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LMLA Staff

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Our Team A-Z list

We are often told we have some of the best attorneys and support staff in California and beyond.

Partners

llarena
Sacramento

Carlos A Llarena, Jr

(+1) 916 852 0501

carlos @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Mr. Llarena is the firm’s co-founding principal and has been practicing law since 2002 and workers’ compensation defense since 2004. He maintains a full case load specializing in the litigation of workers’ compensation defense representing insurance carriers, third party administrators and self-insured employers with legal representation throughout the state of California while co-managing the law firm in Sacramento, California.

Mr. Llarena represents employers and insurance carriers in the defense of workers’ compensation claims, claimed violations of L.C. section 132(a), and Serious and Willful Misconduct claims and keeping the client satisfied is top priority.

Mr. Llarena graduated from California State University Sacramento with a degree in biology, magna cum laude. During his undergraduate years, Mr. Llarena served as an adjunct professor for inorganic chemistry and performed medical research with the University of Texas, Houston Medical School. He worked as an operating room technician for nine years and as a laboratory technician for three years. He gained invaluable medical experience and applies his medical background litigating workers’ compensation cases. Mr. Llarena obtained his Juris Doctor from McGeorge SOL University of the Pacific, California.

Mr. Llarena served seven years with the United States Army and the California Army National Guard. He is a native Spanish speaker.

Education: J.D., McGeorge SOL University of the Pacific, California; 2002 | B.A., California State University, Sacramento; 1998

Admissions: California State Courts | U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California

Daniel Murdock
Bay Area

Daniel P. Murdock

(+1) 510 285 9255

daniel @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Daniel Murdock is the firm’s co-founding principal, and has been practicing workers’ compensation law since 2004. He maintains a full case load, specializing in the litigation of workers’ compensation defense and represents insurance carriers, third party administrators and self-insured employers with legal representation throughout the State of California. Mr. Murdock provides training seminars with clients about changes in the law, administrative rulings, case updates, effective handling of claims at the WCAB, and all topics which effect and involve litigation.

Prior to the formation of the Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, Mr. Murdock practiced medical malpractice law in Sacramento for one year and then joined a Law Firm specializing in workers’ compensation defense. Mr. Murdock obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego and was invited to join the Golden Key Honor Society for academic excellence. He began his law career as a paralegal and shortly thereafter earned his Juris Doctor from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, California.

Mr. Murdock was a member of the United States Army Reserve from 1991 to 2005 assigned to the 75th Legal Support Organization (LSO). He was awarded two Army Achievement Medals with Operation Enduring Freedom serving the 75th LSO.

Education: J.D., McGeorge SOL University of the Pacific, California; 2002 | B.A., University of California, San Diego; 1997

Admissions: California State Courts

Professional Association and Memberships: State Bar of California | Member of the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA) | Accredited U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Attorney

Dominic A. Lopez
Los Angeles

Dominic A. Lopez

(+1) 626 844 6616

dominic @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Mr. Lopez, the firm’s general managing partner, has been practicing workers’ compensation law exclusively since 2007. He is a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist who represents insurance carriers, third-party administrators and self-insured employers in the defense of workers’ compensation matters, alleged Labor Code Section 132(a) violations as well as Serious & Willful Misconduct claims.

Mr. Lopez provides strong legal representation, aggressive case resolution, and successful litigation with a focus on client driven results. Prior to joining the Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, Mr. Lopez was a Senior Attorney at a state-wide workers’ compensation defense firm. There he earned his reputation for quick, decisive and tactical case handling. The settlement of claims became a trademark of his practice and resulted in a large number of file closures in a short period of time. He has been innovative in setting up large informal settlement conferences and has taken the lead on multiple file closure projects.

As General Managing Partner for the Firm, Mr. Lopez handles client relations, manages attorneys and administrative staff, as well as oversees finances and day to day executive activities. He is a direct communicator whose focus on action driven results, and commitment to finding the most talented workers’ compensation personnel in the industry, has been an integral contributor to the firm’s tremendous growth. Under Mr. Lopez’s leadership the firm continues to expand throughout the State of California.

Mr. Lopez obtained his double major undergraduate degrees in History and Latin American studies at the University of California, Los Angeles and his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Education: J.D., University California Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco; 2007 | B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; 2001

Admissions: United States Supreme Court | California State Courts | U.S. District Court, Central District of California | U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Professional Association and Memberships: State Bar of California | Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law | Mexican American Bar Association – Los Angeles | Los Angeles County Bar Association | Member of the National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates (NOVA) | Accredited U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Attorney

Gina Azizad
Orange

Gina Azizad

(+1) 657 888 5700

ginaA @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: After a successful career as an in-house counsel and with other practices, Gina Azizad joined LMLA as a managing attorney and in recognition of her talents, she has become a Manging Partner with the firm, based in the Orange County office. Mrs. Azizad is a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist by the State Bar of California and represents insurance carriers, third-party administrators and self-insured employers in the defense of workers’ compensation matters, alleged Labor Code Section 132(a) violations as well as Serious & Willful Misconduct claims.

Mrs Azizad has also extensive experience advocating for large companies with a unionized workforce.

Ms. Azizad has a wealth of experience in workers’ compensation defense and litigation management and is one of the industry’s brightest attorneys.

Education: J.D., University of San Francisco, School of Law; 2011 | B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; 2008

Admissions: California State Courts

Dagmawi (Dag) Adane
Sacramento

Dagmawi (Dag) Adane

(+1) 916 852 0501

dag @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:Dag Adane is the Managing Partner in our Sacramento Office. Mr. Adane joined Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, in 2012 with a legal background in criminal defense, civil litigation and workers’ compensation defense. Mr. Adane represents employers, insurance carriers, and third party administrators in all aspects of workers’ compensation claims, claimed violations of L.C. section 132(a) and Serious & Willful Misconduct claims. A distinguishing feature of Mr. Adane’s legal representation is the zealous and aggressive handling of cases for his clients to secure a favorable resolution or “take nothings.” Mr. Adane has extensive experience in litigating complex injuries and high value cases with the ability to keep his client’s goal and needs in the forefront.

Mr. Adane obtained his undergraduate degree from the California State University of Sacramento and Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. During law school, Mr. Adane was ranked in the top four trial teams in the nation for an American Bar Association Mock Trial competition. He speaks and writes fluent Amharic. He is also proficient in written and oral Spanish.

Education: J.D., Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville; 2011 | B.S., California State University, Sacramento; 2007

Admissions: California State Courts

Alexander Mikaelian
Van Nuys

Alexander Mikaelian

(+1) 818 230 2557

alex @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:Alexander Mikaelian is the managing partner of the firm's Van Nuys office. Mr. Mikaelian has represented public entities, major corporations and hospitals, private self-insured employers, and insurance carriers in all aspects of workers' compensation litigation. He is a skilled negotiator and litigator.


Prior to his experience in workers' compensation, he worked in the area of complex constructions defect, and civil litigation. Alex is fluent in Armenian and conversational in Russian.

Education: J.D., Loyola Law School; 2008 | B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; 2004

Admissions: California State Courts

Bethel
Sacramento

Blake C. Bethel

(+1) 916 852 0501

blake @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Blake is the managing partner of the Sacramento office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where he practices Workers' Compensation defense.

Mr. Bethel started his career in civil litigation focused in Insurance Defense, and in that time, he represented both insurance carriers and private employers. He is experienced in working directly with both clients and administrators to pragmatically reach the most beneficial cost-effective case resolution for his clients. Blake also spent time in family law civil litigation dealing with sophisticated financial matters, including business appreciation apportionment, reimbursement, and contribution issues among other things. He draws on his varied valuable background experience to advocate exclusively on behalf of his Workers' Compensation clients.

He received his undergraduate degree from San Diego State University, Cum Laude. Mr. Bethel obtained his Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University College of Law, Cum Laude, in May 2014. While at Syracuse, Mr. Bethel was a member of the Justinian Honor Society, received Am. Jur. awards for Evidence and Constitutional Criminal Procedure, and served as a student attorney in the low income tax payer clinic. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in December 2014.

Personally, Blake is a die-hard sports fan, specifically professional and college basketball and football. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, exercising, and outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports.

Education: J.D., Syracuse University College of Law; 2014 | B.A., San Diego State University; 2011

Admissions: California State Courts

Bretton J. Morris
Bay Area

Bretton J. Morris

(+1) 510 285 9255

bretton @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Bretton Morris is a partner in the Bay Area office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where he practices Workers' Compensation defense. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Morris served as Associate Counsel for the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB). Mr. Morris's work at the WCIRB included revising the Insurance Commissioner's workers' compensation regulations, responding to appeals and dispute letters from employers and insurers regarding the application of the regulations, and providing legal advice regarding workers' compensation policy forms, endorsements and policyholder notices. Mr. Morris's extensive litigation experience includes trials, cross-examinations, depositions, settlement conferences and the preparation of briefs and petitions.

Education: J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco 2006 | B.A., University of California, Davis; 2001

Admissions: California State Courts | U.S. District Court, Central District of California | U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California | U.S. District Court, Northern District of California

B. Clark Haman
Fresno

B. Clark Haman

(+1) 818 230 2362

clark @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Clark Haman is a managing partner in the firm’s Fresno office where he represents clients in all aspects of workers’ compensation litigation. Mr. Haman has represented a wide array of carriers and employers in civil litigation liability defense and workers’ compensation matters across the country.

Previously Mr. Haman served as a regional managing attorney for a national P&C carrier and Vice President of Claims Litigation for a multi-line TPA that specializes in workers’ compensation. In the latter, he supervised the organization’s national in-house litigation department and was responsible for measurable savings to client carriers and employers throughout his tenure.

Mr. Haman served six years in the USMC Reserve attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6).

Education: J.D., San Joaquin College of Law; 1999 | B.S., Criminology, California State University, Fresno; 1992

Admissions: California State Courts | Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Eastern District of California

Delwin Por
Los Angeles

Delwin Por

(+1) 626 844 6616

Delwin @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Managing Partner of the Los Angeles Office, Delwin Por joined LMLA as a senior associate in 2019. He has been defending insurance carriers, third-party administrators and self-insured employers in workers’ compensation matters for approximately eight years. Prior to joining LMLA, he was a partner at a large defense firm assisting in the management and operations of their multiple offices.

Mr. Por enjoys his work tremendously and is extremely passionate in representing his clients at every stage of litigation.

Education: J.D., Chapman University College of Law; 2010  | M.B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; | B.A., University of California, Irvine; 2004

Admissions: California State Courts

Dominic A. Santos
Bay Area

Dominic A. Santos

(+1) 510 285 9255

dominics @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Dominic Aguon Santos is managing partner in the Bay Area offices of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where he practices Workers' Compensation defense. Mr. Santos joined Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, in 2015 with a legal background in taxation, insurance defense, and workers’ compensation defense. Mr. Santos began practicing Workers’ Compensation law in 2009 and has extensive experience in all aspects of litigation, including drafting pleadings, motions and med–legal correspondence, conducting depositions of applicants and doctors, and performing settlement evaluations. Mr. Santos has appeared at WCAB's throughout California, representing his clients' interests at hearings, trials, and informal settlement conferences.

Education: J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco; 2006 | B.A., University of California, Riverside; 2002

Admissions: California State Courts | U.S. District Court, Central District of California | United States Supreme Court

Eugenia “Jenny” Chentsova
Van Nuys

Eugenia “Jenny” Chentsova

(+1) 818 230 2557

jenny @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:Eugenia “Jenny” Chentsova is a partner in the firm’s Van Nuys location. She joined Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad in 2017 and brings with her 8 years of extensive experience in civil litigation. She possesses acute analytical skills, with the ability to spot issues and develop creative solutions in order to achieve optimal results for her clients. Ms. Chentsova has practiced Worker's Compensation defense since 2015.


Applying a respectful, but aggressive approach, she has performed all aspects of litigation including development of strategies that lead to efficient case resolution. Ms. Chentsova is fluent in Russian.

Education: J.D., University of West, Los Angeles; 2014 | B.A., Pedagogical University, Russia; 2005

Admissions: California State Courts

Rosa M. Williams
San Diego

Rosa M. Williams

(+1) 619 324-4423

rosa @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Rosa Williams is managing partner of the firm's San Diego office where she represents clients in all aspects of workers' compensation litigation.

With over 25 years of experience in workers' compensation, Rosa has worked in vocational rehabilitation, claims adjusting, and workers' compensation defense as a defense attorney for over 18 years.

Rosa is licensed in Hawaii and California and is fluent in written and spoken Spanish.

Education: J.D., University of Hawaii at Manoa, William S. Richardson School of Law; Manoa, Hawaii; 2000 | B.A., Journalism & Public Relations, California State University, Fresno; 1990

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 225204 | State Bar of Hawaii, JD Number 007536 | Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation Law

Mark M. Dehnert
Inland Empire

Mark M. Dehnert

(+1) 657 888-5700

mark @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Mr. Dehnert is the managing partner of the firm’s Inland Empire Office. He has been practicing workers' compensation law since 1999. He is a Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization since 2005.

He represents insurance carriers, third-party administrators and self-insured employers in the defense of workers' compensation matters, alleged Labor Code Section 132a violations as well as Serious & Willful Misconduct claims.

Prior to the entering law school, Mr. Dehnert studied at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in the field of Electrical Engineering. He began his law career handling personal injury, estate planning and workers' compensation law. His practice has been dedicated solely to Workers' Compensation Defense since 2002.

Education: J.D., B.A. Western State University, College of Law, Fullerton, CA; 1998

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 204176 | Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation Law

Attorneys

Alexis Pettis
Bay Area

Alexis Pettis

(+1) 510-285-9255

Alexis @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Alexis Pettis is an Associate Attorney in the Bay Area office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez, & Azizad, APC, where she represents clients in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation litigation.

Ms. Pettis graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Sociology and Psychology. She received her JD from Golden Gate University where she was awarded the CALI Award for Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Transactional Drafting, Legal Research and Writing, and Entertainment Law. In addition, she earned her Specialization Certificate in Litigation, Business Law, Public Interest Law, and Family Law.

Ms. Pettis was Admitted to the California State Bar in 2021. Ms. Pettis has experience at trial, conducting depositions, negotiating lien settlements, and appearing at the WCAB on all expects of litigation. Ms. Pettis is excellent at facilitating claim resolution in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Education: J.D., Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco, CA | B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, CA

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 341367

Austen Gabbard
San Diego

Austen Gabbard

(+1) 626 844-6616

Austen @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Admissions: California State Courts

Charles Tan Keh
Los Angeles

Charles Tan Keh

(+1) 818 230 2557

Charles @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:Charles Keh is an associate with the Los Angeles office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez, & Azizad, APC, where he practices Workers' Compensation defense.

Mr. Keh is involved in aspects of discovery, including but not limited to taking depositions of injured workers, drafting of medical-legal interrogatories to medical experts, cross-examination of medical experts, and adjudication of cases up to and including trials before the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).

Additionally, he represents employers on matters involving discrimination under Labor Code, Section 132 (a) and Serious and Willful Misconduct (Labor Code Section 4554).

Mr. Keh has been practicing workers' compensation defense since 2013.

Education: J.D., University of La Verne College of Law, Ontario, CA; 2012 | B.A., Environmental Studies, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; 2008

Admissions: California State Courts

Cheryl Frumes
Van Nuys

Cheryl Frumes

(+1) 818 230 2362

cheryl @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Cheryl Frumes is an associate in the Van Nuys office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where she practices Workers' Compensation defense.

Ms. Frumes has been practicing law for over 35 years and has been entirely focused on workers' compensation defense since 2000.

She has extensive experience in all aspects of work comp litigation including discovery issues, apportionment issues, MPN issues, trials, depositions, cross-examinations of medical professionals, assessment of case value and avenues for minimizing potential exposure to clients.

Education: J.D., San Fernando Valley College of Law, CA | B.A., Political Science, U.C. Santa Barbara, CA

Admissions: California State Courts | Arizona State Courts | Federal Court, Central District of California | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 110457

Christina A. Hindman
San Diego

Christina A. Hindman

(+1) 626 844-6616

Christina @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:Christina A. Hindman is a Senior Associate Attorney in the San Diego office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where she represents clients in all aspects of workers’ compensation litigation.

Christina graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2002, and subsequently engaged in environmental law. She has practiced worker’s compensation since 2003 and in that time has gained significant experience defending and managing claims with varying levels of exposure.

Christina is known for effectively communicating with claims examiners to manage cases from inception to resolution, while providing ongoing education of workers’ compensation issues and trends. She is excellent with early settlement and unique litigation strategies and is well-versed in all discovery action needed to bring claims to conclusion.

Education: J.D., University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego CA; 2002 | B.S., University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA; 1998

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 222535

Daniel J. Aguilar
Fresno

Daniel J. Aguilar

(+1) 559 248 1093

danielA @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Daniel J. Aguilar is an associate in the Fresno office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where he practices Workers' Compensation defense.

Upon graduating from McGeorge School of Law in 2003, he has focused solely on Workers' Compensation Defense.

Daniel has appeared at numerous trials resulting in many take nothings. Daniel has specialized in handling of both large loss cases and subrogation.

Education: J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Sacramento, CA; 2003 | B.A., California State University, Fresno; 1999

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 227970

David A. Reed
Van Nuys

David A. Reed

(+1) 818 230 2557

david @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: David A. Reed is an Associate Attorney in the Van Nuys Office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where he practices Workers' Compensation defense.

After a career in baseball culminating in a season for the scout league affiliated with the Chicago White Sox, Mr. Reed began his legal career in entertainment, environmental and complex tort litigation before utilizing his ardent litigation skills in the field of workers’ compensation for the past 18 years – initially representing applicants, he transitioned to defending large employers, self- insureds, public utilities, and insurance companies.

Mr. Reed is a frequent presenter to small employers and labor groups on the initial, aggressive handling of claims.

Education: J.D., Oklahoma City University School of Law; 1997 | B.A. San Francisco State University, CA 1992

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 196648

David Snapp
Los Angeles

David Snapp

(+1) 626 844-6616

DavidS @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Admissions: California State Courts

Erik P. Jensen
Redding

Erik P. Jensen

(+1) 916 852-0501

erik @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Erik Jensen is a Senior Associate Attorney with Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad. Mr. Jensen has appeared at 17 District Offices throughout the state and has successfully litigated over 1,000 cases to resolution including claims involving asbestos, public safety workers, professional athletes, discrimination in violation of Labor Code 132a and death.

Mr Jensen has conducted hundreds of depositions of injured workers and medical experts in a variety of specialties. He relocated from Southern California to Northern California in January 2016 and was recruited by prominent members of local community to run for District Attorney of Shasta County in 2022.

Education: J.D., Chapman University School of Law; 2000 | B.A. California State University, Fullerton; 1997

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 219678

G. Dean Guerrero
Los Angeles

G. Dean Guerrero

(+1) 626-844-6616

Dean @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: G. Dean Guerrero is a senior associate attorney with the Los Angeles office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad.

Mr. Guerrero has significant experience in workers compensation and civil litigation defense work defending workers’ compensation injury claims and pursuing civil third-party subrogation matters. He has been practicing law since 2003 and has represented insurance companies and employers in all stages of litigation from inception to trial.

Education: J.D., Whittier Law School, Costa Mesa, CA; 2002 | B.S., Long Beach State University, Long Beach, CA; 1999

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 228625 | U.S. District Court, Central District of California | U.S. District Court, Northern District of California | U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California | Los Angeles County Bar Association, American Bar Association | Philippine American Bar Association

Gary S. Harr
Los Angeles

Gary S. Harr

(+1) 626 844 6616

Gary @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Gerald Latasa
Sacramento

Gerald Latasa

(+1) 916 852 0501

gerald @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:Gerald (Gerry) Latasa is an associate in the firm's Sacramento office. He represents employers, insurance carriers, and third party administrators in all aspects of workers' compensation litigation.

Gerry graduated from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2013, and shortly began work as an applicant's attorney. He then switched to defense, practicing at workers' compensation boards throughout northern California. He stays in close communication with clients in order to bring claims to swift resolution.

Outside of the office, Gerry serves on the Pacific McGeorge Alumni Association Board of Directors and has served on the board of SacLegal, an affiliate of the Sacramento County Bar Association.

Education: J.D., University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Sacramento, CA; 2013 | B.A., University of the Pacific, Stockton; 2010

Admissions: California State Courts

Glen Hatfield
Los Angeles

Glen Hatfield

(+1) 626 844 6616

glen @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Glen Hatfield is an associate attorney in the firm’s Los Angeles office. Prior to joining the firm and becoming an attorney, he worked as a worker’s compensation adjuster for a large insurance company. As an adjuster, he primarily handled the settlement of complex and high exposure claims.

Glen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from University of California, Los Angeles, and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School.

Education: J.D., Loyola Law School; 2016 | B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; 2008

Admissions: California State Courts

Jeffrey Levenson
Sherman Oaks

Jeffrey Levenson

(+1) 818 230 2362

jeffreyL @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Jeffrey is an associate in the Van Nuys office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where he practices Workers' Compensation defense.

Jeff has over 25 years' experience in the insurance industry. First as a worker compensation claims examiner for an insurance company before transitioning to the owner and operating a full service insurance brokerage specializing in property and casualty insurance. In addition to sales Jeff provided risk management and other consulting services. During this period Jeff attended law school at night.

After passing the Bar, Jeff decided to return to the workers compensation field as a defense attorney where he utilizes his prior insurance industry experience in his approach to defending workers compensation claims

Education: J.D., Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law, CA; 2014 | Master of Arts, National Security Studies, California State University, San Bernardino; 1990 | B.A., Political Science, California State University, Northridge; 1988

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 296696

Jennifer Riley
Los Angeles

Jennifer Riley

(+1) 626-844-6616

JenniferR @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Admissions: California State Courts

Jennifer Trevino
Fresno

Jennifer Trevino

(+1) (559) 248-1093

JenniferT @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Jennifer Trevino is an associate in the Fresno office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where she practices Workers' Compensation defense.

Jennifer has significant experience representing employers, third-party administrators and insurance carriers. She uses her extensive litigation skills to fast-track claims and attain the most efficient and effective settlement possible. As part of her practice, she makes appearances throughout California's Central Valley Workers' Compensation Appeal Boards.

Jennifer graduated cum laude from Purdue University and Loyola University of New Orleans School of Law. She also served as an agent for the United States Peace Corps in Panama and is fluent in Spanish.

Education: L.L.M. Water Resources Law, Magna Cum Laude, University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law; 2016 | J.D., Loyola University of New Orleans, School of Law; 2014 | B.S., Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN; 2009

Admissions: California State Courts

Jonas N. Parr
Fresno

Jonas N. Parr

(+1) (559) 248-1093

jonas @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Jonas Parr s an associate in the Fresno office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where he practices Workers' Compensation defense.

Jonas graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, and then the San Joaquin College of Law.

Jonas has practiced worker's compensation since 2015 and in that time has represented employers, third party administrators and insurance companies in all stages of litigation.

Education: J.D., San Joaquin College of Law, Fresno, CA | B.A., English, University of California at Berkeley

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 303739

Joseph A. Wazir
Los Angeles

Joseph A. Wazir

(+1) 626 844 6616

Email: Joseph @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Joe Wazir is an associate in the Los Angeles office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where he practices Workers' Compensation defense. He graduated Loyola Law School in 2020, with Order of the Coif honors (10% of graduating class).

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Wazir worked as a workers' compensation adjuster for a large insurance company. As an adjuster, he handled high exposure, litigated claims. Upon passing the California bar, Mr. Wazir handled personal injury, public entity, and business litigation in the civil realm before moving to workers' compensation defense.

Mr. Wazir also graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Education: J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles; 2020 | B.A., Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles; 2012

Admissions: California State Courts | U.S. District Court, Central District of California | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 334127

Justin Bechen
Inland Empire

Justin Bechen

(+1) 657 888 5700

justin @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Justin is an associate attorney in the firm's Inland Empire office, where he represents clients in all aspects of workers' compensation litigation.

Justin has significant experience defending and managing workers' compensation claims with varying levels of exposure, up to and including life pension, permanent total, and catastrophic injuries, as well as ancillary claims for increased benefits under Labor Code Sections 132a and 4553 (serious and willful misconduct). He effectively communicates with claims examiners to manage cases from inception to resolution while providing ongoing education of workers' compensation issues and trends.

In addition, he reviews claim files and provides comprehensive and evolving plans of action on issues ranging from discovery, to medical provider network control, fraud detection, return to work obstacles, compliance with the AMA Guides, standards of apportionment, permanent disability, and employer/carrier compliance.

Prior to attending law school Justin worked as a claims examiner for Wausau Insurance in and later at Gallagher Bassett. As an adjuster, he handled litigated files and lost time files, ranging in complexity from simple disputes over permanent impairment, to complex and high-value matters.

Education: J.D., University of Oregon School of Law, Eugene, OR; 2013 | B.S., Business Admin, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 287053 | Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation Law

Justine Buan
Los Angeles

Justine Buan

(+1) 626-844-6616

Justine @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Admissions: California State Courts

Karina Vaysberg
Van Nuys

Karina Vaysberg

(+1) 818 230 2557

karina @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Karina Vaysberg is an Associate Attorney in LMLA’s Van Nuys Office. Ms. Vaysberg has varied experience in workers compensation ranging from secretarial and record review to legal analysis in the defense oriented sector. She has been with LMLA since May of 2018.

Ms. Vaysberg graduated, with several accolades from California State University, Northridge, where she earned a degree in Business Law and a minor in Economics. Karina undertook various volunteer-work including creating a fundraiser for breast-cancer awareness on GoFundMe, providing community-based services for organization Food-on-Foot, and providing case management and legal support for Bet Tzedek legal services. Karina is a recent graduate of Southwestern University School of Law where she received a Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Tort Law.  Karina is passionate about Workers’ Compensation and eager to grow in the field.

Education: J.D., Southwestern University School of Law; 2019 | B.S., California State University, Northridge; 2015

Admissions: California State Courts

 Kristin L. Bergesen
Sacramento

Kristin L. Bergesen

(+1) 916 852 0501

Email: Kristin @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Kristin Bergesen earned her J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law in 2007. She began her career in private practice with a focus on criminal defense and personal injury. She transitioned to the role of Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney in 2009, and has now practiced Workers' Compensation defense for over a decade.

Ms. Bergesen is experienced with all aspects of Workers' Compensation practice, including Trials, cross-examination of medical-legal evaluators, applicant and witness depositions, hearings, and management of cases from inception through the appellate process. She has worked with applicant's attorneys, codefendants, and clients to resolve cases at all stages of the litigation process. She has collaborated with clients to develop discovery, litigation, and resolution plans on a wide array of workers' compensation issues. In addition to handling cases, Ms. Bergesen also enjoys providing educational presentations and articles to clients and attorneys in order to help them better understand and navigate the complex California Workers' Compensation system.

Education: J.D., American University, Washington College of Law, Washington, DC; 2007 | B.A., University of California, Los Angeles; 2003

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 257447

Laura Dupuis
Los Angeles

Laura Dupuis

(+1) 626-844-6616

Laura @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Admissions: California State Courts

Leeann Mcnicholas
Los Angeles

Leeann G. McNicholas

(+1) 626-844-6616

Leeann @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Leeann McNicholas is a senior associate in the Los Angeles of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where she practices Workers' Compensation defense.

Leeann graduated from Santa Clara University Law School in 1989 and subsequently engaged in practicing business and civil litigation as well as personal injury and medical malpractice before concentrating her practice solely to workers' compensation. She has practiced worker's compensation in California since 2010 and became a California certified workers' compensation specialist in 2015. Since 2010, she has represented employers and insurance companies in all stages of litigation. She is licensed in both California and Nevada.

As a result of her extensive civil litigation experience and workers' compensation experience, she is very comfortable at trial, deposing physicians, and has conducted a significant amount of appeals work. She is excellent at resolving cases, litigation, trial, depositions and cross-examinations of Primary Treating Physicians, Agreed Medical Examiners and Panel Qualified Medical Examiners. She reviews all files with an eye towards the best and most efficient resolution to benefit the client while still maintaining an aggressive defense.

Education: JD., Santa Clara University School of Law, Santa Clara, CA;1989 | B.S. Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 1985 | Loyola University of Chicago, Rome - Study Abroad 1983-1984

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 144228 | State Bar of Nevada, State Bar Number 4005 | United States District Court, District of Nevada United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit | Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation Law

Maria Borrelli
Los Angeles

Maria Borrelli

(+1) 626 844 6619

MariaB @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Maria is a an Associate Attorney in the Pasadena office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC where she practices Workers' Compensation defense.

Maria has been a Workers' Compensation defense attorney since 2014 and has experience representing various employers including PEOs, retail shops, restaurants, hotels, medical clinics, cities, and counties.

Maria makes a daily commitment to open communication, ethical decision-making, and assertive and straight forward case handling.

Maria also has a passion for giving back and she is a Big Sister in the Big Brother Big Sister program, does pro bono legal work for the local legal aid clinic, and does various volunteer work including a trip to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

Education: J.D., Western State College of Law, Fullerton, CA; 2013 | B.S., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC; 2010 | Associate of Science, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH; 2008

Admissions: California State Courts | U.S. District Court, Central District

Mark L. Riggenbach
Los Angeles

Mark L. Riggenbach

(+1) 626 844-6616

Markr @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Admissions: California State Courts

Martin J. Herrera
Orange

Martin J. Herrera

(+1) 657 888-5700

martin @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Martin Herrera is an associate attorney in LMLA's Orange County Office where he represents employers, third party administrators and insurance carriers in all aspects of workers' compensation claims.

Education: J.D., Whittier Law School, Whittier, CA | B.A. California State University, Fullerton; Fullerton, CA

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 242948

Nixon Ma
Orange

Nixon Ma

(+1) 657 888 5700

nixon @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Nixon Ma is an associate in LMLA’s Orange County Office. Mr. Ma has experience representing employers, third party administrators and insurance carriers in all aspects of workers’ compensation claims. Mr. Ma graduated, with Honors, from the University of California, San Diego where he earned a degree in Political Science and minor in Socio-Cultural Anthropology. He received his Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law where he received multiple Witkins Awards for Academic Excellence, externed for the Honorable Barry Russell in the United States Bankruptcy Court and served as an Editor for the Southwestern Journal of International Law.

Education: J.D., Southwestern University School of Law; 2014 | B.A., California State University, San Diego; 2010

Admissions: California State Courts | U.S. District Court, Southern District of California

Phuong L. Pham
Orange

Phuong L. Pham

(+1) 657 888 5700

phuong @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:Phuong Pham is an managing attorney in the Orange office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where she represents insurance carriers, self-insured employers and public entities in all aspects of workers’ compensation. Before joining LMLA, Ms. Pham was an associate with a large defense firm in Orange County, appearing at WCABs throughout Southern California.
Ms. Pham obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in English from University of California, Irvine.

Education: J.D., Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego; 2010 | Zhejiang University College of Law, Hangzhou, China; 2008 | B.A., University of California, Irvine; 2005

Admissions: California State Courts

Rachel Perez Delgado
Van Nuys

Rachel Perez Delgado

(+1) 626 844 6616

rachel @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:Rachel Perez Delgado is an Associate in the Van Nuys office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez, and Azizad. Her practice revolves around workers’ compensation defense on behalf of employers, insurance carriers, and third party administrators.
Prior to working for Llarena Murdock, Rachel’s career concentrated in workers’ compensation in Florida for three years both as an attorney and law clerk. She is well versed in litigation, depositions, case resolution, and medical research. During law school, Rachel served as a judicial intern for Judge Richardson in the Middle District of Florida then as a law clerk for the Florida Office of the Attorney General. She graduated cum laude in the top 7% of her class from Florida Coastal School of Law and since then has primarily focused on workers’ compensation defense.

Education: J.D., Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville, FL; 2018 | B.S., Trinity Baptist College, Jacksonville, FL; 200

Admissions: California State Courts | Florida State Courts

Simon C. Panczyk
Orange

Simon C. Panczyk

(+1) 675 888-5700

Simon @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Simon C. Panczyk is an associate in LMLA's Orange County Office. Mr. Panczyk has experience representing employers, third party administrators and insurance carriers in all aspects of workers' compensation claims.

Mr. Panczyk received his Juris Doctorate, with Honors, from Whittier College School of Law, where he received a certificate in the specialty of Intellectual Property, competed in several mock trial competitions, and served as an Articles Editor for Whittier's Journal of Child and Family Advocacy.

Mr. Panczyk has been practicing workers' compensation defense since 2014.

Education: J.D., Whittier Law School, Costa Mesa, CA; 2012 | B.A., Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA; 2000

Admissions: California State Courts

Sona Demurchyan
Sherman Oaks

Sona Demurchyan

(+1) 818 230 2362

Sonad @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Sona Demurchyan is an Associate Attorney in the Sherman Oaks office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where she practices Workers' Compensation Defense.

Ms. Demurchyan graduated from USC Gould School of Law, where she earned a Master Degree in Business Law. She earned her Master in Tax Laws and Bachelor of Laws from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. After being admitted to the California State Bar, Ms. Demurchyan has been practicing law in the area of Workers' Compensation Defense throughout California.

Ms. Demurchyan was born in Armenia, and raised in Belgium. Her international education and experiences have enhanced her ability to communicate with people from different backgrounds.

Ms. Demurchyan is fluent in Dutch, Armenian and French.

Education: LL.M, University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, 2019 | MA, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium, 2018 | LL.B., Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium, 2016.

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 338679

Stephanie A. Eustaquio
Inland Empire

Stephanie A. Eustaquio

(+1) 626 844-6616

Stephanie @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Stephanie Eustaquio is a senior associate attorney in the Inland Empire office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where she practices Workers' Compensation defense.

Stephanie graduated from Loyola Law School in 1996, and subsequently practiced family law, immigration, personal injury, and business litigation. She has practiced worker’s compensation since 2004 and in that time has represented employers and insurance companies in all stages of litigation.

Stephanie has significant experience defending and managing workers’ compensation injury claims with varying levels of exposure. He effectively communicates with claims examiners to manage cases from inception to resolution.

Education: J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, CA; 1996 | B.A. University of California, Los Angeles; 1992

Stephanie is fluent in Tagalog and Visayan.

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 185523

Steven Lee
Los Angeles

Steven Lee

(+1) 626-844-6616

Steven @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Admissions: California State Courts

Theodore K. De la Haye
Orange

Theodore K. De la Haye

(+1) 657 888-5700

theodore @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Ted de la Haye is a senior associate based out of the Pasadena office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, where he practices workers' compensation defense.

Ted graduated from Chapman Law School in 2012 and has exclusively represented employers, insurance carries, and TPAs in all aspects of workers' compensation litigation during his career. Ted was a claims adjuster prior to law school which has provided valuable insight in his practice.

Ted has significant experience defending and managing workers compensation injury claims with varying levels of exposure. He effectively communicates with claims examiners to manage cases from inception to resolution while providing ongoing education of workers' compensation issues.

Education: J.D., Chapman University School of Law, Orange, CA; 2012 | B.A. Humanities/ Philosophy Emphasis, cum laude, Biola University, La Mirada, CA; 2005

Admissions: California State Courts | State Bar of California, State Bar Number 288757

Viswesh Chandramouli
Van Nuys

Viswesh Chandramouli

(+1) 818 230-2362

Viswesh @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Admissions: California State Courts

Of Counsel

Hearing Representatives, Law Clerks and Paralegals

Maria Starr
Orange

Maria Starr

(+1) 657 888 5700

Maria @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Maria Starr is a hearing representative and lien resolution specialist in the Orange office of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad. Ms. Starr has appeared at WCAB venues throughout California for lien conferences and lien trials where she has obtained multiple take nothings.

Ms. Starr’s 20+ years of experience in Workers’ Compensation, Collections and Customer Service, paired with her ability to move cases forward when negotiations appear to be at a standstill, make Maria a great addition to our LMLA Lien Resolution Team.

Education: Administration of Justice, Citrus College, Azusa, CA; 1985

Olivia Avila
Orange

Olivia Avila

(+1) 657 888 5700

OliviaA @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Paul R. Sanchez
Los Angeles

Paul R. Sanchez

(+1) 626 844-6616

Paul @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Steven A. Hoffman
TBD

Steven A. Hoffman

Steve @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:,

Steven V. Davidov
Van Nuys

Steven V. Davidov

(+1) 818 230 2557

StevenD @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:,

Zine Eddine Isseri
Van Nuys

Zine Eddine Isseri

(+1) 818 230-2362

Zine @ lmlalaw.com

Summary:

Education:

Executive Staff

Andra Stasko
Los Angeles

Andra D. Staško  Director of Client Services and Operations

(+1) 626 844 6616

andra @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: In her role of Director of Client Services and Operations, Andra Staško brings a wealth of experience to Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC. Ms. Staško has had an extensive operations career and has worked for some of the largest national and global companies responsible for media planning and buying, as well as legal services. Ms. Staško has a strong background in change management and has developed various systems to maximize efficiencies, accuracy, and accountability.

Prior to joining LMLA Andra was the Operations Director of a major national workers’ compensation law practice with over 300+ employees across 12 states.

Andra is active in her community and contributes time to several cultural groups. She is also fluent in Latvian and contributes time to several Latvian associations.

Dee Dee Demarest
Los Angeles

Dee Dee Demarest  Accounting Manager

(+1) 626 844 6616

deedee @ lmlalaw.com

Janine Lopez
Los Angeles

Janine N. Lopez  Marketing and Event Co-ordinator

(+1) 626 844 6616

janine @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Janine Lopez joined Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC, in January 2017 as the marketing and event co-ordinator, building on her previous experience and now representative of LMLA's emphasis on community events and Continuing Professional Development for the multitude of Claims Analysts working in the field of Workers Compensation. These two services demonstrate the commitment of the company to the citizens of California and Ms. Lopez will be a central part of these initiatives.

Nietani Rodriguez
Los Angeles

Nietani Rodriguez  Office Manager

(+1) 626 844 6616

nietani @ lmlalaw.com

Summary: Nietani Rodriguez works at the Pasadena offices of Llarena, Murdock, Lopez & Azizad, APC. Ms. Rodriguez has spent her professional career of 25+ years working for Workers’ Compensation firms, both on the defense and applicant sides, where she gained extensive knowledge in legal administration and support, as well as billing/accounting.

Ms. Rodriguez applies her experience to overseeing the smooth running of the file intake, calendar and legal support staff functions across our offices. Additionally Ms. Rodriguez is our HR Manager and handles employee relations and benefits at LMLA.

Ms. Rodriguez is an avid supporter of her son’s High School Football team and strongly believes in giving back to the community. She has actively volunteered for various community youth organizations as Athletic Director for 7 years, and most recently an Assistant Cheer Coach