Traci S. Lagasse

Overview

Traci Lagasse is a full-time mediator with 30 years of litigation and trial experience in complex, high-stakes, and emotionally charged litigation. Known for her strategic clarity and practical judgment, Traci now focuses her practice on helping parties move through conflict efficiently, thoughtfully, and constructively, to achieve resolution and peace of mind.

A founding member of Lagasse Branch Bell + Kinkead LLP, Traci led the firm’s Tort and Professional Liability Practice Groups, handling catastrophic injury, wrongful death, brain injury, electrocution, toxic exposure, premises liability, commercial trucking, and product liability cases, as well as complex professional liability matters involving design professionals, real estate brokers and agents, and other licensed professionals. She has tried multiple cases in both state and federal courts.

Throughout her career, Traci advised clients across many industries including property management, public entities, utilities, retail, and hospitality, bringing a deep understanding of risk assessment, leverage, and resolution strategy to the table. She was frequently called upon to advise on contractual and coverage issues, including insurance, indemnity and defense obligations, and allocation of liability.

Traci’s transition into mediation is a natural extension of what has always driven her work: passion for bringing her clients – and now all parties – the peace of mind that comes with closure. Drawing on decades of experience evaluating exposure, navigating complex dynamics, and identifying practical pathways forward, she brings a calm, authoritative presence to the mediation table and a solution-oriented approach grounded in real-world litigation experience. Traci is well known for her tenacity, tireless work ethic, and professionalism, qualities she now brings to her full-time mediation practice.

Her leadership and excellence have been widely recognized. From 2009 to the present, Traci has been named to Southern California Super Lawyers in the areas of both Personal Injury and Professional Liability. She has been recognized as a Best Lawyer in America®, selected among the Top 25 Women Lawyers and Top 50 Lawyers in San Diego, and honored by the San Diego Business Journal as a “Woman Who Means Business.” Traci often presented seminars to clients and various industry groups on issues impacting assessment of exposure, reptile theory strategies, social inflation, damages and lien challenges, and ethical issues in complex representations.

Traci is an approved mediator in the Civil Mediation Program for the San Diego County Superior Court. She also volunteers as a Settlement Officer for the Resolve Law program through the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Outside of her professional work, Traci enjoys yoga, baking, travel, and spending time with her husband of 27 years and her two sons.