Oklahoma City, OK – Governor Mary Fallin recently announced she has appointed Judge L. Brad Taylor of Tulsa to serve as presiding judge of the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court. Taylor, whom Governor Fallin appointed to the Workers’ Compensation Court earlier this year, replaces Judge Michael J. Harkey as presiding judge on the court.
As part of the landmark workers’ compensation reforms Governor Fallin signed into law in 2011, the governor was required to appoint a new presiding judge to serve a two-year term beginning on Jan. 1, 2013. The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court resolves legal disputes involving those injured in the workplace. In addition to presiding over all meetings of the court, the presiding judge also has other supervisory responsibilities relating to such areas as personnel, budgetary and financial management.
“Judge Brad Taylor’s experience having represented both employers and employees in the workers’ compensation system has made him an effective and impartial member of the Workers’ Compensation Court,” Fallin said. “As presiding judge, I know Judge Taylor will do a great job in ensuring the workers’ compensation system continues its commitment to provide fairness for all parties involved.”
Fallin also thanked Judge Harkey for his tenure as presiding judge.
“I want to express my appreciation for Judge Harkey and his service as presiding judge of the court. I know he will continue to serve the state of Oklahoma well as a member of the Workers’ Compensation Court,” Fallin said.
Since 1994, Taylor has practiced law primarily in the area of workers’ compensation law, representing both workers and employers. He has given more than 100 presentations on workers’ compensation law, and is also a published author on the subject.
Before being appointed to the Workers’ Compensation Court by the governor, Taylor was an associate at the Tulsa law firm of Perrine, McGivern, Redemann, Berry & Taylor, PLLC. Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a law degree from the University of Tulsa School of Law, where he served as Student Bar Association president.
Source: OK Governor’s Office