NOTICE TO EMPLOYERS, INSURANCE CARRIERS,
THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS ADMINISTRATORS, AND COUNSEL

Please be advised that the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in collaboration with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association (WCLA), will co-host two Settlement Fairs in 2026:

May 14–15, 2026
October 19–20, 2026

Both events will be held in the IWCC Hearing Rooms at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago.

Employers, insurance carriers, and third-party claims administrators who wish to participate are encouraged to contact IWCC Chief of Staff Annette Roti at annette.roti@illinois.gov to schedule a date, time, and hearing room for settlement meetings. Counsel may also coordinate scheduling directly with Ms. Roti.

Each Settlement Fair will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days.

We encourage members of the bar to take advantage of this opportunity to efficiently move cases toward resolution.

The 2025 Annual Impact Report reflects a year of intentional work to strengthen accessibility, accountability, and transparency across every division of our office. At a time when public confidence in institutions is strained, we focused on delivering measurable results that expand access to justice and modernize the way we serve residents. Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County

Ms. Spyropoulos writes "In 2025, we launched the Clerk’s first public data dashboard, expanded language access services, strengthened compliance and reporting standards, and continued implementing operational improvements that make our courts more navigable and responsive. Through initiatives such as e-Citation and enhanced community outreach efforts, we are building systems that are more efficient, more transparent, and more accessible for the people of Cook County. We also showed up beyond courthouse walls, reaching more than 90 percent of municipalities across the County and deepening partnerships that ensure residents can access services regardless of work schedules, language barriers, or geography."

"None of this progress happens in isolation. Your partnership, collaboration, and shared commitment to public service have been instrumental in advancing this work. The outcomes outlined in this report reflect what is possible when institutions work together with purpose and accountability."

Arbitrator Rachael Sinnen was honored with the HLAI's inaugural Administrative Law Judge of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding service with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) and her leadership beyond the bench as a teacher, coach, and mentor at the HLAI Annual Judicial Reception on February 3, 2026 at the University Club of Chicago.

Arbitrator Sinnen was recognized for her dedication to fairness and excellence in administrative law, as well as her commitment to supporting and guiding the next generation of legal professionals. Her contributions to the IWCC and to the broader legal community have earned widespread respect among colleagues and practitioners alike. Rachael has been a WCLA member since 2014.

We are pleased to announce that WCLA Past President and longtime member Frank A. Sommario has been elected as a Fellow of the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers (CWCL) in the Class of 2026.

Fellowship in the College is one of a distinguished honor in the field of workers’ compensation law, recognizing attorneys who have demonstrated excellence, integrity, and a sustained commitment to advancing the practice. This distinguished achievement reflects not only Frank’s professional accomplishments, but also his dedication to leadership and service within the workers’ compensation community.

On behalf of the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, we extend our sincere congratulations to Frank A. Sommario on this well-deserved recognition. The 20th Anniversary Induction Dinner will take place at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ on the evening of Saturday April 18, 2026.

Please join us in celebrating this outstanding achievement!

Members of the WCLA demonstrated their commitment to giving back this holiday season by donating $2,125 to Toys for Tots, helping bring joy to children and families in need. In support of this effort, WCLA matched the member donations dollar for dollar, doubling the impact and bringing the total contribution to $4,250.

The donation will support Toys for Tots’ mission to collect and distribute new, unwrapped toys to children during the holiday season, ensuring that no child is forgotten during this special time of year.

Toys for Tots, a program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, has been delivering hope and happiness to millions of children nationwide for more than 75 years.

WCLA extends its sincere thanks to all members who participated and helped make this initiative a success.

We're pleased to announce the 2026 Board Members for the Workers' Compensation Lawyers Association. These individuals bring a wealth of expertise, dedication, and passion to our organization. Please join me in welcoming:

Executive Board:

•  President: Austin Friedrich
•  Vice President: Lindsey Strom
•  Secretary: Nicole Schnoor
•  Treasurer: Tracy Jones

Petitioners: 

• Brad Badgley
• Tyler Berberich
• Matthew Coleman
• Julio Costa
• David Menchetti
• John Rizzo
• Kevin Veugeler
• Jill Wagner

Respondents: 

• Benjamin Breslau
• Denne Knell
• Robert Pawlowski
• Michael Powalisz
• Jane Ryan
• Craig Scarpelli
• Amelia Schwingle
• Monika Trujillo

We are grateful to our outgoing board members for their time, guidance, and service, and we appreciate their contributions.

We look forward to a successful year under the leadership of our newly elected board. Together, we will continue to strengthen the workers' compensation legal community and provide valuable resources for our members.

Please join us in congratulating and supporting the 2026 WCLA Board Members! Join us at the Installation Dinner on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel at 6:00 PM. Registration is required.

Direct Effect Charities is grateful to WCLA members for their incredible generosity and support.

Thanks to your unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, Direct Effect Charities (Letters to Santa Program) has thrived, bringing smiles and warmth to those who need it most. Your kindness has touched the hearts of many, creating a ripple effect of compassion and care throughout the community.

Additionally, your involvement in the Letters to Santa Program has made the 2023 festive season extra special for countless children. Your willingness to participate in spreading joy and fulfilling the holiday wishes is truly heartwarming. 

We understand that there are many deserving causes vying for your attention, and we are sincerely grateful that you chose to support WCLA's initiatives. Your commitment to making a positive impact reinforces the strength of our community and inspires others to join us in creating a brighter future.

As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for members like you who embody the spirit of giving. Your support has made a meaningful difference, and we look forward to continuing this journey together in the coming year.

We are pleased to announce that WCLA completed its first volunteer day with Habitat For Humanity on June 2, 2023.  A group of WCLA Volunteers had a rewarding day building houses for Habitat.  We hope to continue the tradition in the future. 

Supplemental Arbitration Pre-Trial Procedures
for All Attorneys and Litigants

Effective May 22, 2023

Prior to the Monthly Status Call Day

On the Monthly Status Call Day

On the Pre-Trial Day

o Sequence Number equals Room Number

o Be on the lookout for Broadcast Messages

o Get down to business, discuss your case

o This is an opportunity to discuss the case, NOT fight

o Try and resolve your issues

Prior to the Trial Day

2023-05-19 - Supplemental Arb procedures.pdf

TO: MEMBERS OF THE BAR AND ALL LITIGANTS FROM:  MICHAEL J. BRENNAN SUBJECT: DECEMBER 22ND AND 23RD HEARINGS DATE: 12/21/2022 CC: ALL COMMISSIONERS AND ARBITRATORS

Please be advised that due to inclement weather, that has been predicted for Thursday, December 22, 2022, and Friday, December 23, 2022, we are taking precautionary measures regarding trials and hearings. There are no trials currently scheduled for Friday, December 23, 2022. If a matter has been specially set, the Arbitrator will reach out to you to reschedule the matter. If you have a matter set for hearing on Thursday, December 22, 2022, we ask that you conclude your hearing by 12:00 pm, due to the pending storm, which will hit Thursday afternoon. This will afford the bar, witnesses and IWCC personnel the opportunity to stay off the road and avoid hazardous conditions.