JULY 11 2008 - Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) Director Keith W. Cooley announced today that the Workers' Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee is seeking qualified applicants for positions on the Workers' Compensation Board of Magistrates. Applications from all those wishing to apply must be received by August 29,2008.
The Qualifications Advisory Committee (QAC) is now accepting applications for magistrate positions with terms commencing in January 2009. An applicant must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan and have five years experience as an attorney in the field of workers' compensation or successfully complete an examination. The examination will be offered on September 15, 2008 in Lansing.
To meet the five-year requirement, an applicant must document five years of experience to the Qualifications Advisory Committee (QAC) in one of the following areas:
- A significant portion of personal practice in active workers' compensation trial practice representing claimants or employers.
- A significant portion of personal practice in active workers' compensation appellate practice representing claimants or employers.
- Service as a member of the former Workers' Compensation Appeal Board or the Workers' Compensation Appellate Commission.
If there is any question as to whether the five years of experience has been met, applicants are encouraged to take the exam so as not to be deemed unqualified.
Applicants taking the Board of Magistrates examination will be tested on knowledge of the Workers' Disability Compensation Act, Michigan Rules of Evidence, fact-finding skills and knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Those who previously passed the exam do not have to retake it.
Attorneys who successfully complete the exam or meet the five years' experience requirement will be interviewed by the Qualifications Advisory Committee in September or October 2008 to determine their suitability for the position, especially with regard to their objectivity.
The QAC will submit a list of qualified applicants to Governor Jennifer Granholm, who makes the appointments to the Board of Magistrates.
Application forms are available on the agency's web site at www.michigan.gov/wca or by calling 517-322-1106. The mailing address is:
Qualifications Advisory Committee (ATTN: Susan Bickel)
Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth
Workers' Compensation Agency
P.O. Box 30016
Lansing, MI 48909
Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.