Ellen Sims Langille has been named to succeed Michael McClain as general counsel of the California Workers’ Compensation Institute according to Alex Swedlow, president of the Oakland-based research group.

Ms. Langille received her undergraduate degree from UC Santa Cruz and her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Certified as a specialist in workers’ compensation by the State Bar of California, Ms. Langille is currently a partner at the defense firm of Finnegan, Marks, Theofel & Desmond in San Francisco. She brings nearly 25 years of industry experience to the Institute, having specialized in appellate level workers’ compensation cases throughout her career, as well as having served as amicus counsel for the Institute and other organizations in a number of important cases, including Angelotti Chiropractic v. Baker; Dubon v. World Restoration; Brodie v. WCAB; Lockheed Martin v. WCAB; Stuart v. WCAB; and Avalon Bay Foods v. WCAB (Moore). In addition, she has extensive experience in client training, was the editor of “Workers’ Compensation” – California Labor Law Digest, 2014-2016, published by the California Chamber of Commerce, and has been a frequent speaker at industry seminars and conferences.

In her new capacity, Ms. Langille will manage the Institute’s internal and external legal affairs; serve as staff liaison to the Legal Committee, which directs CWCI’s amicus activities; analyze regulatory and legal issues affecting California workers’ compensation; and help develop and present research and legal programs for Institute members and other members of the workers’ compensation community.

In announcing her appointment, Mr. Swedlow said, “The Institute is fortunate to have found someone of Ellen’s caliber for this key position. Her knowledge and expertise, her reputation throughout the California workers’ compensation community, and her familiarity with CWCI’s goals, operations and staff made her an ideal choice. She will begin working at the Institute in early April which should make for a seamless transition as Mike McClain moves toward his retirement in late May.”