P L V
Trial Attorney, Sacramento, CA ***** • Cell: 925-***-**** • *********@*****.***
Professional Summary
Exceptional attorney talented at Case Analysis, Settlement Evaluation and Trial Presentation.
Technically-savvy with outstanding relationship building, training and presentation skills. Motivated
attorney with solid experience managing all levels of large cases, including budgeting and structured
settlements.
Skills
Strong verbal communication Staff development
Powerful negotiator Risk management processes and analysis
Conflict resolution Client assessment and analysis
Work History
W.C. Defense Attorney, 07/2017 to 09/2017
Coleman Chavez & Associates – Roseville, CA
W.C. Defense Attorney, 09/2013 to 06/2017
Black and Rose, LLP – Sacramento, CA
Handled defense of litigated files, including discovery by deposition of applicants and physicians.
Also handled appellate filings and oral arguments.
W.C. Defense Attorney, 09/2011 to 07/2013
Zurich North America – San Francisco, CA
Defense counsel to handle litigated files.
Conduct legal training for adjusters.
Responsible for discovery, trial presentation and appeals.
W. C. Defense Attorney, 04/2007 to 08/2011
Shaw, Jacobsmeyer, Crain & Claffey – Oakland, CA
Managing cases upon referral from carriers, TPAs and self-insureds.
Handled defense of 132a claims and Serious & Willful claims against employers directly.
Supervised administration of claims from inception through discovery, trial preparation, trials and
appeals.
Conducted discovery on all aspects of claims by depositions of applicants and physicians, review of
claims files, interviews of witnesses, written discovery and subrosa surveillance.
Negotiated resolution of claims by settlements with opposing counsel and/or pro-per applicants, if
more economically feasible for clients, but with primary focus on successful conclusion of case
through trial, if necessary.
W.C. Defense Attorney, 06/2004 to 08/2006
SAFECO Insurance Company / Doris Squeri & Associates – San Jose, CA
Handle Workers' Compensation cases upon referral from Claims Department.
Conduct discovery regarding applicant's employment and medical history and credibility status.
Take doctors' depositions and arrange medical examinations.
Handle cases through trial and reconsideration efforts, as well as appellate briefs.
Develop and delivery educational seminars to claims personnel.
W. C. Defense Attorney, 08/2000 to 08/2003
Travelers Insurance Company / Joseph Costella & Associates – Walnut Creek, CA
Handled defense of litigated Workers' Compensation claims, including discovery and case
evaluation.
Reported regularly to claims adjusters regarding status of claims, including seeking settlement
authority when appropriate.
Responsible for taking case to Trial and handling appeal, if necessary.
Insurance Defense Attorney, 01/1998 to 07/2000
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company / Winningham – San Francisco, CA
Handled defense of litigated civil actions for Liberty Mutual insureds initially.
Transferred to the Workers' Compensation defense division and handled all aspect of defense of
Workers' Compensation claims.
In-House Workers' Compensation Trial Attorney.
Insurance Defense Attorney, 06/1995 to 12/1997
Nationwide & Wausau Insurance Companies / Andresen & James – San Francisco, CA
House Counsel for Nationwide and Wausau Insurance Companies, handling liability and Workers'
Compensation defense trial work.
Unit Manager, 05/1989 to 06/1995
Nationwide Insurance Company – Concord, CA
In charge of division handling severe injury and other types of high exposure litigated files.
Responsible for six adjusters.
Associate Attorney, 04/1985 to 03/1989
Bray, Egan, Breitwieser & Costanza – Martinez, CA
-Worked in general practice handling all phases of litigation, from discovery through trial, in personal injury, construction defect, criminal and family law cases.
Associate Attorney, 04/1983 to 04/1985
Meyer and Mitchell – Oakland, CA
-Worked in plaintiff personal injury practice handling all phases of litigation, from discovery through trial and appeal.
Associate Attorney, 03/1980 – 04/1983
McNamara, Lewis, Dodge & Houston – Walnut Creek, CA
-Worked with Richard Dodge doing discovery and trial preparation in medical malpractice defense cases.
Education
JD: Law, June 1980
John F. Kennedy Law School - Pleasant Hill, CA
Associate of Science: Psychology, 1974
University of Michigan-Flint - Flint, MI
Certifications
C.P.C.U. (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter) conferred by American Institute for Chartered
Property Casualty Underwriters on August 7, 2000