View from the Chair

by Jack Goodchild

I find it hard to believe that it is already March. If you are like me, you are still getting over the holidays and trying to figure out how to make the most of this year. As we try to resolve the issues left over from last year and as we approach Spring, the new Rules of Practice and Procedure for the WCAB have taken center-stage in our daily practices.  Our CLA WC Section Education committee has been busy preparing for the next big conference which will feature several panels designed to educate practitioners about these new rules.  We hope you will join us at our Spring Conference educational programs which are set in Northern California on April 4, 2020 at the Renaissance Walnut Creek Hotel and in Southern California on May 9^th at the Marriot in Newport Beach.  Please plan to register and attend!

As promised, I want to let the community know about our sub-committees and the extraordinary work that they do. This month, Retired Workers Compensation Appeals Board Chief Regional Judge Kenneth Peterson, Chairman of the Unpublished Cases sub-committee and the Legislative sub-committee gives us valuable insight into the important work of the two sub-committees he leads. 

Contrary to what some might believe, the work of our committee is not oriented towards one point of view or another. We strive in everything that we do to improve our system and the reputation of those who participate in it. As always, I invite everyone to consider this committee, YOUR committee.  I encourage you to apply for membership and volunteer.  We are always looking for articles for our monthly E-news and for the ever-popular Quarterly, as well as for speakers at our webinars and educational conferences.  We can also use your help in our community outreach efforts.  Reach out to us and we will help you to get involved.  Please read the following article regarding our Legislation and Unpublished Cases Sub-Committees.