professional bio
Connie Chen has over 20 years of workers' compensation experience. This permits her to bring to her clients' defense the commitment of her plethora of skills to achieve all client objectives, whether they be an expeditious settlement, an aggressively defended trial, or a Petition for Reconsideration or Writ. To achieve these goals, she understands that constant communication and teamwork with the adjuster and supervisor are essential. Ms. Chen's experience on both sides of the aisle, coupled with her direct communication style, enable her to eloquently speak with all sides of a conflict in such a way as to effectuate the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Connie's familiarity with the particular needs of various statewide and national industries, including staffing companies, school districts, and health care facilities, to smaller entities with more limited resources, allows her to identify the relative strengths and weaknesses of each individual client.
Connie's extensive work with physician statements, notes, and summaries, as well as her doctor depositions, permit her to interpret complex reports, diagnostic imaging (e.g., MRIs, EMGs), and impairment ratings based on the AMA Guides and any of the Permanent Disability Rating Schedules (PDRS). Amongst her many skills in this regard is the ability to effectively cross-examine medical experts on causation, apportionment, and proper application of PDRS.
Connie is particularly well known for her ability to identify "red flags" early in claims. This involves numerous factors and resources, including the coordination of surveillance, analysis of social media activity, and oversight of background checks to detect fraud and pre-existing conditions. With this information, Ms. Chen provides insightful, accurate "exposure" estimates, focusing not only on advising clients as to likelihood of prevailing in the courtroom, but more importantly, whether it is cost-effective to fight. She achieves this via an extensive "cost-of-defense" analysis and case valuation.
Having held a variety of positions as both applicant and defense counsel, Connie has a deep understanding of all aspects of claims handling and litigation. She strongly believes in a cooperative relationship with clients and enjoys working closely with her clients to develop strategies aimed to moving claims to conclusion in the efficient and most cost-effective manner.
Education & Memberships
2004 Boston College Law School, Boston, MA
Juris Doctor
2000 Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Bachelor of Science (Human Development and Family Studies)
2005 State Bar of California
     Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association
