B. Derek Straatsma
B. Derek Straatsma is a Senior Partner of the firm. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1978 and his Juris Doctor from the University of West Los Angeles in 1981. Mr. Straatsma is a graduate of the Trial Attorneys Program (TAP).
Mr. Straatsma has extensive experience representing both private and public entities in workers' compensation matters and public agency tort liability cases. He also represents employers in disability retirement cases, Labor Code Section 132a claims, serious and willful misconduct claims, and subrogation matters.
Mr. Straatsma has served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Los Angeles Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) and as an arbitrator for both the Superior Court and Municipal Court.
In addition, Mr. Straatsma has significant experience in municipal law. He previously served as General Counsel to the El Segundo Senior Housing Corporation Board and has held positions as City Attorney for the City of Glendora and Deputy City Attorney for the City of Manhattan Beach.
Mr. Straatsma is a former member of the Executive Committee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Workers' Compensation Section and is a member of the State Bar of California. He is also a Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist.
As a Senior Partner, Mr. Straatsma brings decades of legal experience and leadership to the firm, providing strategic guidance and skilled representation to employers, public entities, and private clients throughout California.
Undergraduate degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara
Juris Doctor degree from the University of West Los Angeles
Recognized Super Lawyer 2009 - 2024
