have performed has been related to the review of medical records to extract evidence and to create chronologies to support litigation. I also excel in legal research. One of my passions includes teaching. I have created multiple presentations for nurses on law and ethics. I taught for nearly ten years in a university-based Legal Nurse Consulting program that was approved by the American Bar Association [ABA]. In addition, I enjoy writing and have some publications including book chapters and journal articles. One of my favorite articles explored the world of digital evidence. In summary, I have a wide variety of experiences to enhance the quality of my work.
Overview
2022
2022
years of professional experience
Work History
Author
Various
Legal Nurse Consultant/Nurse Attorney Consultant
Multiple Law Firms
01.1984 - 12.2021
Performed case reviews for merit.
Reviewed medical records and other medical facts.
Served as an expert witness.
Developed chronologies, discovery plans, and questions for parties and witnesses.
Researched the medical literature and performed legal research.
Nurse Reviewer
MediLegal
08.2017 - 08.2021
To assist with development of Life Care Plans:
- Reviewed medical records
- Created relevant chronologies
Nurse Reviewer
Drinker, Biddle, & Reath
01.2001 - 08.2017
To support litigation of product liability cases for the defense:
- Reviewed medical records
- Created relevant chronologies
Nurse Reviewer
Lawrence Elson, PhD
01.1989 - 01.2009
To assist in formulation of expert opinions regarding biomechanical analyses and causation of injury, primarily for defense cases:
- Reviewed medical records
- Created relevant chronologies
Instructor / Lecturer
California State University, East Bay
01.1998 - 01.2008
Faculty member in a university-based Legal Nurse Consulting program, accredited by the ABA:
- Taught clinical nurses how to assist attorneys in litigation of various types of cases
- Taught clinical nurses about ethical duties related to work as a Legal Nurse Consultant and/or expert witness
Director of Risk Management
O'Connor Hospital
10.1987 - 10.1988
Managed risks to patients, visitors, and staff
Developed relevant policies and procedures
Managed litigation with outside counsel
Associate Litigation Attorney
Crosby, Heafey, Roach, & May
10.1986 - 10.1987
Performed various aspects of litigation of insurance and medical malpractice defense cases
Staff Nurse
Eden Medical Center
07.1979 - 01.1985
Worked as a staff nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, and Home Care Department
Education
Master of Science - Nursing / Diabetes Management & Education
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN12.2018
J.D. - Law
Santa Clara University School of Law
Santa Clara, CA05.1986
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
California State, Hayward
Hayward, CA06.1979
Bachelor of Arts - Music
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA12.1974
Skills
- Thorough medical records reviewer with understanding of various litigation scenarios
- Creator of relevant and accurate medical chronologies
- Clear communicator, both orally and in writing
- Published author, including book chapters and journal articles
- Skilled computer user, including word processing and research
Timeline
Nurse Reviewer
MediLegal
08.2017 - 08.2021
Nurse Reviewer
Drinker, Biddle, & Reath
01.2001 - 08.2017
Instructor / Lecturer
California State University, East Bay
01.1998 - 01.2008
Nurse Reviewer
Lawrence Elson, PhD
01.1989 - 01.2009
Director of Risk Management
O'Connor Hospital
10.1987 - 10.1988
Associate Litigation Attorney
Crosby, Heafey, Roach, & May
10.1986 - 10.1987
Legal Nurse Consultant/Nurse Attorney Consultant
Multiple Law Firms
01.1984 - 12.2021
Staff Nurse
Eden Medical Center
07.1979 - 01.1985
Author
Various
Master of Science - Nursing / Diabetes Management & Education
Capella University
J.D. - Law
Santa Clara University School of Law
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
California State, Hayward
Bachelor of Arts - Music
University of California, Berkeley