JOAN LEOPOLD vs. LAW OFFICES OF MARVYN GORDON, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND
Applicant Joan Leopold filed a petition to disqualify a workers' compensation administrative law judge (WCJ), alleging bias due to the WCJ's purported personal relationship with her former attorney and excusing defendant's counsel from a trial related to attorney fees. The WCJ denied any personal relationship and clarified the defendant's role. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board reviewed the petition and the WCJ's report, ultimately denying the petition. The Board found that the applicant failed to provide sufficient factual basis for disqualification and that the petition was not timely filed according to WCAB Rule 10960.