2026 Workers' Compensation Spring Update - In Person
Join your friends and colleagues at the Spring Workers' Compensation Update. We'll explore the ethics of AI in legal practice, delve into Medicare Set-Asides, examine FAMLI's impact on workers' compensation, and learn about best practices for the administrative court system. We'll also cover the anatomy and medicolegal aspects of lower extremity injuries. Finally, grab a beverage and get ready for the always lively case law update.
IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE HAS ITS PERKS
Continuing Legal Education in Colorado, Inc. (CBA-CLE) values you and your participation in the Colorado legal community. The pandemic taught us that community building comes more naturally in person than it ever could via Zoom. Attending CBA-CLE events in person is a great way to network and meet new colleagues. Did you know that a primary referral source for attorneys is other attorneys?
To encourage community building through in-person attendance, CBA-CLE will be holding a drawing at every live program held in the CLE Classroom, available only to in-person attendees. The winner will receive a CLE Elite Pass for 1 year (a value of $1195 for members/$1495 for non-members) simply by attending live.
CLE CREDITS: This program has been submitted for 7 General Credits, including 1 Ethics Credit.
Home studies will be available 2-3 weeks following the live program.
CBA-CLE is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, and employment. To request an accommodation please contact [email protected] at least 14 business days in advance.
The program is accredited in Colorado. CBA-CLE staff can provide a Uniform Certificate of Attendance, and it is the attendee's responsibility to complete the accreditation outside of Colorado.
8:30 - 9:00 am
Registration and Coffee
9:00 - 9:05 am
Opening Remarks
Extended by Katherine H.R. Mackey, Esq., Ruegsegger Simons & Stern, LLC, Program Chair and Moderator
9:05 - 10:05 am
AI and the Rules of Professional Conduct
Artificial intelligence tools are transforming legal practice, offering powerful capabilities for research, document review, and case analysis. However, these innovations raise important ethical questions under the Rules of Professional Conduct. This session examines how AI tools intersect with attorney duties of competence, confidentiality, and candor to the tribunal, providing practical guidance for ethical AI adoption in workers' compensation practice.
Presented by Joseph Michaels, Esq., Colorado Department of Law
Submitted for 1 Professional Responsibility Credit
10:05 - 11:05 am
Medicare Set-Asides in Workers' Compensation
Medicare Set-Asides (MSAs) play a critical role in protecting Medicare's interests when settling workers' compensation cases involving Medicare beneficiaries or individuals likely to become Medicare-eligible within 30 months. This session covers MSA fundamentals, including when they're required, how to properly allocate settlement funds, CMS review processes, and best practices for administration and documentation.
Presented by Michele Carey, Esq., Ruegsegger Simons & Stern, LLC
11:05 - 11:15 am
Morning Break
11:15 - 12:15 pm
Quick Hits: FAMLI and Prehearing and Settlement Best Practices
This rapid-fire session addresses two timely topics. First, learn how Colorado's new Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program intersects with workers' compensation claims, including coordination of benefits and practical implications for employers and practitioners. Second, get insights from experienced ALJs on best practices for effective prehearing and settlement conferences.
Presented by The Honorable Craig C. Eley, The Honorable David W. Gallivan, and The Honorable Gregory W. Plank, Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation
12:15 - 1:15 pm
Lunch On Your Own
1:15 - 3:05 pm
Lower Extremity Injuries: Anatomy and Medicolegal Considerations
Lower extremity injuries are among the most common and complex workers' compensation claims. This comprehensive session covers the anatomical structures of the hip, knee, ankle, and foot, common injury mechanisms and diagnoses, treatment approaches, and expected recovery timelines. Presenters will also address medicolegal aspects including causation analysis, apportionment issues, maximum medical improvement determinations, and impairment ratings specific to lower extremity injuries.
Presented by Bryan Alvarez, MD, Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, and Ryan Parsons, MD, Lockheed Martin
3:05 - 3:15 pm
Afternoon Break- Grab a beverage and a snack to enjoy during the Case Law Update
3:15 - 4:45 pm
Spring Case Law Update
The always lively review of key Workers' Compensation cases that have come out since the Fall Update.
Presented by Talia M. Marquez, Esq., Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine PC, and Henry E. Seward, Esq., Hall & Evans LLC. Moderated by The Honorable Hunter W. Holley, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
4:45 pm
Adjourn
Registration Fees
| Non Member | $529.00 |
| CBA Member | $399.00 |
| CBA Workers' Compensation Law Section Member | $319.00 |
| Public Service/Government/Non-Profit/Military | $199.50 |
| LLP/Paralegal/Legal Support Staff | $199.50 |
| New Lawyer Edge Partner | $199.50 |
| CLEACCESSPASS - ELITE Pass Holder | $0.00 |
| Student Currently Enrolled in Law School | $0.00 |
- General Credits: 7.00
- Ethics Credits: 1.00
- EDI Credits:
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