Thought Leadership Archives - Coppersmith Brockelman PLC

Jan 27 2026

Partner John C. Kelly Elected to Nation’s Premier Association for Experienced Mediators & Arbitrators

Coppersmith Brockelman is pleased to announce Partner John C. Kelly has been inducted into the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (NADN), America's foremost professional organization for seasoned civil and commercial mediators and arbitrators. John’s invitation to the Academy cements his standing among the most sought-after neutrals nationwide while strengthening the firm’s emerging alternative dispute resolution practice. “We’re delighted to recognize John C. Kelly to the Academy’s Arizona Chapter in recognition of Excellence in his mediation practice,” said Darren Lee, Executive Director of NADN. NADN membership is by invite only, based on peer nominations and due diligence research under the guidance of its state committees. Nominees must meet stringent practice requirements in collaboration with the national defense bar (DRI) and trial bar (AAJ) associations. A highly skilled litigator, arbitrator, and mediator, John represents companies in complex commercial and regulatory matters spanning employment, tort, insurance, commercial, real estate, health care, and education matters. As a judge pro tem for the...

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Jan 23 2026

Chelsea Sage Gaberdiel Examines Expanded Federal Web Accessibility Mandates Impacting Health Care & Public Entities This Spring

Naomi Jorgensen

A new federal rule is set to heighten digital accessibility across the health care sector and state and local governments. By May 2026, covered organizations that receive U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funding — along with large public entities — will be required to demonstrate compliance with specific accessibility standards on websites, kiosks, mobile content, and more. In a recent Coppersmith Brockelman Client Alert, “Spring Deadline Looms for Compliance with New Federal Web Accessibility Rules for Health Care and Public Entities,” Chelsea Sage Gaberdiel outlined what the new requirements mean in practice, who will be affected, and how to prepare. Chelsea explained that the rules extend compliance obligations to a wider range of digital content, including some third-party materials. She also highlighted limited exceptions and...

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Jan 13 2026

Coppersmith Brockelman Expands Interoperability Dispute Practice Amid Growing Data-Sharing Complexity

Naomi Jorgensen

Coppersmith Brockelman has scaled its interoperability litigation capabilities in response to rising demand for data-sharing guidance in an increasingly regulated environment. This expansion strengthens the firm’s ability to guide clients through a wider range of interoperability challenges where regulatory obligations around data access, APIs, and system design intersect with commercial contracts and competitive conflicts. The enhanced practice merges regulatory depth with litigation strength to provide a full range of counsel, from early dispute strategy to formal proceedings when necessary. Partner Mel Soliz leads the effort, bringing deep experience with federal and state information blocking and interoperability mandates, HIN/HIE frameworks, and health IT infrastructure. She works alongside partner Gabriel Aragon, whose practice focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation, and partner Andrew Fox, who brings valuable experience in unfair...

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Jan 08 2026

Chelsea Sage Gaberdiel Breaks Down Proposed HHS Rules Limiting Gender-Affirming Care Among Minors & Gender Dysphoria Disability Protections

Naomi Jorgensen

On Dec. 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed sweeping changes that would restrict access to certain gender-related medical care for minors and narrow federal nondiscrimination protections tied to gender dysphoria. In the latest Coppersmith Brief, “Proposed Rules Restricting ‘Sex-Rejecting Procedures’ for Minors and Removing Gender Dysphoria from Disability Nondiscrimination Protections," Chelsea Sage Gaberdiel analyzed the court’s reasoning and what this means for providers, states, and Medicare and Medicaid recipients moving forward, while flagging open legal questions and upcoming public comment deadlines that may influence final rules. Chelsea Sage Gaberdiel draws on extensive civil litigation experience to help educational and corporate institutions navigate sensitive disputes, core operational issues, and compliance demands. She advises academic and business leaders on employment matters, constitutional questions, anti-discrimination...

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Dec 22 2025

Mel Soliz Led Panel on the Future of Computable Consent at Sequioa Project’s Annual Meeting

Naomi Jorgensen

Partner Mel Soliz recently moderated a panel at the Sequoia Project’s Annual Meeting to share insights on the evolving challenges of privacy and consent within health information exchange networks and trust frameworks. The panel session, “Moving Toward Computable Consent: The Future of Privacy in Health Information Exchange,” examined the need for collaborative approaches to implement granular consent while leveraging new technologies to not only strengthen trust, but also empower individuals with greater control over their health data. Mel, along with two other leaders in health information policy and technology, framed the discussion with an overview of the legal landscapes, operational realities, and technical gaps that continue to impact an organization’s ability to honor patient privacy preferences in a consistent, scalable way. The Sequoia Project serves as an advocate for...

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Dec 04 2025

Mel Soliz & Amita Sanghvi Guide Local Attorneys Through the Complexities of Health Information Laws in State Bar of Arizona Presentation

Naomi Jorgensen

The State Bar of Arizona recently invited Mel Soliz and Amita Sanghvi to provide fellow lawyers with a clear breakdown of today’s health information law landscape. Their session offered a strong foundational overview of key regulations and how they are enforced, leaving attorneys with actionable strategies to incorporate into their practice. Their presentation, entitled “Demystifying Health Information Laws for Attorneys,” focused on the unique legal landscape surrounding using and disclosing health information — exploring HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Information Blocking, and relevant state laws, with an emphasis on spotting compliance issues and understanding the rules for using, sharing, and protecting patient health information. Mel and Amita closed the session with interactive scenarios, allowing attorneys to apply their new knowledge in real time. Mel’s regulatory practice focuses...

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Partner John C. Kelly Elected to Nation’s Premier Association for Experienced Mediators & Arbitrators

Chelsea Sage Gaberdiel Examines Expanded Federal Web Accessibility Mandates Impacting Health Care & Public Entities This Spring

Chelsea Sage Gaberdiel Breaks Down Proposed HHS Rules Limiting Gender-Affirming Care Among Minors & Gender Dysphoria Disability Protections

Mel Soliz Led Panel on the Future of Computable Consent at Sequioa Project’s Annual Meeting

Mel Soliz & Amita Sanghvi Guide Local Attorneys Through the Complexities of Health Information Laws in State Bar of Arizona Presentation

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