Joseph E. Richards

Attorney Joseph E. Richards bears the distinction of being a Certified Legal Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law by the California Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California. Mr. Richards has experience handling workers’ compensation cases from both sides, first as an Applicant’s attorney and later as a defense attorney. He has argued in front of Workers’ Compensation Appeals Boards Administrative Law Judges throughout Southern California on wide-ranging matters, including, AOE/COE, liens, threshold issues, and priority conferences. He has also represented clients in mandatory settlement conferences, expedited trials on issues of medical treatment and temporary disability, and trials of cases-in-chief to submission for decision. Mr. Richards began his solo practice in Santa Ana in May 2014 and now solely represents Applicants in Workers’ Compensation claims. He handles matters from the filing of the Applications for Adjudication to the ultimate resolution of the claim by settlement or trial. Currently, workers’ compensation cases comprise approximately 90% of Mr. Richards’ practice. He uses the most advanced processes and technology in his practices, which enables him to serve his clients accurately and efficiently. Mr. Richards has the knowledge and experience needed to help his clients understand claim notices and to advise them on the best manner to proceed. He takes pride in fighting to ensure injured workers recover any disability or medical benefits they may be owed pursuant to the California Workers’ Compensation Act. He also helps families who have lost loved ones due to workplace accidents or illnesses recover death benefits, which can help cover burial expenses and replace income lost due to a worker’s death. Workers’ compensation cases can be complex, and they are typically deadline driven; as such, oversights and delays can have costly consequences, and it is smart for anyone contending with a workers’ compensation matter to hire an attorney. While every matter is unique and no attorney can guarantee results, if you hire Mr. Richards, he will work tirelessly to help you fight for the outcome you deserve. In addition to representing injured employees in workers’ compensation claims, Mr. Richards advises regarding wage and hour disputes, personal injury tort claims, labor and employment law matters, and disability law claims. For example, he often advises parties who have been denied just wages in violation of California or federal law or who have otherwise been subjected to unfair treatment in the workplace. Mr. Richards also regularly aids people who can no longer work due to physical or mental impairments in the pursuit of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Many people who file Social Security Disability Insurance claims are initially denied benefits, but there are often grounds for appeal. If you need assistance with a Social Security Disability Insurance benefit appeal, Mr. Richards can assess your case to determine if there are grounds for an appeal, and guide you through the process to help you pursue a just outcome. Mr. Richards is a member of the Orange County Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section, the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association, and the California Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Section. Additionally, he is a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which is limited to trial lawyers who have shown exceptional excellence, skill, and experience in advocacy by attaining a trial verdict, settlement, or award that is at least one million dollars. Mr. Richards carries the honor of being rated as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for numerous years in a row. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees Joseph E. Richards included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2019 - Present Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2017 - Present Hagman Scholar, Whittier Law, 2009 Presidential Scholar, Lake Forest College, 2001 Other Sources of Feedback About Joseph E. Richards Included on the 2026Southern California Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2025 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2024 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2023 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2021 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2020 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2019 Southern California Super Lawyers list

• Of Counsel Attorney

• Law Office of Joseph E Richards, Attorney, 2011 - Present
• Law Offices of Weitzman & Estes, Attorney, 2014
• Law Offices of Singer & Benjumea, Attorney, 2013 - 2014
• Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Certified Law Clerk, 2010 - 2011
• Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Law Clerk, 2009

• Protecting Your Clients From Medical Debt Collections, Webinar, Gemini, December 8, 2021
• Medical Knowledge And Issues: PTP’S, MPN, Determination Of Medical Issues (AME/PQME), PINCUS, Los Angeles, 2019
• Medical Knowledge and Issues: Anatomy/Physiology; Terminology; Industrial Diseases, PINCUS, Los Angeles, 2019
• Medical Knowledge and Issues: Medical Treatment UR/IMR, PINCUS, Los Angeles, PINCUS, Los Angeles, 2019
• Workers' Compensation Jobs, Whittier Law School

• California, 2011
• Specialties and Certifications
• Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law by the State Bar of California, California Board of Legal Specialization

• Orange County Bar Association, 2011 - Present (Member)