ISBA CLE

Advanced Workers’ Compensation

Presented by the ISBA Workers’ Compensation Law Section

Chicago
Monday, October 12, 2009
ISBA Regional Office
20 S. Clark Street (map and directions)
Suite 900
9:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

This program is designed for the intermediate to experienced workers’ compensation practitioner. Topics include rules of evidence, vocational rehabilitation, Medicare liens and set-asides, permanent total 8 (d)(1) wage differential, ethics/civility issues, and case law updates. The program also provides additional insight as two appellate justices present their perspective from the bench.

5.75 MCLE credit hours, including 1.00* PMCLE credit hours

Program Coordinator/Moderator:
David M. Barish, Katz Friedman Eagle et al, Chicago

9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Rules of Evidence
This segment examines the rules applicable to evidence in workers’ compensation claims.
John W. Powers, Cullen, Haskins, Nicholson, Menchetti, Chicago

9:45 – 10:15 a.m. Vocational Rehabilitation
In this segment, the speaker provides an overview of vocational rehabilitation under the Workers’ Compensation Act.
Christine M. Ory, Law Office of Christine M. Ory, P.C., Wheaton

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. Break

10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Medicare Liens and Set-Asides
This segment discusses the current status of enforcement and compliance with the Medicare Secondary Payer Act. An update is provided with regard to the handling of Medicare Set Aside Accounts and the submission to CMS of Medicare Set Aside proposals, and also addresses the interaction between workers’ compensation and civil settlements under the Medicare Secondary Payer Act.
James Voelker, Attorney at Law, Urbana

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Permanent Total
This segment discusses permanent disability law and the evidence needed to prove up, with an emphasis on the “odd lot” doctrine.
Peter C. Bobber, Lewis, Davidson & Hetherington, Chicago

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)

1:00 – 1:30 p.m. 8(d)(1) Wage Differential
This segment discusses wage loss differentials in workers’ compensation claims by examining Section 8(d)(1).
Michelle D. Porro, Presbrey & Associates, Aurora

1:30 – 2:15 p.m. View From The Bench
The speakers in this segment use professional experience to the right and the wrong ways to present a case to the commission and the appellate court. There will be examples and a discussion on the appropriate and most effective ways to do this.
Joann M. Fratianni, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, Lake Forest
Hon. William E. Holdridge, Third District Appellate Court, Peoria

2:15 – 3:00 p.m. Case Law Update
In this segment, the speaker provides an overview of current case law updates as they relate to workers’ compensation issues.
Richard D. Hannigan, Hannigan & Botha, Mundelein

3:00 – 3:15 p.m. Break

3:15 – 4:15 p.m. Ethics and Civility*
This segment examines the ethical issues faced by workers’ compensation practitioners and discusses how civility and ethical behavior is not only consistent with zealous advocacy, but is also a benefit to your client.
Cheryl Niro, Robinson Niro, P.C., Chicago

*Professional Responsibility MCLE credit subject to approval