Monique used the California Supreme Court’s decision in Castellanos v. State of California to show the applicant was an independent contractor. She demonstrated that the company never required him to accept rides, never restricted him from driving for Uber or Lyft, and never prevented him from pursuing other work.

On the stand, the applicant admitted he chose his own hours and locations, had no obligation to schedule shifts, and worked for other platforms by choice. Monique connected those admissions to the law, making the picture clear.

A job well done by Monique, who closed the door on a costly claim and kept our client protected!

The post Employment Status Dispute Ends with Take Nothing Finding appeared first on Albert & Mackenzie.

Albert & Mackenzie employees, attorneys, claims professionals, doctors, vendors, family, and friends, joined for a day of golf, connection, and purpose. The evening reception featured opportunity drawings, golf awards, and a silent auction, followed by remarks from the beneficiary organizations that reminded everyone of the impact behind their efforts.

The Invitational was inspired by Albert & Mackenzie’s ongoing commitment to helping children in need of guidance and belonging. The firm has a longstanding connection with CASA and Peace4Kids, whose work continues to change lives across California. This event brought together the workers’ compensation community around a shared goal to strengthen these vital programs and the futures they shape.

Proceeds from the Invitational will directly benefit:

• California CASA and CASA of Los Angeles, which recruit, train, and support volunteer advocates appointed by judges to stand beside children in the child welfare system.
• Peace4Kids, which provides mentorship, leadership development, and a strong sense of community for youth transitioning out of foster care.

Albert & Mackenzie extends its gratitude to everyone who helped make this event possible, from the generous sponsors and players to those who volunteered their time to bring it all to life.

Mark Your Calendars
The firm looks forward to continuing this meaningful tradition. Please save the date for the second annual Charity Golf Invitational on November 6, 2026.

The post Teeing Up a Brighter Future: Albert & Mackenzie’s Inaugural Charity Golf Invitational Raises $146,000 for Foster Youth appeared first on Albert & Mackenzie.

David presented the mechanic’s same-day inspection report confirming the lift was safe and operable, undercutting any suggestion of reckless disregard. The Judge ruled that the employer’s conduct fell short of the strict Serious and Willful guidelines and dismissed the claim. The applicant attorney filed a petition for reconsideration for which the Trial Judge issued his report and recommendation supporting the defense verdict. The matter awaits the final determination of the Appeals Board. This outcome was the result of David’s thorough preparation and keen attention to the evidence, ultimately protecting the client from significant potential damages.

The post David Speyer Secures Take Nothing Ruling on Serious & Willful Misconduct Claim appeared first on Albert & Mackenzie.

Based entirely on employee feedback, this year’s survey revealed that 94% of employees consider Albert & Mackenzie a great place to work – far surpassing the 57% average at typical U.S. companies.

“Our employees are what make Albert & Mackenzie a special place. Receiving this certification five years in a row is exciting for us because it shows how our employees genuinely feel about working here,” said Bruce Albert, Firm Managing Partner. “We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, heard, and supported.”

Albert & Mackenzie continues to invest in its team through mentoring, diversity and inclusion webinars, and a new Peer-to-Peer recognition program. The firm also supports employee wellness with team-building activities and flexible work arrangements, including remote, in-office, and hybrid options.

Additional benefits include comprehensive health coverage, generous Paid Time Off, and Volunteer Time Off, all designed to promote a healthy, balanced, and connected workforce. These initiatives reinforce the firm’s commitment to creating a happier, healthier, and well-connected team.

To learn more about Albert & Mackenzie’s workplace culture, visit bit.ly/am-gptw.

We’re Hiring!
Interested in joining a workplace that values its employees? Visit albmac.com/careers.

The post Albert & Mackenzie Earns Great Place To Work® Certification for Fifth Year in a Row appeared first on Albert & Mackenzie.

California law requires proving that workplace exposure to COVID-19 – or any disease like influenza or pneumonia – was notably higher than the general public’s risk. Monique challenged this presumption, preventing costly evaluations, benefit payouts, legal fees, and settlement expenses.

In this high-exposure case, Monique’s defense led to a Take Nothing outcome for her client.

The post Monique Pride Brooks Obtains Take Nothing Finding Against COVID-19 Case appeared first on Albert & Mackenzie.

We congratulate Celena on this well-earned promotion and look forward to her continued contributions.

The post Celebrating Celena Shamburg’s Promotion and Continued Growth with Our Team appeared first on Albert & Mackenzie.

More than a talented attorney, Sumit is a mentor, collaborator, and leader whose guidance and expertise have made a lasting impact on our firm. His ability to navigate complex cases with care and professionalism has earned the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.

At Albert & Mackenzie, growth, learning, and collaboration are the pillars that define our team. Sumit demonstrates these values through his dedication to mentoring new attorneys and sharing his expertise. His leadership and mentorship have been a valuable addition to our culture of collaboration and continued excellence. We are excited to see him thrive and continue making an impact in his new role.

We celebrate this milestone as a testament to Sumit’s accomplishments and our firm’s commitment to growth and professional development. Please join us in congratulating him on this well-earned achievement!

The post Sumit Raghuvanshi Joins Albert & Mackenzie’s Leadership as Managing Partner appeared first on Albert & Mackenzie.

CASA’s mission is vital: to ensure every foster child has a dedicated advocate who stands up for their unique needs, offering support and stability as they navigate the complexities of the foster care system. For foster youth, CASA often becomes a source of trust, guiding them through a time that can feel uncertain and challenging.

For many at Albert & Mackenzie, this cause is more than just a donation. In addition to volunteers like Firm Managing Partner Bruce Albert and Managing Partner Sara Grumley, numerous employees have seen CASA’s impact up close – some as advocates and others as foster parents themselves. “Being a CASA volunteer allowed me to be there for a foster child when they needed it most, helping ensure their needs were heard and giving them opportunities they might not have had otherwise,” shares Bruce Albert. “We’re beyond grateful to our employees for their generosity. Together, we are making a lasting impact on young lives that deserve every chance to have a promising future.”

Bruce Albert’s involvement as a CASA advocate has focused on breaking down barriers for foster youth and helping them access the resources they need to thrive. Sara Grumley has also experienced the impact of CASA’s work, using her voice to support a child through tough decisions. The funds raised will help CASA expand services, train more volunteers, and raise awareness of the issues foster children face every day.

“We appreciate community partners who step up to help vulnerable children and youth in foster care,” said Sharon Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer, California CASA Association. “Thank you to all the staff members of Albert & Mackenzie for their generous donations and the company for matching their gifts. You are helping to ensure youth in foster care have trained Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers by their side to navigate the care system and to ensure they receive the services and opportunities they deserve.”

As Albert & Mackenzie continues its tradition of giving back, the firm remains committed to making a meaningful difference within its communities. This donation not only supports CASA’s vital mission but also brings hope and reassurance to foster children, reminding them that a caring community stands beside them, advocating for their future and believing in their potential.

The post Albert & Mackenzie and Employees Donate $32,047.58 to Support California CASA’s Mission of Advocacy for Foster Youth appeared first on Albert & Mackenzie.

Ray highlighted these inconsistencies and focused on the applicant’s failure to directly report the injury to her employer before her termination. He also pointed out the delay in seeking medical treatment and the late filing of the claim. Ultimately, the Judge ruled in our favor.

Outstanding defense from Ray in perfecting the post-termination defense to secure a Take Nothing in this case!

The post Outstanding Post-Termination Defense by Ray Stanek Results in Take Nothing Finding appeared first on Albert & Mackenzie.

This recognition reflects the real experiences of Albert & Mackenzie employees. A strong majority feel supported and equipped to succeed, with 98% reporting they have the tools needed to excel in their roles. In addition, 98% feel genuinely welcomed and 97% believe that leadership truly embodies the firm’s core values.

“For us, this isn’t just about recognition; it’s about reaffirming our commitment to put people first,” said Bruce Albert, Firm Managing Partner. “We believe that when our employees feel supported and valued, they’re able to deliver the best results for our clients. This certification is an affirmation that our approach to professional development, inclusivity, and wellbeing is making a difference in people’s lives.”

The Great Place To Work® Certification™ is more than a label; it reflects the trust, encouragement, and collaboration within Albert & Mackenzie. The firm’s leadership remains steadfast in fostering a workplace where each person, from new hires to senior team members, feels empowered to contribute meaningfully. When people work in an environment where they can be their true selves, it sparks innovation and growth – an advantage that sets Albert & Mackenzie apart in the industry. To explore more about Albert & Mackenzie’s culture and recent accolades, please visit bit.ly/am-gptw.

The post Albert & Mackenzie Earns Great Place To Work® Certification for the Fourth Year – Building a Legacy of Employee Support and Trust appeared first on Albert & Mackenzie.