Meet The Partners
Law School: Pepperdine University
California Bar: 2002
California Bar: 2002
Brent Daub has seen the legal practice change dramatically over the years but he still sees opportunities for improvement. With over fifteen years of in-the-trenches litigation and business experience, Brent’s view is radically different. His creativity, leadership and vision provide a distinct perspective to see solutions where others see complexity.
As a founding partner of Gilson Daub, Brent helped create an innovative law firm culture that asks, “How can we make it better? How can we provide the absolute best customer service and results for our clients?”
The strategy to reduce attorney caseloads to increase quality and also provide bonuses for cases closed rather than hours billed, is a key to Gilson Daub’s spectacular growth. “Aligning the goals of our clients and our attorneys provides Gilson Daub the continued opportunity to work with the best employers, insurance companies, and administrators in the country. Taking the success we have accomplished in California to our other states of Nevada, Arizona, Kansas and Missouri has provided an exciting opportunity to serve our clients.”
Brent has also obtained a Masters’ Degree in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine School of Law and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University. He is married and has four children.
WLA Team
Law School: University of La Verne
California Bar: 2002
Diana Tsudik is the Managing Attorney for the West Los Angeles office of Gilson Daub. With a business litigation background, she has experience with Federal, State and Workers’ Compensation matters. Ms. Tsudik aims to reach clients' objectives, whether by settlement or trial, in the most cost-effective manner. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, travel and spending time with her family.
SFV Team
Law School: Western State College of Law
California Bar: 2007
Ms. Do has been a practicing attorney for many years with experience in both the Civil and Worker’s Compensation Courts throughout the state. Her experience includes work on both the applicant/plaintiff and defense side, allowing her to provide a unique perspective on case handling. Ms. Do enjoys providing her clients with efficient and aggressive work to ensure that a case is moving forward towards closure in the most cost effective manner, but still providing the best service to her clients. During her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, and traveling the world.
SAC Team
Law School: Arizona State University
California Bar: 2008
For almost a decade, Kristi Robles has strived to exceed her client’s expectations in all areas of workers’ compensation litigation. Ms. Robles is a Certified Legal Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law. While many define greatness in terms of power, possessions, or prestige, Ms. Robles believes that her personal success is best defined by how well her client’s interests are served. When she’s not settling cases, Ms. Robles enjoys spending time with her husband and delighting in the sweet smiles and giggles of their little girl.
Meet The Attorneys
SFV Team
Law School: Chapman University School of Law
California Bar: 2010
Travis Bailey has been practicing Workers’ Compensation defense since 2010. He takes pride in working closely with his clients to proactively move claims toward resolution, whether that be settlement or trial. Travis spends his free time traveling, mountain biking, and trying to survive life as a dad.
IE Team
Law School: Pepperdine University School of Law
California Bar: 1990
Ms. Bernstein has been practicing Workers Compensation defense law for almost 30 years. She has appeared at every WCAB in the state. She has served as a pro tem judge in Los Angeles and Van Nuys. As well as handling California claims, she has a practice Worker’s Compensation law in Hawaii by assisting employers on how to handle their claims and acting as a liaison with the insurance company. Ms.Bernstein is a sought after speaker. She lectures on sexual-harassment training, violence in the workplace and social media issues. She handles all claims and specializes in those that are high exposure, multi-defendant, Asbestos and hearing loss. Also, she reviews files to see if they have the potential to file a Serious and Willful claim against the applicant. Ms. Bernstein has had the opportunity to represent a variety of employers, insurance companies and third-party administrators. She has represented small employers to larger companies as well.
In her spare time, Ms. Bernstein likes to travel the world. She has visited many countries including Cuba, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Italy. She volunteers at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and Martha’s Village and Kitchen.
IE Team
Law School: Seattle University School of Law
California Bar: 2013
Camilla Campbell is a trained negotiator with three years of litigation and trial experience in Workers Compensation courts, along with 10 years experience as a Project Manager and Probation officer for Superior Court. Ms. Campbell is a skilled public speaker and certified instructor on Interviewing techniques, which she applies when conducting depositions. Ms. Campbell enjoys traveling, reading, and photography.
FRE Team
Law School: Western State University College of Law
California Bar: 2003
In over 13 years as a workers’ compensation defense attorney, Ms. Cervantes has made it a mission to not only provide the highest quality legal defense, but build relationships with her clients to create a mutual feeling of trust. When she became a certified specialist in workers’ compensation, she did so as a way to prove to her clients she is willing to go the extra mile in the defense of their claims. Prior to joining Gilson Daub Ms. Cervantes worked at more traditional defense firms. She is now excited to embrace a new way of thinking to defend claims and use advanced technology to close claims quickly and efficiently which will save her clients money. In her time outside of work, Ms. Cervantes and her husband enjoy watching their two sons play sports, traveling with their extended family, dinners out with friends and watching their Los Angeles Dodgers play.
WLA Team
Law School: University of Illinois
California Bar: 2013
Crystl Chang is an associate attorney at the Gilson Daub West Los Angeles office, focused on all aspects of the workers compensation field. In particular, she is dedicated to providing a good experience through consistent and clear communication. A Chicago transplant, Crystl enjoys exploring Southern California’s many restaurants, wanderings its museums, and living in a world with no winter.
WLA Team
Law School: University of San Diego School of Law
California Bar: 2010
Alex Chien has exclusively practiced Workers Compensation Defense throughout Southern California since 2011. He has represented numerous national insurance companies and employer accounts at every stage of litigation. He is committed to working closely with his clients to expeditiously and competently resolve their cases. Outside of work, Mr. Chien enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching sports, and taking care of his dog.
OC Team
Law School: University of San Diego
California Bar: 2012
As an attorney at Gilson Daub, Ehren Duisberg represents self-insured employers, permissibly self-insured employers, and government entities throughout California. He earned his stripes clerking for the San Diego Superior Court, the Public Defender, and Federal Defender’s office. Ehren’s experience includes work with early stage startups, software licensing, business transactions, immigration law, and criminal defense. As a litigator, this has helped him to develop an aggressive style of practice in order to obtain the best results on behalf of clients. In his free time Ehren enjoys traveling and competing in marathons, ultra-marathons, and triathlons.
LIEN Team
Law School: Pepperdine School of Law
California Bar 2018
Stephanie Dunn is an attorney currently practicing in worker’s compensation defense. During her time in law school, Ms. Dunn served as the Managing Editor for the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary. Ms. Dunn is an aggressive advocate, who works efficiently and thoroughly to resolve cases in a timely manner. In her free time, Ms. Dunn enjoys reading, traveling, and going to museums.
LA Team
Law School: Western State College of Law
California Bar: 2013
Ashlee Edwards began her legal career as a workers’ compensation defense attorney shortly after passing the bar. Ashlee believes client communication is key and strives to align her case handling with her clients’ objectives. She has worked with a wide range of employers and enjoys researching and thinking outside of the box to efficiently resolve claims. In her free time, Ashlee enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, and cooking with her husband. .
OC Team
Law School: California Western School of Law
California Bar: 2007
Michael Favale has practiced exclusively in the Workers’ Compensation arena since gaining admission to the Bar, providing defense representation at all venues throughout Southern California. Mr. Favale’s creative problem solving approach allows him to consistently deliver efficient results while minimizing client exposure throughout the litigation process. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, traveling and spending time with family.
OC Team
Law School: Loyola Law School
California Bar: 2013
Melissa Geil has practice experience in both civil and workers compensation law. Melissa has been practicing exclusively as a workers compensation defense attorney for since 2014. She is passionate about advocating for her client's interests. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and spending time with her family.
SJ Team
Law School: Washington University in St. Louis
California Bar: 2013
Manal Georges has practiced exclusively as a workers’ compensation defense attorney since the beginning of her legal career in 2013. She has successfully represented clients, including insurance companies, third-party administrators, and self-insured employers, in all stages of the litigation process. While each case presents its own unique challenges, Manal enjoys meeting those challenges head on and taking an aggressive approach to get the best results for her clients. She enjoys working with her clients and getting to know them on a personal level. In her spare time Manal enjoys attending Cal and 49er football games, hanging out with her niece and nephew, and watching superhero movies.
WLA Team
Law School: Pepperdine University School of Law
California Bar: 2013
Warren Hedstrom Jr. is a results-driven workers’ compensation attorney with a background in employment and transactional law. Mr. Hedstrom endeavors to produce excellent analysis and clear communication while being an aggressive negotiator and litigator. Closing files expeditiously and in the most cost-effective manner are of the utmost importance to him. In his free time, Mr. Hedstrom enjoys music, hockey, soccer, and reading.
IE Team
Law School: California Western School of Law
California Bar: 2001
A Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney, Reed has served and advocated for employers, insurance carriers, claims administrators, and homeowners since 2003. Armed with a staunch belief in commerce and free enterprise, Reed understands the importance of expeditious and effective handling of the diverse needs of businesses and risk management. Licensed by U.S. Soccer, Reed coaches local youth athletes, and also has an interest in politics, classical music, theology, and L.A. Dodger Baseball.
OAK Team
Law School: John F. Kennedy University, College of Law
California Bar: 2002
Lori Ibsen joined Gilson Daub as an Attorney in the Oakland office in 2018. She began practicing in the field of Workers’ Compensation as in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 company and has worked as an Attorney for prominent workers’ compensation defense firms in the Bay Area. Prior to her legal career, she gained vast insurance experience adjusting property and casualty claims. During that time, she earned her CPCU designation from the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters and her Juris Doctor degree from John F. Kennedy University, School of Law. She was admitted to practice law in California in 2002 and is certified with the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Legal Specialist in Worker’s Compensation Law. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, dancing, sports, and watching her daughter play softball.
OC Team
Law School: Western State University
California Bar: 2007
Mr. Jensen began his legal career working at a general litigation firm and gained experience in civil and criminal matters. He has spent the last several years defending workers compensation cases and pursuing subrogation against third parties. He focuses on maximizing recovery for his clients in the most efficient way. He enjoys going to the beach, traveling with his family, and watching his sons play sports.
KC/MO Team
Law School: University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law
Missouri Bar: 2017
KansasBar: 2018
Zach is an associate attorney for the Gilson Daub Kansas City office. Having previously served as a legal intern for Gilson Daub, Zach recognizes how important client communication is to obtaining fast and effective results. Outside the office, Zach enjoys golfing, working out and attending any sort of sporting event or concert with his fiancé, Kalyn.
WLA Team
Law School: Southwestern University School of Law
California Bar: 2010
Esther has experience representing third party administrators, insurance carriers, self-insured employers, and professional employer organizations in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation. She is committed to cost-effective defense of claims from inception through resolution in order to limit exposure and achieve litigation cost savings for the client. In her free time, Esther enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and exploring the great outdoors.
SJ Team
Law School: Whittier Law School
California Bar: 2000
Washington Bar: 2010
Shannon Lang has been a practicing attorney for several years, and has experience with Workers’ Compensation Courts throughout the state of California. Shannon is also a licensed attorney in the State of Washington. Throughout her career, she has developed the practice of actively engaging in communication and listening to her clients, in order to provide strategic counsel on how best to resolve a case. Shannon enjoys collaborating with clients about creative ways to successfully resolve cases. Shannon is thankful to be a part of Gilson Daub, and is committed to the firm’s strong values of vision, culture and leadership. When not working Shannon enjoys spending time with her two nephews, and family.
SFBA Team
Law School: University of California Hastings College of Law
California Bar: 2010
James Lee has been practicing worker's compensation defense law since graduating from University of California Hastings, College of the Law in May 2010 and then passing the Bar in November of the same year. James enjoys aggressively defending positions for insureds, carriers and third party administrator in the often hostile terrain of the Worker's Compensation Appeals Boards in Northern California. When he is not working, James enjoys watching sports.
OAK Team
Law School: Ohio Northern University, Claude W. Pettit College of Law
California Bar: 1997
Catherine Lynch joined Gilson Daub as an attorney in the Oakland office in 2019. She previously worked as house counsel for a national workers’ compensation insurance carrier and has over 15 years experience defending workers’ compensation claims. She has aggressively handled cases at all stages of litigation through appeal for self-insured employers and carriers. Ms. Lynch is excited to utilize the technology at Gilson Daub to achieve rapid results and early case closures. In her spare time Ms. Lynch enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading mysteries and going to the dog park with her rescue dog Charlie.
FRE Team
Law School: Thomas Jefferson School of Law
California Bar: 2013
Ms. Maldonado has experience representing applicants giving her a profound understanding of the best approach and strategy to defend Workers’ Compensation claims. She strives to use the Gilson Daub developed technology to provide the most efficient and successful representation for her clients.
During her free time she enjoys traveling to new places, singing, and running.
SD Team
Law School: California Western School of Law
California Bar: 2014
Brianne McLaughlin is a litigation attorney that interned with the Public Defender’s Office, California Innocence Project, and Community Law Project throughout law school, coached a middle school Mock Trial team, and practiced in general civil litigation prior to becoming a workers compensation attorney. She believes that by using her prior experience and access to the team of highly qualified and experienced attorneys at Gilson Daub, she will be able to tackle complex issues and difficult situations in a creative but efficient manner. Ms. McLaughlin enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews (except when they haven’t had their afternoon nap).
OAK Team
Law School: University of San Francisco School of Law
California Bar: 2010
Mollie Miller (Mollie Kathleen Nokes) has practiced Workers Compensation Defense throughout Northern California since 2010. She has successfully represented clients at every stage of litigation, including trials, expedited hearings, and expert depositions. Ms. Miller’s past experience includes representation of employers in Labor Code Section 132a discrimination and serious and willful cases. She is committed to bringing her cases to a quick, competent, and satisfactory resolution. Away from the office, Ms. Miller enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with family, including her two Australian Shepherds.
KC/MO Team
Law School: University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law
Missouri Bar: 2015
Missouri Bar: 2016
As a worker’s compensation defense attorney, Weston Mills, has represented both self-insured employers and a variety of insurance companies in helping them reach their litigation goals. Weston understands the importance of obtaining both effective and efficient results and always strives to provides his clients with outstanding customer service. Prior to joining Gilson Daub, Weston also assisted employers with employment discrimination related matters. In his spare time, Weston enjoys cheering on the Chiefs, Jayhawks, and Royals and partaking in any recreational sports he can find.
IE Team
Law School: Pepperdine University School of Law
California Bar: 2012
Lauren has represented employers, third party administrators, and insurance carriers in all aspects of Workers' Compensation litigation since 2013. Lauren has made a commitment to superior knowledge of the law and continued education in order to better serve her clients. Lauren joined Gilson Daub with a desire to utilize innovative case handling strategies and cutting edge technology to reduce the life and cost of claims for her clients. When she is not in the office, Lauren spends most of her time laughing with her family, friends, and fur babies.
LIEN Team
Law School: Chapman University
California Bar 2016
Justin Odell has a background in employment litigation, and now specializes in defending against workers' compensation liens with Gilson Daub. Mr. Odell is a results-driven advocate, and he strives to efficiently manage cases and minimize medical costs for his clients. In his spare Justin also enjoys sports, travel, spending time with friends and family, and experiencing the great food and drink that California has to offer.
LA Team
Law School: Hastings College of the Law
California Bar: 1999
Michael Pantig has worked for over 10 years protecting the rights of employers and insurance companies in workers’ compensation cases. In 2005, he won an appellate case before the California Court of Appeals which overturned the lower court decision that had ruled against the employer client. (Fleetwood Enterprises vs. WCAB.) Mr. Pantig enjoys computers/technology, sci-fi and action movies, and enjoying time with family and friends.
WLA Team
Law School: University of San Francisco School of Law
California Bar: 2009
Brian D. Park is a California licensed attorney representing the interests of insured employers and their carriers in the defense of matters before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. Mr. Park seeks to expeditiously and judiciously litigate and resolve claims while maintaining an excellent relationship with his client. When Mr. Park is not appearing before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, golfing and engaging in any and all sorts of physical activities.
SFV Team
Law School: Whittier Law School
California Bar: 1998
Mr. Perlmutter has practiced law for over fifteen years as General Counsel for firms in both the retail and health industries. Drawing upon his extensive experience as corporate counsel, he enjoys providing his clients with efficient and aggressive work to ensure that a case is moving forward towards closure in the most cost effective manner. During his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing tennis and attending his son’s baseball games.
SAC Team
Law School: Western State College of Law
California Bar: 2013
Doug Pettengill has represented various insurance carriers and self‐insured employers in all aspects of workers’ compensation defense. Mr. Pettengill vigorously pursues expeditious closure of cases through the use of modern legal practices. In his spare time, Mr. Pettengill enjoys camping, hiking and spending time with his family.
SFV Team
Law School: Georgetown University Law Center
California Bar: 2014
Nareg Ploozian joined the Gilson Daub San Fernando Valley office in 2017 after several years experience in the industry working as a Workers' Compensation defense attorney. He has had experience in all stages of litigation before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board defending insurers and employers, including various self-insured employers and against claims of total permanent disability. Mr. Ploozian enjoys solving problems by creatively exploring alternative settlement arrangements and original trial arguments. In his spare time he enjoys amateur engineering, building and designing products such as electric guitar equipment, arcade machines, and classic menswear.
OC Team
Law School: Western State University
California Bar: 1987
Susan Polk is a 29-year attorney in California with 15 years defending workers’ compensation claims. Ms. Polk believes in pushing a case to a prompt resolution through fast and aggressive case handling whether by a cost-effective settlement early on or trial. She also enjoys relaxing at Glen Ivy Hot Springs, country music concerts and watching sporting events.
OC Team
Law School: Whittier School of Law
California Bar: 2008
Sara Razavi prides herself on prompt and productive communication with her clients, something she has found to be cornerstone to providing effective representation. Ms. Ravazi strives to provide aggressive defense representation and believes in working quickly to move files to conclusion. She does this by effective file management, collaboration with the claims team, and the aggressive pursuit of case closure through litigation. Outside of work, family is her passion. Her daughter Milani is the apple of her eye and her motivation to work hard and set a good example.
SJ Team
Law School: Southwestern Law School
California Bar: 2012
Nicholas Rosen has practiced exclusively in workers’ compensation defense since 2013; prior to that, he was a criminal defense attorney. Mr. Rosen enjoys helping clients through the use of cutting-edge technology and consistent communication. When not at work, Nicholas enjoys going to Oakland A’s games, volunteering in his wife's second-grade classroom, and tending to his two rambunctious dachshunds, Molly and Winnie.
LA Team
Law School: Western State College of Law
California Bar: 2013
Christine Ruvalcaba is a workers’ compensation attorney with successful trial experience. Ms. Ruvalcaba strives to defeat fraudulent claims and bring expeditious resolutions for clients. Ms. Ruvalcaba enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, entertaining friends at home, traveling, and could eat sushi every day of the week.
OC Team
Law School: Chapman University School of Law
California Bar: 2013
Ms. Sahli has devoted her legal career to workers’ compensation defense. She looks forward to being part of the future of legal and improving the workers’ compensation system in California. In her free time Ms. Sahli enjoys spending time with her family, listening to country music, and dancing like no one is watching.
LA Team
Law School: Western State University College of Law
California Bar: 2013
Jesse Salazar is an attorney who specializes in the defense of workers' compensation claims. Gilson Daub allows Mr. Salazar to use unparalleled technology and transparency to aggressively represent third party administrators, insurance companies, self-insured entities, and employers in all aspects of workers' compensation defense. Mr. Salazar also enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with his family, playing sports, and taking his dog for walks.
FRE Team
Law School: Loyola Law School
California Bar: 2014
Shauna Salehi is an Associate Attorney at the Gilson Daub Fresno office. Ms. Salehi’s practice is focused on all aspects of workers’ compensation litigation. Ms. Salehi strives to provide aggressive and efficient representation in every single case and quickly move cases towards resolution. Ms. Salehi enjoys working closely with clients, while engaging in clear communication. In her spare time, Ms. Salehi enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking and outdoor activities.
VEGAS Team
Law School: Roger Wiliams University School of Law
California Bar: 2016
Jennifer is an associate attorney for the Gilson Daub Las Vegas office. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts from Pepperdine University where she majored in Political Science and International Studies. Jennifer received her Juris Doctor from Roger William University School of Law. While in law school, Jennifer completed a summer clerkship with the Honorable John J. McConnell, Jr. of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Prior to joining Gilson Daub, Jennifer practiced insurance defense where she gained experience in complex litigation matters.
BAK Team
Law School: California Western School of Law
California Bar: 2017
Armen Shakoorian has practiced law exclusively in the field of Workers’ Compensation Insurance Defense. With a strong background in business, Armen’s focus is heavy on efficiency, negotiations, and case settlement. Serving his clients in the quickest and most effective way while achieving the best results is his top priority. He earned his bachelors degree in Political Science, minoring in Philosophy from UC Santa Barbara, an MBA from San Diego State University, and his JD from California Western School of Law. During his off time, he enjoys exercise & fitness, archery, and chess.
SFV Team
Law School: Whittier Law School
California Bar: 2011
Raheleh Shokrollahi has been litigating cases before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board since 2011. Ms. Shokrollahi is passionate about justice, and expeditiously getting results for her clients. She also enjoys music, going to concerts, hiking, and art.
FRE Team
Law School: San Joaquin College of Law
California Bar: 2013
Trevor Simonson has been working in the field of Workers' Compensation defense since 2012 when he started as a hearing representative primarily resolving liens. After being admitted to the California State Bar in 2014, he began handling all facets of workers' compensation claims and developing relationships with clients built on trust and open communication. His style of case handling is ideally suited for the Gilson Daub philosophy of moving cases to resolution as efficiently as possible.
In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf whenever time allows.
VEGAS Team
Law School: University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Nevada and Arizona Bar: 2014
Matt began practicing law in Nevada in 2014 and represents clients in all stages of workers' compensation litigation. He takes pride in working closely with clients to achieve the best results in each case. Matt also represents clients in subrogation actions and has successfully recovered full lien amounts against third parties. Prior to practicing in Nevada, Matt worked at a plaintiff's firm in Arizona. Matt enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his sons' little league baseball teams. When he's not at the office or on the baseball field, you can find him hiking at Red Rock Canyon or camping on Mt. Charleston.
IE Team
Law School: Western State University, College of Law
California Bar: 2011
Langdon Southworth is a workers’ compensation defense attorney who has been zealously advocating for employers, self-insured entities, insurance carriers, and third party administrators since April 2014. When Mr. Southworth is not hard at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three energetic boys playing soccer, going to the park, camping, and going to the beach. He also has leadership responsibilities in his church where he volunteers his time on a weekly basis.
SAC Team
Law School: UC Hastings
California Bar: 2013
Since entering law school at the age of 19, Le Trinh has proven that she has a keen legal intellect and a knack for resolving cases. A shrewd negotiator, she is adept at utilizing the law and facts of each case to generate a robust defense and produce resolutions that have saved her clients significant amounts of money. Her track record as an attorney exemplifies that she simply gets things done. When not in the courtroom, Le enjoys spending time with her husband and hanging out with their five cats, each of whom live more lavishly than they do.
OC Team
Law School: Boston University School of Law
California Bar: 2014
Edward Tsui is an aggressive litigator who has won multiple “take nothings” at trial. He values strong communication with clients and the expeditious resolution of cases. During law school, he competed in moot court and negotiation competitions. Before he was a lawyer, Ed was also a professional musician and a published fashion photographer. Now, he enjoys watching baseball, going to concerts, and romantic dinners with his beautiful wife.
HI Team
Law School: University of San Francisco School of Law
California Bar: 2012
Hawaii Bar: 2013
Derek Turbin was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. He attended high school at Punahou, graduating in 2002. Derek is licensed in both California and Hawaii. After practicing litigation and workers compensation for 6 years in California, Derek Turbin returned home to Hawaii to work as a staff attorney at the state legislature for the 2019 legislative session. After the 2019 legislative session, Derek returned to workers compensation to lead our Hawaii office in representing local Hawaii employers for their work comp needs.
SFV Team
Law School: Chapman University School of Law
California Bar: 2011
Ms. Bailey has been practicing workers’ compensation for several years. She is devoted to resolving cases quickly and efficiently. In her free time, Ms. Bailey enjoys travel, spending time with her family, and bad television.
SAC Team
Law School: Willamette University College of Law
California Bar: 1996
After graduating from Willamette University with his law degree, Mr. Whitelaw worked for a fast-paced applicant attorney firm in Sacramento for a few years before leaving for the civil litigation world. After 15 years of primarily defending corporations, employers and hospitals in medical malpractice and nursing home negligence actions, Mr. Whitelaw returned to the worker’s compensation field working first for another applicant’s attorney firm before switching to defense work. When not settling worker’s compensation cases expediently or responding promptly to client communications, Mr. Whitelaw enjoys spending his time traveling with family, playing golf and reading non-fiction books.
Meet The Lien Representatives
LIEN Team
Elizabeth Douge has extensive hands-on experience in both sides of the Workers’ Compensation industry. She began her career in Workers Compensation initially representing medical providers for the first 3 years, and has spent the last 6 years representing insurance carriers against liens. Her previous experience as a Lien Representative for medical providers, and aggressive defense tactics has shown to produce results pleasing to clients. She is an aggressive negotiator and has spent a significant amount of time dealing with SIU/fraud files. During her time as a Lien Representative she established a positive reputation at the Workers Compensation Appeals Board which laid the ground work for her transition to the Defense side. She has created positive relationships and contacts including Lien Claimant supervisors which are incredibly important when dealing with hard to close files. She is a highly motivated individual in all aspects of life; and extremely passionate about her career. In her spare time Ms. Douge enjoys horseback ridding, snowboarding, and spending time with her family.
LIEN Team
Maria Jara has broad experience representing lien claimants and defendants in-house and at the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. Her profound understanding of both sides of the workers' compensation spectrum enables her to create a plan of action to defend her client against lien claimants in the most cost-effective manner. Maria endeavors to defend her clients against frivolous litigation costs and to resolve liens efficiently and with fiscal sensibility. During her leisure time, Maria loves to spend time with family and friends, go for long hikes and take in nature, meditate at the beach, read, and exercise.
LIEN Team
Bernardo Rojas has extensive years of experience on both sides of the Workers’ Compensation Industry, playing different roles throughout his tenure. He began his career in the Workers” compensation Industry as a lien representative representing medical providers in a variety of medical specialties for approximately 15 years.
He then transitioned into the field of medical reimbursement, and obtained his Certified Professional Coders Certification. He utilized this knowledge defending against various medical specialties with his extensive knowledge of medical reimbursement while closely working alongside defendants SIU departments. He successfully testified in various venues throughout Northern and Southern California on behalf of insurance companies defending against medical providers for approximately 7 years.
He then combined his knowledge and years of experience, and has been a defendant hearing representative for approximately 6 years. Throughout his career, his knowledge and expertise coupled with the development of positive relationships with his adversaries, as well as his clients has assisted him with the ability to deal with the closure of complex litigation issues with ease.
In his spare time, Mr. Rojas enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, and also savoring the dynamic cuisines of the world that California has to offer.
LIEN Team
Lea’s career at Gilson Daub began as a Staff Assistant to the Lien Department. Little did she know that her 12 years experience in telephone collections and AR management representing a myriad of medical practices, in conjunction with her experience as a hearing representative before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, would be her training in medical and legal terminology that has proven to be advantageous in her current career. In life, her biggest win is her family. Her two sons are her motivation to strive for excellence in all she does, both professionally and personally.
