As an administrative law judge with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation, I adjudicate contested workers’ compensation claims, oversee workers compensation claims by unrepresented claimants, and adjudicate disputes between healthcare providers and workers’ compensation insurance carriers. With regard to the adjudication duties of my position, I participate in mandatory mediation with the parties to a contested claim, issue pretrial rulings on contested issues, conduct evidentiary trials on the merits of contested claims and issue comprehensive awards which contain findings of fact and rulings of law with regard to the issues presented.

As the general counsel to one of Missouri’s largest executive departments, I managed a legal division of seven attorneys and provided trusted advice and counsel regarding the day to day operations and policies to the executive team of the department and executive teams of the divisions administratively organized thereunder. Those divisions are: Division of Employment Security - Administers Missouri’s unemployment system Division of Workers’ Compensation - Administers Missouri’s workers’ compensation system Division of Labor Standards - Enforces Missouri’s wage and hour laws (prevailing wage, minimum wage, mine safety/inspection, etc.) Board of Mediation - Monitors and assists in the resolution of labor disputes between public utilities and the employees thereof Commission on Human Rights - Investigates and seeks to recover damages on behalf of victims of discriminationIn addition to performing those duties normally associated with the general counsel of a large organization, i.e. defending the organization against discrimination and harassment claims, reviewing, authoring and amending department wide policies, providing advice to the executive leadership, enacting risk avoidance policies, etc., I worked hand in hand with other executive departments, the governor's staff, and the federal government to position Missouri to maintain solid employment and economic numbers in light of the then current national economic climate and emerge from the downturn with a competitive advantage.Some of the specific duties that I performed that were unique to this position included monitoring legislation as it proceeded through the legislative process, drafting legislation and state regulations, meeting with legislators and gubernatorial staff, and drafting/reviewing contracts with the federal government, state agencies and private entities.

As an attorney in private practice, I represented a wide range of clients on many issues. The bulk of my practice involved representing individual claimants in actions for workers’ compensation, unlawful employment practices, and personal injury.I have extensive first chair trial experience at all levels of the state and federal systems. In addition to numerous jury trials in both state and federal court, I have represented clients before state and federal administrative boards.