Suki Patel
Westminster,CA
Summary
Results-driven Employment Defense and Workers' Compensation Attorney with over 21 years of comprehensive experience in managing multiple cases from inception to resolution. Expertise in leveraging strong analytical skills to develop and implement effective legal strategies that consistently lead to favorable outcomes. Proven history of achieving early resolutions, securing advantageous settlements, and winning courtroom battles, demonstrating a commitment to client advocacy and excellence in legal practice. Recognized for a proactive approach that addresses immediate legal challenges while anticipating future client needs.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Defense Attorney
Michael Sullivan and Associates, LLP
05.2021 - Current
- Developed comprehensive legal strategies for clients to address both immediate concerns and long-term objectives.
- Delivered persuasive oral arguments in court hearings, effectively advocating for client positions and achieving desired results.
- Managed complex cases and secured favorable outcomes in court proceedings. Conducted multiple depositions to defend the employer's interest in the claims and appeared at multiple cross-examinations to defend the employers' interests. Appeared at multiple hearings and Trials throughout California and brought such claims to favorable resolution.
- Drafted Petitions, Trial Briefs, Petitions for Reconsideration, and other relevant pleadings for submission to WCAB
- Conducted extensive legal research to stay abreast of evolving legal trends and inform strategic decision-making for clients' benefit.
- Negotiated favorable settlements for clients through effective communication and persuasive argumentation techniques.
- Built a solid network of industry contacts that led to increased referrals and business growth over time.
- Mentored junior attorneys.
- Advised clients on regulatory compliance matters, minimizing the risk of penalties or sanctions from government agencies.
- Advised corporate boards on governance and compliance matters, promoting ethical business practices and reducing potential liabilities.
- Developed strong professional relationships with opposing counsel, contributing to more productive negotiations and positive case outcomes.
- Enhanced client satisfaction with proactive communication and timely updates on case progress.
- Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
- Developed strategies for court proceedings and negotiations.
- Communicated with clients and collected information to research cases and prepare settlement offers.
- Counseled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
- Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
- Streamlined legal processes by implementing efficient case management strategies, resulting in reduced time spent on administrative tasks.
- Implemented tailored dispute resolution tactics, facilitating successful negotiations between parties to achieve mutually beneficial agreements.
Senior Defense Attorney
Bradford & Barthel, LLP
02.2020 - 05.2021
- Worked on dedicated accounts with a focus on aggressive file handling. Conducted multiple cross-examinations and appeared at various hearings throughout Southern California WCABs, including trials.
- Conducted multiple depositions to defend the claims on behalf of the employer. Facilitated early resolution of claims and obtained a multiple of favorable resolution of such claims.
- Handled representation in Labor Code 132 (a) violations as well as Serious & Willful Misconduct claims.
Senior Defense Attorney
Widom & Savey, LLP
03.2017 - 02.2020
- Regularly appeared at WCABs across Southern California with a focus on aggressive file handling.
- Conducted multiple depositions and evaluated claims for potential early resolution with a cost benefit analysis.
- Experience with case-in-chief trials, lien trials, 132 (a) violations as well as Serious & Willful Misconduct.
Senior Defense Attorney
Albert & Mackenzie, LLP
08.2016 - 02.2017
- Represented various employers in workers’ compensation matters throughout Southern California with a focus on aggressive claim handling to effectuate early or cost beneficial file resolution.
- Conducted multiple cross-examinations and appeared at various hearings throughout Southern California WCABs, including trials to represent the employer's interests.
Associate Attorney
Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi, LLP
06.2011 - 08.2016
- Represented various employers in workers’ compensation matters throughout Southern California.
- Trial experience included two trials in 2016 with favorable results in April and May of 2016.
- Appeared at WCABs throughout Southern California.
- File handling included work on the following panels: Zurich North America, Alaska National Insurance Company, ESIS, Enstar US, Disney, Crum and Forster, Employers Compensation Insurance Company, CIGA and Midwest claims.
Associate Attorney
Law Offices of Paul C. Herman
01.2009 - 06.2011
- Represented various corporations in workers’ compensation matters throughout Southern and Northern California with a proactive approach to file handling.
- Conducted numerous depositions on behalf of the insurance carrier.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Whittier Law School
05.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California, Irvine
06.1999
Skills
- Legal analysis
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Settlement negotiation
- Legal compliance
Certification
Juris Doctorate - 2004
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Senior Defense Attorney
Michael Sullivan and Associates, LLP
05.2021 - Current
Senior Defense Attorney
Bradford & Barthel, LLP
02.2020 - 05.2021
Senior Defense Attorney
Widom & Savey, LLP
03.2017 - 02.2020
Senior Defense Attorney
Albert & Mackenzie, LLP
08.2016 - 02.2017
Associate Attorney
Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi, LLP
06.2011 - 08.2016
Associate Attorney
Law Offices of Paul C. Herman
01.2009 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California, Irvine
Juris Doctor -
Whittier Law School
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