The DWC has posted the 2019 Ethics Advisory Committee’s annual report on its website. The Committee is independent from the DWC, and is charged with reviewing and monitoring complaints of misconduct filed against workers’ compensation administrative law judges.

The EAC is required to make a public report each year summarizing activities in the previous calendar year. Anyone may file a complaint with the EAC. Complaints may be submitted anonymously but must be in writing.

In 2019, the EAC considered and resolved 5 complaints from 2018. Of 27 new complaints received in 2019, it considered 24 and resolved 21. Of those considered, 9 resulted in investigations, 6 of which were concluded.

Two resulted in findings of judicial misconduct.

In one of those cases, a defense attorney, wrote that complainant was reluctant to file a complaint for fear of possible retaliation against the law firm and its clients. Complainant complained that, for some time now, the attorneys at the firm have been under the impression that the judge acts with bias, often prejudging claims, and has exhibited behavior that they would classify as “bullying” of defendants.

In the specific case reported by this attorney, the judge was unprofessional toward complainant. The judge was belligerent and threatening and would not allow complainant to speak, rebut, refute, or explain anything, in violation of Labor Code section 5311.

Based on its review of the investigation, the EAC found that the investigation supported a finding of ethical violations, including ex-parte communications, prejudging the case, and a violation of Canon 3B(4) for failing to be patient, dignified, and courteous. Based upon that conclusion, the EAC recommended further appropriate action by the CJ.

In another case, a lien representative, complained that over 43 lien hearings have been held without a final order on the doctor’s lien. Complainant claimed that since 2011, 30 hearings have been held before the judge, who has deliberately delayed final adjudication of the lien.

Among other claims, the lien claimant reported that rude and punitive approach to hearings is representative of the judge’s treatment of complainant in all hearings. The judge forced the parties to stay until the lunch hour or the end of the day to receive a disposition unless the disposition was settlement, an unopposed continuance, or an order taken off the calendar (OTOC).

The EAC found that the investigation supported a violation of Canon 3B(4) for failing to be patient, dignified, and courteous. Based on that conclusion, the EAC recommended further appropriate action by the CJ.