Maritza Nelson currently works on a variety of complex litigation matters. She has prepared a contractor/subcontractor dispute for arbitration, second-chaired a trial in which intellectual property rights were in dispute and appealed a property tax foreclosure case. In addition to her arbitration, trial and appellate experience, Ms. Nelson has experience in all phases of complex civil litigation, including motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment; managing discovery and dealing with electronic discovery disputes; pre-trial practice, including motions in limine, exhibit lists, special verdict forms and jury instructions; and preparing witnesses for depositions and trial. She has also counseled clients on the antitrust issues involved in potential mergers and business sales, as well as the ability of a competitor to purchase one’s trademark as an Internet key word or search term.
Ms. Nelson has also worked on criminal pro bono matters, including a nationally publicized case involving the successful defense of an Iraq war veteran charged with attempted suicide.
Prior to joining Baker Hostetler in 2009, Ms. Nelson worked as a litigation associate at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman in their Washington, D.C., office.
While attending law school at The University of Texas, Ms. Nelson successfully obtained not guilty verdicts in two trials with the Criminal Defense Clinic and represented juveniles charged with felonies and misdemeanors in the Juvenile Justice Clinic. She was also a member of the TYLA National Mock Trial Team. Prior to law school, Ms. Nelson graduated summa cum laude from Howard University where she was a member of the mock trial team and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Chapter.
Ms. Nelson is a member of the Ohio State, District of Columbia, Cleveland Metropolitan and American Bar Associations.