Before becoming a full-time neutral, Diana Kruze was a litigation partner at an AmLaw Top 50 firm. She later served as a judicial officer with the California Superior Court, where she presided over a wide range of cases. Known for her thoughtful approach and sound judgment, Diana brings extensive, hands-on experience in crafting well-reasoned decisions grounded in careful consideration of both sides’ arguments. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition on the 2025 Tech List of the world’s leading technology arbitrators and the 2023 International Arbitration Expert of the Year in California.
With a career that spans Big Law, the judiciary, and now full-time dispute resolution, Diana brings a rare blend of legal precision and practical insight to her work as a neutral—especially in complex healthcare and technology disputes. We spoke with her about her background, her approach, and what makes healthcare arbitration uniquely rewarding.
Q: Tell us about your background in healthcare law or the healthcare industry.
Diana: I’ve had the pleasure of handling a variety of matters, including healthcare employment disputes—such as an arbitration involving multi-state wage-and-hour claims for traveling nurses—complex technology agreements, including those related to healthcare IT systems, and life sciences disputes, such as the dissolution of a biologics joint venture. With a strong background in both the healthcare industry and technology law, I’m able to approach each case with greater efficiency and insight, providing parties with a decision-maker who truly understands the significance and complexity of the issues involved.
Q: What types of healthcare disputes do you typically handle as an arbitrator or mediator?
Diana: My “typical” case involves contract-based disputes between payors and providers. However, every case is unique. I’ve served as an arbitrator in healthcare matters involving a wide range of issues, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, licensing, ancillary service providers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and 340B claims.
Q: What drew you to ADR work in the healthcare space? What do you value most about serving as a neutral on the AAA’s Healthcare Panel?
Diana: Serving on the AAA Healthcare Panel has been incredibly rewarding. The team that manages the panel is outstanding. In healthcare cases, the attorneys on both sides are typically highly professional and often have long-standing working relationships, which helps reduce the risk of gamesmanship. Many of the clients also have ongoing business relationships, which can facilitate settlement or help the parties focus on the specific decisions they need from an arbitrator.
Q: What advice do you have for parties preparing for arbitration or mediation in complex healthcare disputes?
Diana: Two tips:
- Interview or submit written questions to proposed neutrals in advance of selection, in coordination with opposing counsel. This underutilized procedure can be incredibly valuable in identifying the arbitrator best suited to your specific case.
- Take advantage of the flexibility arbitration offers to tailor procedures to your clients' needs. Think creatively and consider proposing alternative case management approaches—such as sampling, eliminating requests for production, streamlined resolution of discovery disputes, or early motion practice on key legal issues—to help save time and reduce costs for both attorneys and their clients.