Chad Engelhardt

After more than two decades handling high-stakes negligence cases, I’ve learned that medical malpractice and catastrophic injury disputes are rarely just about money. They involve risk, reputation, emotion, and human impact — and they require clarity, structure, and expertise to resolve. I mediate complex personal injury, medical malpractice, and professional liability cases. I work with plaintiff and defense lawyers, insurers, and healthcare professionals to move difficult matters toward resolution. I understand the costs, uncertainty, and human impact of litigation and trial. I help parties evaluate those realities thoughtfully and strategically. My role is to bring structure to difficult conversation and help decision-makers move toward informed resolutions. During my career, I’ve chaired the State Bar of Michigan’s Negligence Law Section and Institute for Continuing Legal Education Executive Committee. I've authored and edited leading publications on tort law and taught law schools courses focused on trial skills, dispute resolution and medical malpractice law for more than a decade. I’m Harvard-trained in mediation, serve as a court-appointed neutral and discovery master, and was honored to receive the Respected Advocate Award from the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel — a recognition that reflects credibility and trust across the aisle. I am highly experienced in collaborative practice, implementing healthcare communication and resolution programs and present patient safety programs to medical schools and healthcare institutions across the country. Before becoming a lawyer, I spent 12 years in law enforcement — an experience that shaped how I approach mediation: calm under pressure, prepared, and focused on constructive dialogue. If you’re handling a challenging case and want a mediator who brings experience, expertise and a healing touch to the process, I welcome the conversation.