An Associate Attorney of SMS, Mr. Penfield is a seasoned California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney based in San Diego. He has been a member in good standing of the State Bar of California since December, 2012. Mr. Penfield has extensive experience litigating workers’ compensation cases, managing caseloads independently, and conducting depositions across various venues in California.

Professional History

  • The Law Offices of Joan Sheppard, Woodland Hills: 2013 – 2015
    • In-House Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney for Applied Risk Services
      • Litigated Case-In-Chief from case-opening to final settlement or trial
      • Conducted applicant, employer witness, and death beneficiary depositions
      • Litigated Liens in the greater Los Angeles Area
      • Serviced Oxnard, Van Nuys, Marina Del Rey, and Los Angeles venues
    • The Law Offices of Joan Sheppard, Orange County: 2015 – 2018
      • Assumed and successfully managed the case load of prior managing partner
      • Serviced Long Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim and Pomona venues
    • The Law Offices of Joan Sheppard, San Diego: 2018 – 2024
      • Brought Applied Risk Services’ San Diego caseload in-house
      • Independently managed entire San Diego office caseload
      • Serviced San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino venues

California Practice Specialties

  • Defense of Worker’s Compensation claims

Education

  • J.D. – California Western School of Law, San Diego, California (2012)
    • Negotiation Team
  • B.A. History – University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California (2007)
    • Cum Laude

Professional Memberships and Honors

  • California Bar Association