Lee Ann Smythe

professional bio

Lee Ann Smythe has over thirty years’ of defense experience in the workers’ compensation industry, initially as an adjuster and later as an attorney.

A southern California native, Ms. Smythe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1986 at the University of Redlands, California, and her law degree at the University of LaVerne, College of Law in 2000. Upon graduation, she was admitted to the California State Bar, as well as the Federal District Court (Central District of California).

Ms. Smythe understands what adjusters need from their attorneys. Her extensive background defending workers’ compensation matters as a Special Claims Representative for Farmers Insurance Group for over 30 years, which makes her particularly sensitive to her clients' concerns.

Subsequent to earning her law decree, Lee Ann has dedicated her legal career solely to the defense of workers’ compensation matters. She takes pride in maintaining regular communication with her clients while being a vocal proponent of their interests and needs. She is a zealous advocate in and out of the courtroom, and has taken countless cases to trial resulting in favorable decisions, including many “take nothings”.

Lee Ann has over a decade of experience with public sector cases. She has defended claims made by public defenders, social service employees, law enforcement, including probation officers, the sheriff, as well as firefighters, to name just a few. She also has a significant background handling public retirement system/pension benefits matters.

Lee Ann particularly enjoys defending 100% Permanent Total Disability exposure cases, Serious & Willful and Labor Code Section 132a complaints, subrogation issues, and cross examining medical doctors and Disability Evaluation Unit raters. She is based in the Bradford & Barthel, LLP Anaheim office.

Ms. Smythe has one son, Ryan, who is an attorney for the United States Government Small Business Administration.

Education & Memberships

2000 University of La Verne College of Law (California)
Juris Doctor

1986 University of Redlands (California)
Bachelor of Science (Business Administration)

2000 State Bar of California