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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 12/11/2025 at 12:00 PM (CST)
Noon CLE Seminar
Noon CLE Seminar
12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.
Zoom Meeting.
1 hour general MCLE credit. As always, all persons are welcome to attend. WCLA members & IWCC personnel and staff and other approved attendees receive free MCLE credit.
David B. Menchetti
David B Menchetti’s a shareholder in Cullen, Haskins, Nicholson & Menchetti, P.C. in Chicago and concentrates his practice in the representation of injured workers throughout Illinois before the Workers’ Compensation Commission, the Circuit Courts and the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts. He graduated from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law (JD) and attained an undergraduate degree (BA) with distinction from Stanford University. Mr. Menchetti is a former staff counsel to Illinois State Senate President Philip J. Rock and concentrated in legislation dealing with insurance, pensions and licensed activities. He has served as counsel to Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. and advised about and drafted reforms to the Workers’ Compensation Act in 1989 and 1991.
He is a member of: the Illinois State Bar Association (Workers’ Compensation Law Section Council Chair and Legislation Committee member); the Chicago Bar Association (Industrial Commission Committee Chair ); the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (Workers’ Compensation Committee Chair); the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association (President); the American Association for Justice (Workplace Injury Section); the Workplace Injury Litigation Group; and the Board of the Chicago Area Committee on Occupational Health and Safety.
He has authored the chapter on “Penalties” in the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Notebook and has lectured on workers’ compensation issues for: the Illinois State Bar Association; the Chicago Bar Association; the National Business Institute: the Council on Education in Management; the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education; the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claims Association; the judicial training program for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission; the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission; the United Food and Commercial Workers Union; the Laborers International Union; Combined Orthopedic Specialists; the Illinois Bones Association; Kankakee Community College; the University of Chicago Hospitals.
He serves as an advisor to the Illinois AFL-CIO on workers’ compensation matters and participated in the negotiations and drafted the amendments contained in the historic 2005 and 2012 Workers’ Compensation reform legislation. He is listed in the Who’s Who in American Law, has been designated as one of the Best Lawyers in America and has been selected by his peers as a Leading Lawyer and a Super Lawyer. The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association has presented him the President’s Award. He has been selected as Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America.
Tyler Berberich (Moderator)
WCLA President
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, Ltd.
Tyler Berberich is a partner at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. He has devoted his entire legal career to representing clients before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, as well as in circuit and appellate courts.
Tyler grew up in southern Michigan and attended Michigan State University, receiving a B.A. in Criminal Justice in 2005. In 2008, Tyler earned his J.D. from Chicago Kent College of Law. He began his legal career in Springfield, Illinois before moving back to Chicago to join Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates in 2010. Over the course of his legal career, Tyler has tried numerous complex workers’ compensation claims. He has also presented on workers’ compensation related issues at seminars and for various groups.
Prior to joining the WCLA board of directors, Tyler was an active member of the organization for many years, beginning in the young lawyers section.
Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, coaching his daughters’ sports teams and watching Kansas City and Michigan State sports.
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Register
- Non-member - $50
- Member - Free!
- Board Member - Free!
- Law Student/Clerk - Free!
- More Information
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 11/13/2025 at 12:00 PM (CST)
Noon CLE Seminar
Noon CLE Seminar
12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.
Zoom Meeting.
1 hour general MCLE credit. As always, all persons are welcome to attend. WCLA members & IWCC personnel and staff and other approved attendees receive free MCLE credit.
David B. Menchetti
David B Menchetti’s a shareholder in Cullen, Haskins, Nicholson & Menchetti, P.C. in Chicago and concentrates his practice in the representation of injured workers throughout Illinois before the Workers’ Compensation Commission, the Circuit Courts and the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts. He graduated from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law (JD) and attained an undergraduate degree (BA) with distinction from Stanford University. Mr. Menchetti is a former staff counsel to Illinois State Senate President Philip J. Rock and concentrated in legislation dealing with insurance, pensions and licensed activities. He has served as counsel to Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. and advised about and drafted reforms to the Workers’ Compensation Act in 1989 and 1991.
He is a member of: the Illinois State Bar Association (Workers’ Compensation Law Section Council Chair and Legislation Committee member); the Chicago Bar Association (Industrial Commission Committee Chair ); the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (Workers’ Compensation Committee Chair); the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association (President); the American Association for Justice (Workplace Injury Section); the Workplace Injury Litigation Group; and the Board of the Chicago Area Committee on Occupational Health and Safety.
He has authored the chapter on “Penalties” in the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Notebook and has lectured on workers’ compensation issues for: the Illinois State Bar Association; the Chicago Bar Association; the National Business Institute: the Council on Education in Management; the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education; the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claims Association; the judicial training program for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission; the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission; the United Food and Commercial Workers Union; the Laborers International Union; Combined Orthopedic Specialists; the Illinois Bones Association; Kankakee Community College; the University of Chicago Hospitals.
He serves as an advisor to the Illinois AFL-CIO on workers’ compensation matters and participated in the negotiations and drafted the amendments contained in the historic 2005 and 2012 Workers’ Compensation reform legislation. He is listed in the Who’s Who in American Law, has been designated as one of the Best Lawyers in America and has been selected by his peers as a Leading Lawyer and a Super Lawyer. The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association has presented him the President’s Award. He has been selected as Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America.
Tyler Berberich (Moderator)
WCLA President
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, Ltd.
Tyler Berberich is a partner at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. He has devoted his entire legal career to representing clients before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, as well as in circuit and appellate courts.
Tyler grew up in southern Michigan and attended Michigan State University, receiving a B.A. in Criminal Justice in 2005. In 2008, Tyler earned his J.D. from Chicago Kent College of Law. He began his legal career in Springfield, Illinois before moving back to Chicago to join Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates in 2010. Over the course of his legal career, Tyler has tried numerous complex workers’ compensation claims. He has also presented on workers’ compensation related issues at seminars and for various groups.
Prior to joining the WCLA board of directors, Tyler was an active member of the organization for many years, beginning in the young lawyers section.
Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, coaching his daughters’ sports teams and watching Kansas City and Michigan State sports.
-
Register
- Non-member - $50
- Member - Free!
- Board Member - Free!
- Law Student/Clerk - Free!
- More Information
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-
Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 10/30/2025 at 12:00 PM (CDT)
Noon CLE Seminar
Noon CLE Seminar
12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.
Zoom Meeting.
1 hour general MCLE credit. As always, all persons are welcome to attend. WCLA members & IWCC personnel and staff and other approved attendees receive free MCLE credit.
David B. Menchetti
David B Menchetti’s a shareholder in Cullen, Haskins, Nicholson & Menchetti, P.C. in Chicago and concentrates his practice in the representation of injured workers throughout Illinois before the Workers’ Compensation Commission, the Circuit Courts and the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts. He graduated from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law (JD) and attained an undergraduate degree (BA) with distinction from Stanford University. Mr. Menchetti is a former staff counsel to Illinois State Senate President Philip J. Rock and concentrated in legislation dealing with insurance, pensions and licensed activities. He has served as counsel to Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. and advised about and drafted reforms to the Workers’ Compensation Act in 1989 and 1991.
He is a member of: the Illinois State Bar Association (Workers’ Compensation Law Section Council Chair and Legislation Committee member); the Chicago Bar Association (Industrial Commission Committee Chair ); the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (Workers’ Compensation Committee Chair); the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association (President); the American Association for Justice (Workplace Injury Section); the Workplace Injury Litigation Group; and the Board of the Chicago Area Committee on Occupational Health and Safety.
He has authored the chapter on “Penalties” in the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Notebook and has lectured on workers’ compensation issues for: the Illinois State Bar Association; the Chicago Bar Association; the National Business Institute: the Council on Education in Management; the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education; the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claims Association; the judicial training program for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission; the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission; the United Food and Commercial Workers Union; the Laborers International Union; Combined Orthopedic Specialists; the Illinois Bones Association; Kankakee Community College; the University of Chicago Hospitals.
He serves as an advisor to the Illinois AFL-CIO on workers’ compensation matters and participated in the negotiations and drafted the amendments contained in the historic 2005 and 2012 Workers’ Compensation reform legislation. He is listed in the Who’s Who in American Law, has been designated as one of the Best Lawyers in America and has been selected by his peers as a Leading Lawyer and a Super Lawyer. The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association has presented him the President’s Award. He has been selected as Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America.
Tyler Berberich (Moderator)
WCLA President
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, Ltd.
Tyler Berberich is a partner at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. He has devoted his entire legal career to representing clients before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, as well as in circuit and appellate courts.
Tyler grew up in southern Michigan and attended Michigan State University, receiving a B.A. in Criminal Justice in 2005. In 2008, Tyler earned his J.D. from Chicago Kent College of Law. He began his legal career in Springfield, Illinois before moving back to Chicago to join Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates in 2010. Over the course of his legal career, Tyler has tried numerous complex workers’ compensation claims. He has also presented on workers’ compensation related issues at seminars and for various groups.
Prior to joining the WCLA board of directors, Tyler was an active member of the organization for many years, beginning in the young lawyers section.
Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, coaching his daughters’ sports teams and watching Kansas City and Michigan State sports.
-
Register
- Non-member - $50
- Member - Free!
- Board Member - Free!
- Law Student/Clerk - Free!
- More Information
-
Register
-
Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/25/2025 at 12:00 PM (CDT)
Noon CLE Seminar
Noon CLE Seminar
12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.
Zoom Meeting.
1 hour general MCLE credit. As always, all persons are welcome to attend. WCLA members & IWCC personnel and staff and other approved attendees receive free MCLE credit.
David B. Menchetti
David B Menchetti’s a shareholder in Cullen, Haskins, Nicholson & Menchetti, P.C. in Chicago and concentrates his practice in the representation of injured workers throughout Illinois before the Workers’ Compensation Commission, the Circuit Courts and the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts. He graduated from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law (JD) and attained an undergraduate degree (BA) with distinction from Stanford University. Mr. Menchetti is a former staff counsel to Illinois State Senate President Philip J. Rock and concentrated in legislation dealing with insurance, pensions and licensed activities. He has served as counsel to Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. and advised about and drafted reforms to the Workers’ Compensation Act in 1989 and 1991.
He is a member of: the Illinois State Bar Association (Workers’ Compensation Law Section Council Chair and Legislation Committee member); the Chicago Bar Association (Industrial Commission Committee Chair ); the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (Workers’ Compensation Committee Chair); the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association (President); the American Association for Justice (Workplace Injury Section); the Workplace Injury Litigation Group; and the Board of the Chicago Area Committee on Occupational Health and Safety.
He has authored the chapter on “Penalties” in the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Notebook and has lectured on workers’ compensation issues for: the Illinois State Bar Association; the Chicago Bar Association; the National Business Institute: the Council on Education in Management; the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education; the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claims Association; the judicial training program for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission; the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission; the United Food and Commercial Workers Union; the Laborers International Union; Combined Orthopedic Specialists; the Illinois Bones Association; Kankakee Community College; the University of Chicago Hospitals.
He serves as an advisor to the Illinois AFL-CIO on workers’ compensation matters and participated in the negotiations and drafted the amendments contained in the historic 2005 and 2012 Workers’ Compensation reform legislation. He is listed in the Who’s Who in American Law, has been designated as one of the Best Lawyers in America and has been selected by his peers as a Leading Lawyer and a Super Lawyer. The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association has presented him the President’s Award. He has been selected as Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America.
Tyler Berberich (Moderator)
WCLA President
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, Ltd.
Tyler Berberich is a partner at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. He has devoted his entire legal career to representing clients before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, as well as in circuit and appellate courts.
Tyler grew up in southern Michigan and attended Michigan State University, receiving a B.A. in Criminal Justice in 2005. In 2008, Tyler earned his J.D. from Chicago Kent College of Law. He began his legal career in Springfield, Illinois before moving back to Chicago to join Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates in 2010. Over the course of his legal career, Tyler has tried numerous complex workers’ compensation claims. He has also presented on workers’ compensation related issues at seminars and for various groups.
Prior to joining the WCLA board of directors, Tyler was an active member of the organization for many years, beginning in the young lawyers section.
Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, coaching his daughters’ sports teams and watching Kansas City and Michigan State sports.
-
Register
- Non-member - $50
- Member - Free!
- Board Member - Free!
- Law Student/Clerk - Free!
- More Information
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Register
-
Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/18/2025 at 2:00 PM (CDT)
Virtual - CIVILITY: A Panel Discussion About Maintaining Professionalism at the IWCC - 9/18/2025
Virtual - CIVILITY: A Panel Discussion About Maintaining Professionalism at the IWCC - 9/18/2025
- When: Thursday, September 18, 2025
- Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- Where: Virtual attendance
Christine Jagodzinski (Moderator)
WCLA Past President
Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C.
Christine Jagodzinski is a shareholder at Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie, & Lowry, P.C., a Chicago-based workers’ compensation defense firm representing employers in the Midwest. Ms. Jagodzinski has defended workers’ compensation claims on behalf of employers and insurance companies in Illinois for the last 18 years, frequently trying cases and handling appeals. She also enjoys lecturing on topics involving workers’ compensation.
In 1998, Ms. Jagodzinski received her B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University Chicago, graduating Summa Cum Laude with Honors and Phi Beta Kappa while playing volleyball for Loyola. In 2000, she received a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Loyola University Chicago. Ms. Jagodzinski later earned her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago in 2002, graduating Cum Laude. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, and the Chicago Bar Association. Outside of work, Ms. Jagodzinski enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and three children.
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Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- Board Member - Free!
- Law Student/Clerk - Free!
- More Information
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live In-Person Event on 09/18/2025 at 2:00 PM (CDT)
In-Person - CIVILITY: A Panel Discussion About Maintaining Professionalism at the IWCC - 9/18/2025
In-Person - CIVILITY: A Panel Discussion About Maintaining Professionalism at the IWCC - 9/18/2025
- When: Thursday, September 18, 2025
- Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- Where: 69 West Washington Street, 22nd Floor, Chicago, IL
Christine Jagodzinski (Moderator)
WCLA Past President
Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C.
Christine Jagodzinski is a shareholder at Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie, & Lowry, P.C., a Chicago-based workers’ compensation defense firm representing employers in the Midwest. Ms. Jagodzinski has defended workers’ compensation claims on behalf of employers and insurance companies in Illinois for the last 18 years, frequently trying cases and handling appeals. She also enjoys lecturing on topics involving workers’ compensation.
In 1998, Ms. Jagodzinski received her B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University Chicago, graduating Summa Cum Laude with Honors and Phi Beta Kappa while playing volleyball for Loyola. In 2000, she received a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Loyola University Chicago. Ms. Jagodzinski later earned her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago in 2002, graduating Cum Laude. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, and the Chicago Bar Association. Outside of work, Ms. Jagodzinski enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and three children.
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Register
- Non-member - Free!
- Member - Free!
- Board Member - Free!
- Law Student/Clerk - Free!
- More Information
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live Web Event on 09/17/2025 at 1:00 PM (CDT)
Webinar - 9/17/2025 Fall Medical Seminar at 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Webinar - 9/17/2025 Fall Medical Seminar at 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Agenda:
- 1:00 - 1:45 PM - Megan Flynn, MD - American Hip Institute, Regenerative Medicine for MSK Injuries: From PRP to Stem Cells
- 1:45 - 2:30 PM - Alyson Engle, MD – ION Orthopedics,
- 2:30 - 3:15 PM - Arash Sayari, MD - Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush,
- 3:15 - 4:00 PM - Ryan Harold, MD, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, LLC, Work-Related Shoulder and Elbow Injuries
Megan Flynn, MD
American Hip Institute
Dr. Flynn is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. She began her post-secondary education at the University of Notre Dame where she received her bachelor’s degree. Dr. Flynn then proceeded on to receive her medical degree at Georgetown University in Washington DC, where she acquired awards for leadership and teaching.
After receiving her medical degree, Dr. Flynn began her surgical training at Columbia University in New York and completed her orthopedic residency at the Cleveland Clinic. Rounding out her training, Dr. Flynn completed her sports medicine fellowship at the prestigious American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham Alabama.
She is highly experienced in working with athletes—from professionals to weekend warriors—where she specializes in primarily soft tissue injuries and treatments of the knee, shoulder, and elbow.
Dr. Flynn’s surgical and non-surgical training, bedside manner, and passion for improving the well-being of her patients as well as her passion to train the next generation of physicians set her apart in the field of sports medicine.
Alyson Engle, MD
ION
Dr. Alyson Engle is a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician who works at Illinois Orthopedic Network, former Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She has 21 peer reviewed scientific journal publications and has authored 13 book chapters related to pain medicine.
After earning her biochemistry degree, she attended medical school at The George Washington University followed by an internal medicine internship at Medstar Washington Hospital Center Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Engle completed residency at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She then went on to complete a Pain Medicine fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Throughout her career she has been the recipient of several research awards from the National Institutes of Health, The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Innovation, Thompson Chemistry, and the International Award recipient of the Scholar Laureate for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese healthcare. She has over 20 years of experience in research in the areas of clinical trials, genetics, vaccine development, cancer, immunotherapy, tissue engineering vascular grafts and genetics modulation of the cardiovascular system and several clinical trials related to medical devices in pain medicine. She is an active member of many professional pain medicine societies and has been an invited speaker for chronic pain related topics. Her honors include Editor of the North American Neuromodulation Society Education Newsletter, Treasurer of the Board of The Midwest Pain Society, Scientific Planning Committee of the Midwest Pain Society, immediate past co-chair, leadership council of the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience, Guidelines Committee and the Education Committee for the North American Neuromodulation Society, and contributes to over 11 professional societies.
Arash Sayari, MD
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush
Dr. Arash Sayari is an orthopedic spine surgeon who sees patients in Joliet, Naperville, and Chicago. He is a clinical instructor in minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Sayari has quickly risen in the ranks amongst spine surgeons in the United States, which he credits to his hard work and the dedication of his patients. He is one of the few surgeons implementing cutting-edge technology, including endoscopic, minimally invasive, and robotic techniques.
Dr. Sayari is an award-winning researcher, earning thousands of dollars in grants to create curriculums and design studies. He has since published dozens of articles and has presented his work nationally and internationally at medical conferences. Dr. Sayari is a critical reviewer for several medical journals, influencing how spine surgery is performed across the country.
Born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, Dr. Sayari achieved Magna Cum Laude honors at UCLA before attending the University of Miami, where he graduated with the highest honors, Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Sayari followed up his academic achievements with residency training in orthopedic surgery at Rush University, a top program based on U.S. News & World Report rankings. To further his expertise in spine surgery, he completed a fellowship at the highly ranked Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, CA. There, he trained amongst leaders in orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgery, mastering techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery, robotics, and motion preservation.
Earning the recognition and respect of his colleagues, Dr. Sayari was then recruited to join the prestigious team at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush to provide the same world-class care to the community he served during his residency training. Dr. Sayari delivers world-class care to his patients both locally and internationally, and continues to drive research and teaching efforts, spending his free academic time teaching undergraduate students, medical students, and young surgeons worldwide.
An avid sports fan, Dr. Sayari loves to travel and spend his free time with his wife and two sons.
Ryan Harold, MD
Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, LLC
Ryan Harold, MD is an orthopedic surgeon who is dual-fellowship trained in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery and Hand Surgery. He specializes in shoulder and elbow conditions including rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis, elbow fractures, and elbow dislocations. Through his extensive training, he developed expertise in minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery, including massive rotator cuff tears, shoulder replacement surgery, complex shoulder reconstruction, and elbow replacement surgery. He also treats acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and scapulothoracic conditions. He has a specific interest in cutting-edge custom 3D-printed shoulder replacement implants, preoperative 3D planning software, and computer-assisted navigation for shoulder replacement surgery. He also specializes in hand conditions, including arthritis, fractures, nerve, tendon, and artery injuries.
Dr. Harold grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. He attended Purdue University where he received his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. He attended medical school at the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
He completed a one-year Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery fellowship at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center in Indianapolis followed by a second one- year subspecialty fellowship training in Shoulder & Elbow arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery at Washington University in St. Louis.
Dr. Harold’s goal in taking care of patients is to provide the highest level of care to each individual, whether it be through surgical or non-surgical approaches such as injections, physical therapy, or bracing. He strives to provide personalized care to each patient and decide on a treatment plan together, after discussing different options. Although many treatment options are often available, a patient’s specific activities, lifestyle, and personal preferences often serve as a guide to selecting the best treatment option.
Dr. Harold is an outdoor and technology enthusiast. He is an avid runner, snow skier, and golfer, and has a personal interest in 3D printing in orthopedic surgery. His wife is a pediatrician and together they have a daughter and a son.
Dr. Harold serves as a journal reviewer for the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (JSES) and the Journal of Hand Surgery (JHS).
Austin Friedrich (Moderator)
WCLA Vice President
Ganan & Shapiro, P.C.
Austin protects, defends, and litigates on behalf of insurance companies and employers in workplace accident claims including workers' compensation and related civil litigation claims.
He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, for which he serves as a member of the organization’s board of directors. Austin has presented on various workers’ compensation topics at seminars, and he has authored case law summaries for the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association’s membership.
He graduated from Ripon College with a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Government and was also a four-year letter winner in football. After graduation, he moved to Washington, D.C. and worked on Capitol Hill for two different members of Congress. During his time on the Hill, he handled many different issues and areas of legislation, including those impacting small businesses, veterans, trade, appropriations, and defense matters.
Seeking a new challenge, Austin attended UIC John Marshall Law School, where he was a regional finalist in the ABA Negotiation Competition, served as a teaching assistant, and was a member of the Veterans Law moot court competition team. Since passing the bar, Austin has dedicated his career to workers’ compensation defense and related civil ligation claims.
Austin is an avid sports fan, enjoys golfing as much as possible and most of all loves spending time with his wife and three sons whether at the lake, traveling or just trying to keep them safe.
-
Register
- Non-member - $150
- Member - Free!
- Board Member - Free!
- Law Student/Clerk - Free!
- More Information
-
Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Includes a Live In-Person Event on 09/17/2025 at 1:00 PM (CDT)
In-Person - 9/17/2025 Fall Medical Seminar at 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - George W Dunne Cook County Office Building 69 West Washington Street, 22nd Floor, Conference Room B, Chicago, IL 60602
9/17/2025 Fall Medical Seminar at 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - George W Dunne Cook County Office Building 69 West Washington Street, 22nd Floor, Conference Room B, Chicago, IL 60602
Agenda:
- 1:00 - 1:45 PM - Megan Flynn, MD - American Hip Institute, Regenerative Medicine for MSK Injuries: From PRP to Stem Cells
- 1:45 - 2:30 PM - Alyson Engle, MD – ION Orthopedics,
- 2:30 - 3:15 PM - Arash Sayari, MD - Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush,
- 3:15 - 4:00 PM - Ryan Harold, MD, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, LLC, Work-Related Shoulder and Elbow Injuries
Megan Flynn, MD
American Hip Institute
Dr. Flynn is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. She began her post-secondary education at the University of Notre Dame where she received her bachelor’s degree. Dr. Flynn then proceeded on to receive her medical degree at Georgetown University in Washington DC, where she acquired awards for leadership and teaching.
After receiving her medical degree, Dr. Flynn began her surgical training at Columbia University in New York and completed her orthopedic residency at the Cleveland Clinic. Rounding out her training, Dr. Flynn completed her sports medicine fellowship at the prestigious American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham Alabama.
She is highly experienced in working with athletes—from professionals to weekend warriors—where she specializes in primarily soft tissue injuries and treatments of the knee, shoulder, and elbow.
Dr. Flynn’s surgical and non-surgical training, bedside manner, and passion for improving the well-being of her patients as well as her passion to train the next generation of physicians set her apart in the field of sports medicine.
Ryan Harold, MD
Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, LLC
Ryan Harold, MD is an orthopedic surgeon who is dual-fellowship trained in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery and Hand Surgery. He specializes in shoulder and elbow conditions including rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis, elbow fractures, and elbow dislocations. Through his extensive training, he developed expertise in minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder surgery, including massive rotator cuff tears, shoulder replacement surgery, complex shoulder reconstruction, and elbow replacement surgery. He also treats acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and scapulothoracic conditions. He has a specific interest in cutting-edge custom 3D-printed shoulder replacement implants, preoperative 3D planning software, and computer-assisted navigation for shoulder replacement surgery. He also specializes in hand conditions, including arthritis, fractures, nerve, tendon, and artery injuries.
Dr. Harold grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. He attended Purdue University where he received his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. He attended medical school at the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
He completed a one-year Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery fellowship at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center in Indianapolis followed by a second one- year subspecialty fellowship training in Shoulder & Elbow arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery at Washington University in St. Louis.
Dr. Harold’s goal in taking care of patients is to provide the highest level of care to each individual, whether it be through surgical or non-surgical approaches such as injections, physical therapy, or bracing. He strives to provide personalized care to each patient and decide on a treatment plan together, after discussing different options. Although many treatment options are often available, a patient’s specific activities, lifestyle, and personal preferences often serve as a guide to selecting the best treatment option.
Dr. Harold is an outdoor and technology enthusiast. He is an avid runner, snow skier, and golfer, and has a personal interest in 3D printing in orthopedic surgery. His wife is a pediatrician and together they have a daughter and a son.
Dr. Harold serves as a journal reviewer for the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (JSES) and the Journal of Hand Surgery (JHS).
Austin Friedrich
WCLA Vice President
Ganan & Shapiro, P.C.
Austin protects, defends, and litigates on behalf of insurance companies and employers in workplace accident claims including workers' compensation and related civil litigation claims.
He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, for which he serves as a member of the organization’s board of directors. Austin has presented on various workers’ compensation topics at seminars, and he has authored case law summaries for the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association’s membership.
He graduated from Ripon College with a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Government and was also a four-year letter winner in football. After graduation, he moved to Washington, D.C. and worked on Capitol Hill for two different members of Congress. During his time on the Hill, he handled many different issues and areas of legislation, including those impacting small businesses, veterans, trade, appropriations, and defense matters.
Seeking a new challenge, Austin attended UIC John Marshall Law School, where he was a regional finalist in the ABA Negotiation Competition, served as a teaching assistant, and was a member of the Veterans Law moot court competition team. Since passing the bar, Austin has dedicated his career to workers’ compensation defense and related civil ligation claims.
Austin is an avid sports fan, enjoys golfing as much as possible and most of all loves spending time with his wife and three sons whether at the lake, traveling or just trying to keep them safe.
Arash Sayari, MD
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush
Dr. Arash Sayari is an orthopedic spine surgeon who sees patients in Joliet, Naperville, and Chicago. He is a clinical instructor in minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Sayari has quickly risen in the ranks amongst spine surgeons in the United States, which he credits to his hard work and the dedication of his patients. He is one of the few surgeons implementing cutting-edge technology, including endoscopic, minimally invasive, and robotic techniques.
Dr. Sayari is an award-winning researcher, earning thousands of dollars in grants to create curriculums and design studies. He has since published dozens of articles and has presented his work nationally and internationally at medical conferences. Dr. Sayari is a critical reviewer for several medical journals, influencing how spine surgery is performed across the country.
Born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, Dr. Sayari achieved Magna Cum Laude honors at UCLA before attending the University of Miami, where he graduated with the highest honors, Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Sayari followed up his academic achievements with residency training in orthopedic surgery at Rush University, a top program based on U.S. News & World Report rankings. To further his expertise in spine surgery, he completed a fellowship at the highly ranked Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, CA. There, he trained amongst leaders in orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgery, mastering techniques in minimally invasive spine surgery, robotics, and motion preservation.
Earning the recognition and respect of his colleagues, Dr. Sayari was then recruited to join the prestigious team at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush to provide the same world-class care to the community he served during his residency training. Dr. Sayari delivers world-class care to his patients both locally and internationally, and continues to drive research and teaching efforts, spending his free academic time teaching undergraduate students, medical students, and young surgeons worldwide.
An avid sports fan, Dr. Sayari loves to travel and spend his free time with his wife and two sons.
Alyson Engle, MD
ION
Dr. Alyson Engle is a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician who works at Illinois Orthopedic Network, former Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She has 21 peer reviewed scientific journal publications and has authored 13 book chapters related to pain medicine.
After earning her biochemistry degree, she attended medical school at The George Washington University followed by an internal medicine internship at Medstar Washington Hospital Center Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Engle completed residency at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She then went on to complete a Pain Medicine fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Throughout her career she has been the recipient of several research awards from the National Institutes of Health, The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Innovation, Thompson Chemistry, and the International Award recipient of the Scholar Laureate for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese healthcare. She has over 20 years of experience in research in the areas of clinical trials, genetics, vaccine development, cancer, immunotherapy, tissue engineering vascular grafts and genetics modulation of the cardiovascular system and several clinical trials related to medical devices in pain medicine. She is an active member of many professional pain medicine societies and has been an invited speaker for chronic pain related topics. Her honors include Editor of the North American Neuromodulation Society Education Newsletter, Treasurer of the Board of The Midwest Pain Society, Scientific Planning Committee of the Midwest Pain Society, immediate past co-chair, leadership council of the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience, Guidelines Committee and the Education Committee for the North American Neuromodulation Society, and contributes to over 11 professional societies.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 08/28/2025
Noon CLE Seminar
Noon CLE Seminar
12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.
Zoom Meeting.
1 hour general MCLE credit. As always, all persons are welcome to attend. WCLA members & IWCC personnel and staff and other approved attendees receive free MCLE credit.
David B. Menchetti
David B Menchetti’s a shareholder in Cullen, Haskins, Nicholson & Menchetti, P.C. in Chicago and concentrates his practice in the representation of injured workers throughout Illinois before the Workers’ Compensation Commission, the Circuit Courts and the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts. He graduated from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law (JD) and attained an undergraduate degree (BA) with distinction from Stanford University. Mr. Menchetti is a former staff counsel to Illinois State Senate President Philip J. Rock and concentrated in legislation dealing with insurance, pensions and licensed activities. He has served as counsel to Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. and advised about and drafted reforms to the Workers’ Compensation Act in 1989 and 1991.
He is a member of: the Illinois State Bar Association (Workers’ Compensation Law Section Council Chair and Legislation Committee member); the Chicago Bar Association (Industrial Commission Committee Chair ); the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (Workers’ Compensation Committee Chair); the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association (President); the American Association for Justice (Workplace Injury Section); the Workplace Injury Litigation Group; and the Board of the Chicago Area Committee on Occupational Health and Safety.
He has authored the chapter on “Penalties” in the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Notebook and has lectured on workers’ compensation issues for: the Illinois State Bar Association; the Chicago Bar Association; the National Business Institute: the Council on Education in Management; the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education; the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claims Association; the judicial training program for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission; the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission; the United Food and Commercial Workers Union; the Laborers International Union; Combined Orthopedic Specialists; the Illinois Bones Association; Kankakee Community College; the University of Chicago Hospitals.
He serves as an advisor to the Illinois AFL-CIO on workers’ compensation matters and participated in the negotiations and drafted the amendments contained in the historic 2005 and 2012 Workers’ Compensation reform legislation. He is listed in the Who’s Who in American Law, has been designated as one of the Best Lawyers in America and has been selected by his peers as a Leading Lawyer and a Super Lawyer. The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association has presented him the President’s Award. He has been selected as Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America.
Lindsey Strom (Moderator)
WCLA Treasurer
Strom Yen Law Firm, Ltd.
Lindsey Strom received her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communications from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 2004. In 2008, Lindsey graduated from DePaul University School of Law, and was admitted to the Illinois bar. During law school, Lindsey worked at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in the Juvenile Justice Bureau. She obtained her 711 license and successfully prosecuted juveniles in narcotics and domestic violence cases. Before working at Strom & Associates, Ltd., Lindsey practiced workers’ compensation as an insurance defense attorney. Her experience in working for the insurance companies has provided a wealth of knowledge and has made her better equipped to help those injured workers’ in need.
In 2013, Lindsey was selected by Super Lawyers & Chicago Magazine to the prestigious Rising Stars List as one of the top up and coming attorneys in Illinois. This is an honor received by only 2.5 percent of attorneys in Illinois each year. Lindsey was recognized by Leading Lawyers as an Emerging Lawyer since 2015, which are comprised of the top 2% of lawyers under 40 years old or practicing for less than 10 years, and as a Leading Lawyer since 2019, as one of the nation’s top lawyers based upon a survey of her peers.
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Contains 3 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 07/31/2025
Noon CLE Seminar
Noon CLE Seminar
12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.
Zoom Meeting.
1 hour general MCLE credit. As always, all persons are welcome to attend. WCLA members & IWCC personnel and staff and other approved attendees receive free MCLE credit.
David B. Menchetti
David B Menchetti’s a shareholder in Cullen, Haskins, Nicholson & Menchetti, P.C. in Chicago and concentrates his practice in the representation of injured workers throughout Illinois before the Workers’ Compensation Commission, the Circuit Courts and the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts. He graduated from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law (JD) and attained an undergraduate degree (BA) with distinction from Stanford University. Mr. Menchetti is a former staff counsel to Illinois State Senate President Philip J. Rock and concentrated in legislation dealing with insurance, pensions and licensed activities. He has served as counsel to Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. and advised about and drafted reforms to the Workers’ Compensation Act in 1989 and 1991.
He is a member of: the Illinois State Bar Association (Workers’ Compensation Law Section Council Chair and Legislation Committee member); the Chicago Bar Association (Industrial Commission Committee Chair ); the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (Workers’ Compensation Committee Chair); the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association (President); the American Association for Justice (Workplace Injury Section); the Workplace Injury Litigation Group; and the Board of the Chicago Area Committee on Occupational Health and Safety.
He has authored the chapter on “Penalties” in the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Notebook and has lectured on workers’ compensation issues for: the Illinois State Bar Association; the Chicago Bar Association; the National Business Institute: the Council on Education in Management; the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education; the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claims Association; the judicial training program for the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission; the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission; the United Food and Commercial Workers Union; the Laborers International Union; Combined Orthopedic Specialists; the Illinois Bones Association; Kankakee Community College; the University of Chicago Hospitals.
He serves as an advisor to the Illinois AFL-CIO on workers’ compensation matters and participated in the negotiations and drafted the amendments contained in the historic 2005 and 2012 Workers’ Compensation reform legislation. He is listed in the Who’s Who in American Law, has been designated as one of the Best Lawyers in America and has been selected by his peers as a Leading Lawyer and a Super Lawyer. The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association has presented him the President’s Award. He has been selected as Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America.
Tyler Berberich (Moderator)
WCLA President
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, Ltd.
Tyler Berberich is a partner at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. He has devoted his entire legal career to representing clients before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, as well as in circuit and appellate courts.
Tyler grew up in southern Michigan and attended Michigan State University, receiving a B.A. in Criminal Justice in 2005. In 2008, Tyler earned his J.D. from Chicago Kent College of Law. He began his legal career in Springfield, Illinois before moving back to Chicago to join Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates in 2010. Over the course of his legal career, Tyler has tried numerous complex workers’ compensation claims. He has also presented on workers’ compensation related issues at seminars and for various groups.
Prior to joining the WCLA board of directors, Tyler was an active member of the organization for many years, beginning in the young lawyers section.
Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, coaching his daughters’ sports teams and watching Kansas City and Michigan State sports.
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