The Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Section Podcast

Bill Rogner and Mike Winer join us talk their life and times as Appellate lawyers in the workers compensation practice. A great episode, nothing more to say! Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:17 The Journey into Appellate Law06:57 Building an Appellate Practice10:56 The Shift Back to Live Oral Arguments13:39 Unexpected Questions in Oral Arguments18:26 The Importance of Statutory Interpretation20:15 Meeting Justice Scalia: Insights on the Law20:58 The Evolution of Legal Precedent21:20 The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions22:21 The Role of Precedent in Modern Law24:20 The Importance of Stability in Legal Decisions29:00 Preparing for the Florida Supreme Court33:12 The Future of Workers' Compensation Law35:29 The Intrusiveness of AI in Legal Practice

This episode features Neil Ambekar and Jesse Rowe discussing the current state of workers' compensation law in 2026, including practice trends, case law updates, and the impact of remote proceedings. They share insights on litigation, case law, and professional development within the field. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:51 Upcoming Events and Continuing Education Opportunities02:48 Introducing Neil and Jesse04:46 Neil and Jesse's Career Paths and Backgrounds09:25 The Shift to a Statewide Practice and Remote Proceedings13:20 Impact of Virtual Hearings on Practice Efficiency18:34 Case Law Developments: Churchill v. DBI Services and Others24:56 Trends in Litigation and Final Hearings in 202630:29 Challenges in Board Certification and Trial Numbers32:08 Significant Case Law: Valcourt and Related Decisions38:52 Potential Changes to Statutes and Practice Improvements39:19 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts 

The podcast episode features a discussion between Ken Hesser and Gabriela Sifontes, focusing on professional development and the OJCC Scholars Program. The conversation covers the kickoff of season two, the intensive trial advocacy class, the OJCC Scholars Program 2025, the curriculum and experience of the program, professional responsibility, stress management, the conclusion of the program, and encouraging younger practitioners in workers' compensation.TakeawaysContinuous learning in the legal fieldProfessional development through mentorshipChapters00:00 Season Two Kickoff and Podcast Plans06:16 The OJCC Scholars Program 202513:04 The Curriculum and Experience of the OJCC Scholars Program18:40 Conclusion of the OJCC Scholars Program and Networking Events

This episode of the Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Section podcast features a discussion on the importance of mentorship in the legal field, particularly in workers' compensation law. Host Ken Hesser speaks with experienced attorneys Paul Anderson and Keir Edwards about their personal journeys into the practice, the dynamics of their mentor-mentee relationship, and the evolving landscape of workers' compensation law. They emphasize the significance of integrity, trust, and building relationships in a changing legal environment, while also reflecting on the challenges and rewards of practicing in a close-knit community.  Takeaways Mentorship is crucial for professional development in law.Personal journeys into law often involve unexpected paths.Integrity and trust are foundational in legal practice.Workers' compensation law is a small, close-knit community.Final hearings in workers' comp are not the end of the process.Building relationships is essential for success in law.The legal landscape is evolving with technology and communication.Understanding clients' backgrounds enhances legal effectiveness.Networking opportunities have changed post-COVID.Mentorship can provide invaluable guidance and support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mentorship in Workers' Compensation02:51 Personal Journeys into Workers' Compensation Law05:46 The Mentor-Mentee Relationship08:42 Navigating the Workers' Compensation Landscape11:57 Integrity and Trust in Legal Practice14:46 The Evolution of Workers' Compensation Practice17:44 Building Relationships in a Changing Environment20:32 Future of Mentorship and Collaboration

In this episode of the Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Section podcast, host Ken Hesser welcomes guests Juliana Schmidt and Dale Albright to reflect on their experiences at WCI, aka the "Comp Convention" over the years. They discuss the evolution of the convention, the importance of networking, and the impact of remote work on professional interactions. The conversation highlights the need for more educational opportunities for attorneys and the significance of personal connections in the legal field.

This is must-listen episode for anyone considering the path of board certification in Florida workers’ compensation law.  Jacksonville claimant’s attorney Amie DeGuzman, and Plantation E/C attorney Ryan Knight were each recently board certified in our practice area.    They talk about their experiences from the beginning, including the decision to apply, satisfying the trial requirements, and exam preparation.  Amie and Ryan also give unique perspective on the process, and the effect on their practice, from each respective “side” of the litigation world.

In this episode, we first chat with Sean McCormack, new Chair of the Workers' Compensation Section, who updates us on upcoming events and lends perspective as he enters the job.Next, we chat with Lisa Thomas, state mediator out of Orlando/Maitland. Lisa has taken a big role in working with our new and "emerging" section members. We talk about her background, her involvement with the section, and how we can continue to grow as a statewide practice area. This is a fun and informative show!

This is the inaugural edition of our podcast. Incoming Chair Sean McCormack and host Ken Hesser preview upcoming events in the Section.