Navigating Workers’ Compensation: Ethics and Third-Party Claim Resolution Essentials

Navigating Workers' Compensation: Ethics and Third-Party Claim Resolution Essentials 

Hosted by the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Torts, Insurance & Compensation Section

Now Offered Virtually Only
Friday, November 15, 2025
 9:30 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. | 3.0 MCLE Credits

(2.0 Professional Practice | 1.0 Ethics)

This streamlined course covers essential workers' compensation topics, including the claims process, ethical considerations in practice, and strategies to optimize client benefits in third-party claims.

Agenda Highlights:

• Navigating the Workers' Compensation Claim Process
  Practical guidance from claim filing to resolution.
   Panelist: Christopher Lemire, Esq.
• Legal Ethics in Workers' Compensation Practice
  Ethical issues such as confidentiality, conflict of interest, and professional responsibility in workers’ comp cases.
   Panelists: Brian O'Keefe, Esq. & John Snyder, Esq.
• Maximizing Benefits in Third-Party Claims
  Critical insights for optimizing settlements for all parties in workers' comp and personal injury claims.
   Panelist: Ronald Balter, Esq.

 Agenda

9:30 a.m. – 9:35 a.m. Welcome and Introductions

9:35 a.m. – 10:25 a.m.  Navigating the Workers' Compensation Claim Process: From Filing to Resolution

• Step-By-Step Guide to the Workers' Compensation Claim Process
• Filing a Claim, Investigation, and Initial Determinations
• Strategies for Resolution, Settlement, and Appeal.

Panelist: 

Christopher Lemire, Esq., Lemire & Higgins, LLC 

Malta, NY 

1.0 Credit in Areas of Professional Practice

10:25 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.  Legal Ethics in Workers' Compensation Practice: Navigating Gray Areas

Delve into the ethical dimensions of workers' compensation practice as we explore the nuances and complexities unique to this area of law. From navigating confidentiality concerns to managing conflicts of interest and fostering attorney-client relationships, we'll examine the ethical considerations that attorneys encounter in the realm of workers' compensation. Discover the intricacies of professional responsibility and ethical decision-making within the context of workers' comp cases, gaining valuable insights to navigate ethical dilemmas with integrity and professionalism.

Panelists:

Brian O’Keefe, Esq. 

Grey & Grey

Farmingdale, New York 

John Snyder, Esq.

Gitto & Niefer, LLP

New Hartford, New York 

1.0 Credit in Ethics and Professionalism 

11:15 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. Burns, Bissell and Terranova: What Attorneys Need To Know To Maximize Benefits to Their Clients

What all attorneys need to know as to how the settlement of a personal injury action impacts the rights of claimants in their workers’ compensation claims.  Learn how to maximize the benefits for the worker, the employer and the workers’ compensation carrier when trying to settle the workers’ compensation claim after or simultaneously with the settlement of the personal injury action.

Panelist: 
 

Ronald Balter, Esq. 

Vecchione Vecchione & Cano, LLP

Garden City Park, New York 

1.0 Credits in Areas of Professional Practice

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Workers Compensation Division Meeting (tentative)

(If planning to attend this meeting, please reach out to Gina Bartosiewicz ([email protected]) to RSVP)

If you are unable to register online, please reach out to the NYSBA Member Resource Center at 1-800-582-2452 or [email protected].