Workers’ Compensation
Ca. Workers' Comp. Quarterly 2017, Vol. 30, No. 4
Content
- A Judge's Perspective: Medical Evidence at Trial
- Cumulative Index
- Ten New Tips from a Mediator for Getting the Best Results in Mediation
- The Other "F" Word: Fraud in the Workers' Compensation System
- Workers' Compensation Section 2017-2018 Executive Committee Roster
- Civility and Advocacy in Handling Workers' Compensation Cases
Civility and Advocacy in Handling Workers’ Compensation Cases
JOHN J. PARENTE, ESQ.
San Rafael, California
I have been in the practice of law for many years. During that time I have seen many changes. Most of those changes have been with regard to technology. I started with an IBM Selectric typewriter and carbon paper. We are now well into the digital age, with smartphones, paperless files, and e-mail. While the technological changes have made us more efficient, I think we have lost some of the professionalism that existed in the past.
The practice of law was intense and you wanted to do the best you could for your client; however, you were always respectful to your opponent and the pace was slower. Hearings started at 9:00 a.m. Correspondence was by mail, what we now call "snail mail," and attorneys usually had seven to ten days turnaround with dictation and return mail.