WC News & 440 Report Winter 2026
Click Here to download the Winter 2026 News & 440 Report.
Welcome to the Workers' Compensation Section Home Page.
Your Executive Council has created this site in an effort to encourage and facilitate communication and exchange of ideas among the members of our Section. Enjoy! The purpose of the Workers' Compensation Section is to provide an organization within The Florida Bar open to all members in good standing who have a common interest in workers' compensation law. The Section provides a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas leading to the improvement of individual trial abilities in workers' compensation cases.
Sponsors
Coming soon
Introducing new Audio Podcast series
Episode 2 – Chair Sean McCormack and Mediator Lisa Thomas
In this episode, we first chat with Sean McCormack, new Chair of the Workers' Compensation Section, who updates us on upcoming events and lends perspective as he enters the job. Next, we chat with Lisa Thomas, state mediator out of Orlando/Maitland. Lisa has taken a big role in working with our new and "emerging" section members. We talk about her background, her involvement with the section, and how we can continue to grow as a statewide practice area.
Episode 3 – Board Certification Chat with Amie DeGuzman and Ryan Knight
This is must-listen episode for anyone considering the path of board certification in Florida workers’ compensation law. Jacksonville claimant’s attorney Amie DeGuzman, and Plantation E/C attorney Ryan Knight were each recently board certified in our practice area. They talk about their experiences from the beginning, including the decision to apply, satisfying the trial requirements, and exam preparation. Amie and Ryan also give unique perspective on the process, and the effect on their practice, from each respective “side” of the litigation world.
Episode 5 WC Section Podcast
Mentor/Mentee relationships
Season 2 Episode 2 – Neil Ambekar and Jesse Rowe - State of the Practice (in 2026)
00:51 Upcoming Events and Continuing Education Opportunities
02:48 Introducing Neil and Jesse
04:46 Neil and Jesse's Career Paths and Backgrounds
09:25 The Shift to a Statewide Practice and Remote Proceedings
13:20 Impact of Virtual Hearings on Practice Efficiency
18:34 Case Law Developments: Churchill v. DBI Services and Others
24:56 Trends in Litigation and Final Hearings in 2026
30:29 Challenges in Board Certification and Trial Numbers
32:08 Significant Case Law: Valcourt and Related Decisions
38:52 Potential Changes to Statutes and Practice Improvements
39:19 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
This episode features Neil Ambekar and Jesse Rowe discussing the current state of workers' compensation law in 2026, including practice trends, case law updates, and the impact of remote proceedings. They share insights on litigation, case law, and professional development within the field.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:51 Upcoming Events and Continuing Education Opportunities
02:48 Introducing Neil and Jesse
04:46 Neil and Jesse's Career Paths and Backgrounds
09:25 The Shift to a Statewide Practice and Remote Proceedings
13:20 Impact of Virtual Hearings on Practice Efficiency
18:34 Case Law Developments: Churchill v. DBI Services and Others
24:56 Trends in Litigation and Final Hearings in 2026
30:29 Challenges in Board Certification and Trial Numbers
32:08 Significant Case Law: Valcourt and Related Decisions
38:52 Potential Changes to Statutes and Practice Improvements
39:19 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
Season 2 Episode 3
01:17 The Journey into Appellate Law
06:57 Building an Appellate Practice
10:56 The Shift Back to Live Oral Arguments
13:39 Unexpected Questions in Oral Arguments
18:26 The Importance of Statutory Interpretation
20:15 Meeting Justice Scalia: Insights on the Law
20:58 The Evolution of Legal Precedent
21:20 The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions
22:21 The Role of Precedent in Modern Law
24:20 The Importance of Stability in Legal Decisions
29:00 Preparing for the Florida Supreme Court
33:12 The Future of Workers' Compensation Law
35:29 The Intrusiveness of AI in Legal Practice
This episode features two leading Florida appellate attorneys, Mike Winer and Bill Rogner, sharing insights on appellate practice, oral arguments, and the evolving legal landscape. They discuss their careers, preparation strategies, and perspectives on the future of appellate law, including the impact of AI and recent court decisions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:17 The Journey into Appellate Law
06:57 Building an Appellate Practice
10:56 The Shift Back to Live Oral Arguments
13:39 Unexpected Questions in Oral Arguments
18:26 The Importance of Statutory Interpretation
20:15 Meeting Justice Scalia: Insights on the Law
20:58 The Evolution of Legal Precedent
21:20 The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions
22:21 The Role of Precedent in Modern Law
24:20 The Importance of Stability in Legal Decisions
29:00 Preparing for the Florida Supreme Court
33:12 The Future of Workers' Compensation Law
35:29 The Intrusiveness of AI in Legal Practice
Friends of 440 Scholarship Applications Now Available – Deadline February 28, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
The Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications for the 2026 scholarship cycle. We ask that you share this opportunity with your clients, staff, adjusters, case managers, and anyone who may benefit from this program.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 28, 2026
Apply online at: www.440scholarship.org/application
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Scholarships are available to dependents or descendants of:
- Workers who were injured or killed on the job and received benefits under Florida Workers' Compensation Law
- Individuals who work primarily in the operation and/or administration of Florida Workers' Compensation Law
- High school seniors must have a minimum 2.7 GPA to apply
- Recipients must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in college
- Recipients must carry at least 12 credit hours per semester to remain eligible
- Scholarships are intended for students who lack the financial means to pursue post-secondary education
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please forward this email to anyone in your network who may qualify or know someone who qualifies. Your assistance in spreading the word helps ensure that deserving students have access to these educational opportunities.
For questions or additional information, please visit www.440scholarship.org or email info@440scholarship.org.
Thank you for your continued support of the Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund!
Sincerely,
Lori Markowitz Gerson
Managing Director
Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund, Inc.
www.440scholarship.org
Message From The Chair
Tracey Hyde
Chair of the Workers' Compensation Section of The Florida Bar
It is with great humility and honor that I assume chairmanship of the workers’ compensation section beginning July 1, 2026. My entire career since September of 1994 (going on 32 years) has been devoted to workers’ compensation defense with the same firm of McConnaughhay Coonrod, where I started as a file clerk in 1991 at $5.50/hour! Had to start somewhere!
I sought Bar service as early in my career as possible, as I believe strongly in giving back. After becoming board certified in 2006, I have continuously recertified every five (5) years. I served on the workers’ compensation board certification committee from 2008 – 2014 and am serving again from 2023 – 2029. I had the honor of being chosen to set on the BLSE (Board of Legal Specialization and Education) from 2014 – 2017 as the first member of the workers’ compensation section to sit on that august body and was also awarded the honor of Board Certified Lawyer of the Year in 2017.
My goals as chair this year are to continue the efforts of my predecessors as to membership/mentorship from Sean McCormack and women in work comp started by Karen Cullen and handled beautifully by Dawn Traverso. I also want to encourage increased involvement on the Executive Committee’s efforts to promote excellence in workers’ compensation, along with a strong effort towards attaining board certification. I encourage past chairs who remain as elected members of the Executive Committee to consider taking emeritus status to open up a seat for our up-and-coming emerging leaders.
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Upcoming Events
| 09 Sep 2026 Section CLE Webinars |
| 24 Sep 2026 Workers’ Compensation Section Out of State Retreat |
| 25 Sep 2026 Executive Council Meeting |
| 14 Oct 2026 Section CLE Webinars |
| 11 Nov 2026 Section CLE Webinars TBD |
| 09 Dec 2026 Section CLE Webinars TBD |
| 15 Jan 2027 Workers’ Compensation Section Executive Council Meeting |
| 09 Feb 2027 Workers’ Compensation Section Ski Retreat |
| 07 Apr 2027 Workers’ Compensation Section Educational Forum |
| 07 Apr 2027 Executive Council Meeting |
| 23 Jun 2027 Florida Bar Annual Convention |
| 24 Jun 2027 Workers’ Compensation Section Membership Reception |
