Duncan, Stephen L

John J. Rivas provides legal representation to clients in the areas of health care, criminal and administrative law litigation, as well as Medicaid and Medicare fraud and related white collar crime matters. In addition to state court, he is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. John's practice includes the representation of home health agencies, physicians, nursing homes, and other licensed health professionals and entities in practice and business matters, as well as their representation and defense before their respective state licensure and peer review boards such as the Texas Medical Board, Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Texas Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Prior to co-founding Rivas Goldstein, LLP., Mr. Rivas was an associate of Garlo Ward, L.L.P where he represented health care facilities and providers in regulatory matters. Mr. Rivas also practiced at the Texas Attorney General's office in the Elder Law and Public Health Division, where he engaged in nursing home and home health agency litigation as well as handled Medicaid fraud and Qui Tam actions. John's background also includes oil and gas litigation and representing the interests of defendants in personal injury cases while employed as an associate with Stubbeman, McRae, Sealy, Laughlin & Browder. He has also served as counsel for the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners as well served as a prosecutor in Midland County Texas where he tried over 30 jury trials to verdict.

John is a member of the Texas Association of Home Care, American Health Lawyers Association and is active in theThe Hispanic Bar Association. He has participated in such activities as the People's Law School, National Mock Trial Competition and various Pro Bono clinics. In 1996, John was honored as the Outstanding Young Lawyer for Midland County and, in 1995, he received the West Texas Legal Services Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Juris Doctor, 1993, Texas Tech University School of Law. Bachelor of Arts in English, 1989, University of Texas at Austin. Licensed by the Texas State Bar since 1993.