NICOLAS LEZOTTE
Van Alstyne,TX
Summary
Litigation attorney with nearly 20 years of experience in managing high-stakes corporate disputes, including personal injury, products liability, complex business, employment, and immigration law. Proven track record of securing landmark settlements, such as California's second-largest wrongful death award in 2022, and successfully defending multi-million-dollar lawsuits. Specializes in crafting effective litigation strategies, conducting thorough risk assessments, providing insightful settlement recommendations, and directing outside counsel to achieve cost-effective outcomes. Expertise in advising healthcare providers on expansion, compliance, and M&A-related risks while excelling in team supervision, eDiscovery oversight, contract interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration with HR, Compliance, Risk, and Finance to mitigate exposure.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Attorney
The Law Offices of Nicolas Lezotte LLC
01.2007 - Current
- Successfully secured the second-largest wrongful death settlement in California in 2022 and defended multi-million-dollar lawsuits featured in major media outlets, including products liability and complex bodily injury claims.
- Served as out-of-office General Counsel for small to medium-sized businesses, advising executive leadership on litigation risks, obligations, and mitigation strategies while managing all stages of disputes.
- Developed and implemented legal strategies for a large medical provider in the healthcare industry, expanding operations from 8 to 58 ambulatory surgery centers across California, including risk assessments and contract interpretations for growth initiatives.
- Managed a diverse bench of outside counsel to ensure alignment with objectives, cost-effective litigation management, and successful outcomes, including oversight of billing and performance.
Litigation Attorney
Velie Global Law Firm
01.2024 - 12.2025
- Managed a wide range of corporate disputes for high-net-worth clients, including business divorces, breach of contract, landlord-tenant issues, mechanics' liens exceeding six figures, fraud in real estate and construction transactions (with products liability elements), and approximately $40 million in real estate transactions.
- Secured a $420,000 verdict in a bench trial for breach of contract and obtained a $2 million reduction in client obligations on a commercial building through strategic negotiations and risk assessments.
- Represented high-net-worth immigrants in multi-jurisdictional business litigation, advising on dispute resolution, settlement recommendations, and international implications.
Associate Attorney
Clark Firm PLLC
01.2024 - 01.2024
- Assisted on state and federal trials, including intellectual property theft and a class action involving NetJets settled on the courthouse steps, collaborating with cross-functional teams for optimal resolutions.
- Represented employers utilizing H-1B workers in employment-related disputes, providing advice on compliance, risk mitigation, and litigation strategies.
Litigation Attorney
The Law Offices of Thomas J Henry
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Managed a diverse caseload of 65 high-stakes litigation files valued up to $5 million, focusing on bodily injury and complex disputes, with thorough risk assessments and settlement strategies.
- Conducted legal research, developed robust advocacy plans, and collaborated with teams to ensure timely resolutions and cost-effective management.
Associate Attorney
Law Office of James Bell
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Collaborated with high-performing teams to represent high-net-worth clients in complex litigation, securing multi-million-dollar settlements against a toxicology lab and no-liability outcomes for a car dealership under federal investigation.
- Played a pivotal role in a high-stakes divorce involving $500 million in community assets, advising on contractual provisions and dispute resolution.
Law Clerk
Dallas County District Attorney's Office
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Drafted pleadings strengthening defenses against 4th Amendment challenges, contributing to successful court outcomes through research and compelling arguments.
Associate Attorney
Law Office of Michael Ackerman
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Co-counsel in a 4-week trial defending NanoLab Inc. against $50 million claims for trade secret theft and breach of contract, managing preparation, examinations, and tactics for successful resolution.
Intern
Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Presented and cross-examined witnesses, managed motion calendars, and gained hands-on experience in legal proceedings.
Intern
U.S. House of Representatives
01.2001 - 01.2001
- Assisted in drafting Alternative Minimum Tax legislation impacting over 5,000 tech startup employees, conducting policy research and preparing materials for hearings.
Education
Juris Doctorate -
Santa Clara University School of Law
Santa Clara, CA01.2005
Skills
- Litigation & Coverage-related Matters
- Corporate Counsel Services
- Multi-Million-Dollar Settlements
- Legal Compliance Expertise
- Trial Preparation, Strategy & Advising
- Claims Personnel
- EDiscovery & Record Retention
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Mentoring & Team Leadership
- Civil litigation
- Criminal defense
- Employment law
BAR ADMISSIONS
- California
- Texas
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
Timeline
Litigation Attorney
Velie Global Law Firm
01.2024 - 12.2025
Associate Attorney
Clark Firm PLLC
01.2024 - 01.2024
Litigation Attorney
The Law Offices of Thomas J Henry
01.2020 - 01.2022
Associate Attorney
Law Office of James Bell
01.2017 - 01.2020
Law Clerk
Dallas County District Attorney's Office
01.2016 - 01.2017
Associate Attorney
Law Office of Michael Ackerman
01.2008 - 01.2009
Principal Attorney
The Law Offices of Nicolas Lezotte LLC
01.2007 - Current
Intern
Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
01.2004 - 01.2006
Intern
U.S. House of Representatives
01.2001 - 01.2001
Juris Doctorate -
Santa Clara University School of Law