­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­New Video Platform Coming to DWC on March 1, 2025

The Practice and Ethics Subcommittee of the Workers’ Compensation Section is on a continuing quest to improve the levels of professionalism and competence for all practicing before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.  This year, the Practice and Ethics Subcommittee is chaired by Rodman Martin, San Ramon and the vice chairperson is John Parente, San Francisco.   Please feel free to contact the Workers’ Compensation Section with suggestions or practice issues at workerscomp@calawyers.org.

On December 3, 2024, the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) announced it will be moving from the telephone conference lines used for status conferences, mandatory settlement conferences (MSCs), priority conferences, and lien conferences to a new CourtCall video platform. These hearings will transition from telephone conference lines to the CourtCall video platform on March 1, 2025.

With the transition to video hearings, we remind you that section 1.155 of the DWC Policy and Procedural Manual regarding Court Decorum is in full force and effect.  Specifically, WCJ’s have the authority to require that all parties appearing in the virtual courtroom be dressed appropriately and conduct themselves properly for a courtroom hearing.  Section 1.155 specifically includes attorneys and non-attorneys alike.  

As attorneys, professional attire for the courtroom is required.  Professional attire is clothing that is modest, well-tailored, free of graphics, and does not divert the eye to a specific part of the body.  If you think an item of clothing doesn’t meet these criteria, it probably doesn’t.  And no hats are allowed in court. Your attire projects professionalism, shows respect for the law and the court, promotes productivity, and projects a positive representation of yourself and your client.  Remember, judges want to judge the facts, not your outfits. 

See a demonstration of the CourtCall platform and an in-depth discussion regarding the capabilities of the platform and earn 1 Participatory MCLE Credits; 1 Technology in the Practice of Law in this webinar on demand:  The Future of WCAB Virtual Hearings Webinar