<![CDATA[The Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Section Podcast]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 09:09:37 GMTWed, 13 Aug 2025 17:15:41 GMT60Kenneth M. HesserThis is the official podcast of the Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Section. This podcast will feature conversation with the judges, attorneys, and people who make our section the unique practice area it continues to be in the state. The views expressed by the participants of this program are their own and do not represent the views of, nor are they endorsed by The Florida Bar, their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, or representatives. None of the content should be considered legal advice. As always, consult a lawyer.episodicKenneth M. Hesserkhesser@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Episode 8 - Bill Rogner and Mike Winer - an "Appeal"-ing Conversation!]]>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!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

01:17 The Journey into Appellate Law

06:57 Building an Appellate Practice

10:56 The Shift Back to Live Oral Arguments

13:39 Unexpected Questions in Oral Arguments

18:26 The Importance of Statutory Interpretation

20:15 Meeting Justice Scalia: Insights on the Law

20:58 The Evolution of Legal Precedent

21:20 The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions

22:21 The Role of Precedent in Modern Law

24:20 The Importance of Stability in Legal Decisions

29:00 Preparing for the Florida Supreme Court

33:12 The Future of Workers' Compensation Law

35:29 The Intrusiveness of AI in Legal Practice

]]>4081197e-c429-4730-944d-322b3512dff9Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:11:30 GMT<p>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! </p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests</p><p>01:17 The Journey into Appellate Law</p><p>06:57 Building an Appellate Practice</p><p>10:56 The Shift Back to Live Oral Arguments</p><p>13:39 Unexpected Questions in Oral Arguments</p><p>18:26 The Importance of Statutory Interpretation</p><p>20:15 Meeting Justice Scalia: Insights on the Law</p><p>20:58 The Evolution of Legal Precedent</p><p>21:20 The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions</p><p>22:21 The Role of Precedent in Modern Law</p><p>24:20 The Importance of Stability in Legal Decisions</p><p>29:00 Preparing for the Florida Supreme Court</p><p>33:12 The Future of Workers' Compensation Law</p><p>35:29 The Intrusiveness of AI in Legal Practice</p><p></p>no00:42:068Episode 8 - Bill Rogner and Mike Winer - an "Appeal"-ing Conversation!full<![CDATA[Episode 7 - Neil Ambekar and Jesse Rowe give a State of the 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 Overview

00:51 Upcoming Events and Continuing Education Opportunities

02:48 Introducing Neil and Jesse

04:46 Neil and Jesse's Career Paths and Backgrounds

09:25 The Shift to a Statewide Practice and Remote Proceedings

13:20 Impact of Virtual Hearings on Practice Efficiency

18:34 Case Law Developments: Churchill v. DBI Services and Others

24:56 Trends in Litigation and Final Hearings in 2026

30:29 Challenges in Board Certification and Trial Numbers

32:08 Significant Case Law: Valcourt and Related Decisions

38:52 Potential Changes to Statutes and Practice Improvements

39:19 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

 

]]>eea193f7-3c8b-4f5b-8068-e975f32e57d0Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:36:36 GMT<p>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.</p><p> </p><p>Chapters</p><p> </p><p>00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview</p><p>00:51 Upcoming Events and Continuing Education Opportunities</p><p>02:48 Introducing Neil and Jesse</p><p>04:46 Neil and Jesse's Career Paths and Backgrounds</p><p>09:25 The Shift to a Statewide Practice and Remote Proceedings</p><p>13:20 Impact of Virtual Hearings on Practice Efficiency</p><p>18:34 Case Law Developments: Churchill v. DBI Services and Others</p><p>24:56 Trends in Litigation and Final Hearings in 2026</p><p>30:29 Challenges in Board Certification and Trial Numbers</p><p>32:08 Significant Case Law: Valcourt and Related Decisions</p><p>38:52 Potential Changes to Statutes and Practice Improvements</p><p>39:19 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts</p><p> </p>no00:42:15Episode 7 - Neil Ambekar and Jesse Rowe give a State of the Practicefull<![CDATA[Episode 6 - Gabriela Sifontes on the OJCC Scholars Program]]>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.

Takeaways

  • Continuous learning in the legal field
  • Professional development through mentorship

Chapters

  • 00:00 Season Two Kickoff and Podcast Plans
  • 06:16 The OJCC Scholars Program 2025
  • 13:04 The Curriculum and Experience of the OJCC Scholars Program
  • 18:40 Conclusion of the OJCC Scholars Program and Networking Events
]]>906d058f-dd37-4402-9ee6-c11955efe7d6Sat, 24 Jan 2026 18:47:23 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Continuous learning in the legal field</li><li>Professional development through mentorship</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Season Two Kickoff and Podcast Plans</li><li>06:16 The OJCC Scholars Program 2025</li><li>13:04 The Curriculum and Experience of the OJCC Scholars Program</li><li>18:40 Conclusion of the OJCC Scholars Program and Networking Events</li></ul>no00:24:30Episode 6 - Gabriela Sifontes on the OJCC Scholars Programfull<![CDATA[Episode 5 - Paul Anderson and Keir Edwards on Mentorship]]>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' Compensation

02:51 Personal Journeys into Workers' Compensation Law

05:46 The Mentor-Mentee Relationship

08:42 Navigating the Workers' Compensation Landscape

11:57 Integrity and Trust in Legal Practice

14:46 The Evolution of Workers' Compensation Practice

17:44 Building Relationships in a Changing Environment

20:32 Future of Mentorship and Collaboration

]]>5e2d2438-602c-4f9e-bbf7-34e1b068a6c6Sat, 11 Oct 2025 16:05:39 GMT<p>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.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Takeaways</p><p> </p><p>Mentorship is crucial for professional development in law.</p><p>Personal journeys into law often involve unexpected paths.</p><p>Integrity and trust are foundational in legal practice.</p><p>Workers' compensation law is a small, close-knit community.</p><p>Final hearings in workers' comp are not the end of the process.</p><p>Building relationships is essential for success in law.</p><p>The legal landscape is evolving with technology and communication.</p><p>Understanding clients' backgrounds enhances legal effectiveness.</p><p>Networking opportunities have changed post-COVID.</p><p>Mentorship can provide invaluable guidance and support.</p><p> </p><p>Chapters</p><p> </p><p>00:00 Introduction to Mentorship in Workers' Compensation</p><p>02:51 Personal Journeys into Workers' Compensation Law</p><p>05:46 The Mentor-Mentee Relationship</p><p>08:42 Navigating the Workers' Compensation Landscape</p><p>11:57 Integrity and Trust in Legal Practice</p><p>14:46 The Evolution of Workers' Compensation Practice</p><p>17:44 Building Relationships in a Changing Environment</p><p>20:32 Future of Mentorship and Collaboration</p>no00:23:2015Episode 5 - Paul Anderson and Keir Edwards on Mentorshipfull<![CDATA[Episode 4 - Juliana Schmidt and Dale Albright - WCI over the years!]]>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.

]]>f68f0e6b-f2c3-4bd2-b574-79a53c39053eMon, 08 Sep 2025 15:38:02 GMT<p>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. </p><p></p>no00:27:1414Episode 4 - Juliana Schmidt and Dale Albright - WCI over the years!full<![CDATA[Episode 3 - Amie DeGuzman and Ryan Knight discuss the Board Certification journey]]>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.

]]>04ca8ff6-9bd8-4f3d-8cde-e4488a96655cFri, 15 Aug 2025 19:27:57 GMT<p>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.</p>no00:29:0513Episode 3 - Amie DeGuzman and Ryan Knight discuss the Board Certification journeyfull<![CDATA[Episode 2 -Chair Sean McCormack and Mediator Lisa Thomas ]]>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!

]]>88b135d1-5113-4ca9-92dc-1267ddcb77d9Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:03:45 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>This is a fun and informative show! </p>no00:27:0312Episode 2 -Chair Sean McCormack and Mediator Lisa Thomas full<![CDATA[Episode 1 - Welcome to the Show! ]]>This is the inaugural edition of our podcast. Incoming Chair Sean McCormack and host Ken Hesser preview upcoming events in the Section.

]]>4d8c74f6-2cc7-4a38-a32f-9209fee5671fWed, 13 Aug 2025 19:37:13 GMT<p>This is the inaugural edition of our podcast. Incoming Chair Sean McCormack and host Ken Hesser preview upcoming events in the Section. </p>no00:18:1411Episode 1 - Welcome to the Show! full