The Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Section Podcast

Kenneth M. Hesser
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

This 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.

Episodes

  1. Apr 8

    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

    42 min

  2. Mar 25

    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

    42 min

  3. Jan 24

    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 fieldProfessional development through mentorship Chapters 00:00 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

    25 min

  4. 10/11/2025

    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

    23 min

  5. 09/08/2025

    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.

    27 min

  6. 08/15/2025

    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.

    29 min

  7. 08/15/2025

    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!

    27 min

  8. 08/13/2025

    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.

    18 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

This 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.

Information