Michele Nelson Bass
Aspen,Colorado
Summary
Ms. Bass has enjoyed a 35 year career as a civil trial lawyer with successful litigation experience in state and federal courts across the country. Special admission in thirteen (13) states to conduct jury trials defending personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from recreational scuba diving activities. Always a zealous client advocate.
Practice areas include: wrongful death/personal injury, professional negligence, product liability, intellectual property, employment law, commercial litigation and appellate practice in California and Colorado State Courts of Appeal and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Accomplished Attorney offering 35 year record of supporting clients in legal matters. Communicates clearly and effectively with clients, opposing counsel, jurors and judges. Adept at developing lasting professional relationships.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Attorney
Law Office Of Michele N Bass, PLLC
06.2018 - Current
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
- Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
- Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
Attorney at Law
The Matthew Ferguson Law Firm
01.2013 - 05.2018
- Counsel to The Matthew Ferguson Law Firm in Aspen, Colorado
- Attained positive outcomes for clients through skillful drafting of pleadings, motions, briefs, and other critical court documents.
- Resolved disputes through mediation and arbitration processes, saving clients time and resources associated with lengthy court battles.
- Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
- Presented key evidence and exhibits during civil trials.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case.
- Interviewed and selected jurors to verify competency and lack of biases, presenting challenges for cause to dismiss unfit candidates.
- Delivered persuasive oral arguments in court proceedings that resulted in favorable rulings for clients'' cases.
- Managed heavy caseloads efficiently, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and client needs while maintaining high standards of quality work.
- Enhanced client trust by providing regular updates on case progressions through clear communication channels.
Associate Lawyer
Law Offices Herbert S. Klein
11.1995 - 01.1998
- Represented Plaintiff, David Cooper, against The Aspen Skiing Company
- Drafted clear and persuasive legal documents, including pleadings, briefs, motions, and contracts.
- Negotiated favorable settlements for clients by effectively conducting discovery, drafting motions, and participating in mediation sessions.
- Presented compelling oral arguments in court hearings and trials, effectively advocating for clients'' interests.
- Conducted thorough legal research to support informed decision-making and develop winning case strategies.
- Assisted partners in high-profile cases, contributing valuable insights that led to successful outcomes.
- Analyzed and applied legal principles and performed legal research to support litigation strategy.
- Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Developed strategies for court proceedings and negotiations.
- Researched, wrote and filed motions, writs and briefs for each case.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
- Presented key evidence and exhibits during civil trials.
Of Counsel
Lesser & Associates, P.C.
01.1991 - 11.1995
- Litigation boutique firm specializing in the defense of personal injury/wrongful death claims in the recreational scuba diving industry
- Drafted persuasive legal documents, such as motions, briefs, and memorandums, contributing to successful court outcomes.
- Advised businesses on compliance issues, reducing risk exposure and potential financial liabilities.
- Presented compelling arguments in court proceedings, achieving favorable rulings for clients across various cases types.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, leading to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Negotiated favorable settlement terms on behalf of clients in numerous litigation cases, saving time and resources.
- Mentored junior associates in best practices for effective client communication and case management techniques.
- Served as a trusted advisor for corporate executives on sensitive legal matters impacting company operations and strategy decisions.
- Assisted colleagues in preparing for trial by reviewing evidence, identifying key witnesses, and formulating strategic approaches.
- Conducted extensive legal research to support case preparation and provide accurate advice to clients.
- Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
- Advocated for clients before court in oral argument by presenting facts and evidence in most favorable light.
- Represented clients in civil litigation, criminal proceedings and appeals in state and federal courts.
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case.
Associate Lawyer
Keesal, Young and Logan
09.1989 - 10.1991
- Litigation practice defending maritime/admiralty claims and securities/financial firms
- Drafted clear and persuasive legal documents, including pleadings, briefs, motions, and contracts.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by efficiently managing caseloads and providing timely legal advice.
- Developed expertise in specific practice areas, becoming a trusted resource for colleagues and clients alike.
- Negotiated favorable settlements for clients by effectively conducting discovery, drafting motions, and participating in mediation sessions.
- Presented compelling oral arguments in court hearings and trials, effectively advocating for clients'' interests.
- Represented clients in court proceedings, hearings and arbitrations.
- Negotiated settlements and mediated disputes between parties finding mutually beneficial solutions.
Education
J.D. - International Law
University of The Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Sacramento, United States05.1989
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of California At Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, United States12.1985
Public Policy
Cambridge University, Trinity College
Cambridge, England06.1984
Skills
- Oral advocacy
- Case analysis
- Legal Analysis
- Legal writing
Bar Admissions
- California - 1989
- Hawaii - 1982
- Colorado - 1996
- United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit - 1989
- United States District Courts, California (1989), Hawaii (1990) and Colorado (1999)
Memberships And Certifications
- NAUI Scuba Diver, 1984 UCLA
- Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, UCLA 1981-1985
- Telluride Ski School Instructor, Winter 1995-1996
Highlights
- En Banc Decision, Colorado Supreme Court -2002, Cooper v. The Aspen Skiing Company, 48 P.3d 1229 (Colo. 2002), David Cooper with co-counsel
- National Law Journal Top Defense Verdict of the Year - 2004, Defended dive equipment manufacturer, AquaLung, against a ten-million dollar scuba diving product liability claim in a four (4) week jury trial in Santa Barbara, California Superior Court.
Family Members
- Husband
- Two sons
Personal Information
Title: Attorney at Law
Awards
- Law Review: Primary Editor, The Transnational Lawyer 1987-1988
- American Jurisprudence Award, International Business Transactions - Spring 1988
Hobbies and Interests
- Expert skier
- Road bike rider
- Passionate scuba diver
- World traveler
Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- California Bar Association
- Colorado Bar Association
Timeline
Attorney
Law Office Of Michele N Bass, PLLC
06.2018 - Current
Attorney at Law
The Matthew Ferguson Law Firm
01.2013 - 05.2018
Associate Lawyer
Law Offices Herbert S. Klein
11.1995 - 01.1998
Of Counsel
Lesser & Associates, P.C.
01.1991 - 11.1995
Associate Lawyer
Keesal, Young and Logan
09.1989 - 10.1991
J.D. - International Law
University of The Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of California At Los Angeles (UCLA)
Public Policy
Cambridge University, Trinity College
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