By Sharon Reeves
Deputy Chief Administrative Law Judge
Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation
Macon, GA
Approximately 100 adjudicators from across the country gathered in Orlando in August for the annual Judiciary College at the Workers’ Compensation Institute. Judges came from coast to coast to collaborate, learn, and enjoy camaraderie. If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for 2026: August 24-26. Here are a few brief highlights.
“Judicial Security Understanding Threats and Staying Safe” by Mike Jones Major Security Consulting & Design, LLC
Mr. Jones emphasized how we as judges should view ourselves as on the job all the time being acutely aware of our surroundings whether we are taking our children to school, attending a meeting out of the office, or making our routine trip to the office. Most violence against judges occurs away from chambers and the courtroom. Mr. Jones will join us for more safety advice at a lunch and learn in the coming year. Watch for details!
“Evidence What Does it Matter? A Panel Discussion” by Judge Jacqui Newman; (FL), Judge Amanda Luedke (WI), Judge Michael Alvey (KY), Judge Frank McKay (GA), and Commissioner Ferral Newman (VA)
We are so much alike and so very different! Georgia, Florida, and Kentucky have specific evidentiary codes, while Wisconsin and Virginia do not. Some states closely track the federal rules, while others have hardly any rule at all!
“Ethics for Workers’ Compensation Adjudicators What & Why?” by Judge John Lazara (FL) (Ret) and Judge Neera Bahl (GA)
Are ethical standards a “should” or a “must?” Judges Lazara and Bahl explored the difference between rules of professionalism (the “should”) and ethical standards of conduct (the “must”). How do these rules and requirements interface with settlement discussions and mediations, interactions with undocumented workers and the federal agencies enforcing federal law, and uninvited ex parte communications from unrepresented parties? Should NAWCJ have its own model code of conduct? Participants enjoyed a lively interactive discussion of these topics and more.
Annual Business Meeting and Lunch
Adjudicators enjoyed a time of fellowship and good food while electing board members for the coming year and receiving a financial report from Treasurer Hon. Mike Alvey, Kentucky. The group elected the following officers: Hon. Steve Minicucci (RI) President-Elect; Hon. Sharon Reeves (GA) Secretary; Hon. Mike Alvey (KY) Treasurer; and Hon. James Szablewicz (VA) Parliamentarian; and elected the following Board Members: Hon. Shannon Bruno-Bishop (LA); Hon. Keith Cardoza (RI); Hon. P. Jason Cording (VA); Hon. Cynthia Dooley (SC); Hon. Doug Gott (KY); Hon. Thomas Hedler (FL); Hon. Pamela Johnson (TN); and Hon. Suzette Carlisle-Flowers (MO): Hon. T. Scott Beck automatically ascends to the position of President pursuant to the NAWCJ by-laws.
“Comparative Law Panel” by Shannon Bruno Bishop (LA); Judge Lee Bruner (MT); Judge Keith Cardoza (RI); Judge Jonathan Walker (FL)
This panel highlighted the very core of what makes NAWCJ so valuable. Participants learned about the vast differences in our state programs, from the one-man-show in the wild west of Montana to Rhode Island’s judiciary branch court and Tennessee’s executive branch agency.
“From Advocate to Adjudicator: The Jump from Lawyer to Judge” by Judge Alvey (KY) and Judge Pamela Johnson (TN) and “Judging in the Moment” facilitated by Judge Johnson.
This annual presentation focuses on making a smooth transition for newer judges, while more seasoned adjudicators attend a Regulators Roundtable hosted by the Southern Association of Workers’ Compensation Administrators moderated by Judge Melodie Belcher (GA).
NAWCJ and SAWCA Reception
Participants ended the day socializing, enjoying good food and drinks, and recognizing members of the inaugural class of Certified Adjudicators: Judge Mike Alvey, Judge Shannon Bruno-Bishop, Judge Steven Minicucci, Judge Sheral Kellar, Judge Scott Beck, Judge Bruce Moore (in absentia), Judge Pamela Johnson, and Judge Dave Langham, and the newest members of the NAWCJ Hall of Fame: Judge Wesley Marshall (VA) and Judge Kenneth Switzer (TN).
“Effective Elemental Writing” by Judge Melanie May, Florida Fourth District Court of Appeals.
Judge May brought an instructive presentation from the viewpoint of appellate review. Writing more clearly and concisely allows the parties and the public to understand your rulings and assists with appellate review.
“We’ll be Back… (AI)” by Judge David Langham (FL) and Pamela E. Langham, Esq. (FL).
This husband-wife duo took us into the depths of artificial intelligence in the legal world, including its impact on our work and operations as well as the impact on the work product we receive from practitioners.
“The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Bizarre and Unusual Workers’ Compensation Cases from 2024 and 2025” by Commissioner Wes Marshall (VA).
Often informative and always entertaining, this annual presentation by Commissioner Marshall is always a well-attended crowd favorite!
“The Challenges of Adjudicating Medical Issues in a Workers’ Compensation Case in an Ever-Changing Healthcare System” by Commissioner Ed Wise (VA), Bob Wilson (FL), and Dr. Robert Snyder (TN).
This timely panel explored how our changing health care systems modernize in part but also, in part, complicate the adjudication system and how adjudicators must respond.
“AMA Guides: Understanding Their History and Application” by Deputy Commissioner Jason Cording (VA) and Kenneth Eichler, Chris Brigham, and Judge David Langham.
As the latest version of the AMA Guides rolls out, this panel gave insight on the historical context of the Guides, the latest changes, and how both impact adjudicators.
“Sixty Tips in Sixty Minutes” by Judge David Langham (FL), Judge Timothy Conner (TN), Judge Robert Rassp (CA), and Judge Sharon Reeves (GA), moderated by Stuart Colburn, Esq. (TX).
Wednesday morning woke participants up with a stopwatch-controlled presentation of 60 tips in 60 minutes, complete with a buzzer for those who took more than 60 seconds to make their point.
“Generational Differences and Perspectives from the Bench” by Judge Kenneth Switzer (TN), Amanda Luedtke (WI), and Keith Cardoza (RI).
This panel brought interesting perspectives on the vastly different ways the generations occupying the workforce now communicate and the challenges faced by a workforce that ranges from Baby Boomers to Gen Z.
“Mental Health Under High Stress” by John Lesko, Florida Lawyers Assistance Program.
Mr. Lesko shared great advice for managing the stress of adjudicating workers’ compensation claims where livelihoods and business operations are so deeply impacted by the decisions we make.
Conclusion
On behalf of all members, we send sincere appreciation to Judge Shannon Bruno of Louisiana, the NAWCJ Conference Committee Chair, and Deputy Commissioner Jason Cording of Virginia, the NAWCJ Curriculum Committee Chair, and their committee members for an excellent College!
THANK YOU!!
On behalf of the National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary Conference Committee, thank you for attending the 2025 Judicial College. It was great seeing old friends and making new friends.
We’ve received very positive feedback regarding your experiences this year, and we want to make it even better. If you haven’t already completed the evaluations, please do so. Your input helps the Conference Committee and the Curriculum Committee plan for next year’s College. As a personal observation, I was so happy to see the number of judges in attendance on Day 3 of the College. This confirms that Jason Cording and his Curriculum Committee did a fabulous job choosing exciting and informative topics.
Day 1 Feedback
Save the date for next year’s College – August 24-26. See you next year.