The Iowa Association for Justice Workers' Compensation Seminar is available both in-person and virtually. We strongly encourage in-person attendance if possible.

SEMINAR AGENDA

Thursday, February 12
8:30–9:30: Workers’ compensation 101 — Adrienne Sula (West Des Moines) & Dillon Carpenter (Waterloo)

9:30–10:30: Heads Up - IAJ Work Comp Core Group Members

10:30–10:45: BREAK

10:45–11:45: Diversity and why it matters for your clients and your practice (D&I Credit) — Malycki Manon-Sosa (Des Moines)

11:45–1:00: LUNCH

1:00–2:00: Maximizing FCE outcomes: Preparing your client and understanding the E3 system — Daryl Short (Humbolt) & Tom Wertz (Cedar Rapids)

2:00–2:30: Behind the curtain: maximizing claim value with defense and carriers — Andrew Portis (Des Moines)

2:30–3:00: Treating or tipping the scales? Analyzing treating doctors’ opinions — Dustin Mueller (Des Moines)

3:00–3:30: What’s new at the agency? — Interim Commissioner William Grell (Des Moines)

3:30–3:45: BREAK

3:45–5:15: The Medicare maze: guiding your clients through CMS rules and requirements — John Cattie (North Carolina)

5:15–5:30: Rapid Fire with the IAJ Work Comp Core Group

 

Friday, February 13

8:30–9:00: From petition to precedent: How the supreme court selects cases for review — Justice McDonald (Des Moines)

9:00–10:00: Beyond the MRI: Identifying real pain generators and aggravation in spinal injury cases — Dr. Andrew Pugely (Iowa City)

10:00–10:15: BREAK

10:15–10:45: Delay, deny, defend: How to spot and litigate bad faith cases — Timothy Clausen (Sioux City)

10:45–11:15: When claims collide: Coordinating workers’ comp and employment law issues — Laura Schultes (Cedar Rapids)

11:15–Noon: Beyond the Test: Rebutting intoxication claims — Colin Murphy (West Des Moines) & Gabriella Navarro (Bettendorf)

Noon–12:45: Appellate Case Law Update — Jake Oeth (Urbandale)

IAJ WORK COMP SEMINAR INFORMATION

CLE Hours (applied for): WC Seminar = 11.25 CLE hours (including1 hour Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)

Location: West Des Moines Marriott, 1250 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Registration: Those who have paid 2026 IAJ dues, or who join IAJ before or at the seminar, are eligible for the member rate. Please use a separate registration form for each registrant.

Refund Policy: Cancellations will be accepted through February 1, subject to a $25 administrative fee. Requests for cancellations cannot be honored after February 1, but materials will be mailed or a substitute may attend. Nonmembers substituting for a member must pay the difference in price at the door.

Food & Beverage: Please note: Registration for lunch on Thursday is optional at $25 per person. Continental breakfast on Thursday and Friday mornings, snack food during breaks, and water, pop, and coffee will be available throughout the seminar and are included in the seminar registration rate.

Hotel Information:  A guest room block is available at the West Des Moines Marriott for the nights of February 11 & 12. 

Seminar Materials: All seminar materials will be accessible online immediately prior to and during the conference at no additional charge to registrants.

Sponsorships: Limited sponsorship and exhibitor options are available. Email jolenedavis@iowajustice.org to learn more about sponsorships and exhibit space.  

This program has been approved for credit in the following jurisdiction(s):

Iowa Office of Professional Regulation - CLE

Credit has been approved with the Iowa Office of Professional Regulation - CLE for 1.00 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion credit and 11.25 General credits.

West Des Moines Marriott

1250 Jordan Creek Pkwy
West Des Moines, IA 50266

A guest room block has been reserved at the West Des Moines Marriott for the nights of February 11 & 12. To access IAJ’s guest room block rate of $143.00, book your room by January 22. Click here to reserve your room online or call the hotel directly at (515) 267-1500 to reserve your room. You must indicate that you are attending the IAJ Work Comp Seminar to receive the discounted rate.

Please call (515) 267-1500 or click here to book your room at the IAJ rate of $143 + by January 22, 2026.  

Materials available with registration: