California Workers' Compensation Defense Attorneys
(949) 803-8663
California Workers'
Compensation Defense
Attorneys
Protecting Employers, Insurance Carriers, and Third-Party Administrators Throughout California.
Our Services
Workers' Compensation Defense
Legal representation for all aspects of litigation required for workers' compensation defense from the initial file referral and deposition of an applicant through Trial and post-Trial appeals.
132a Petitions
Defense and representation of employers against 132a Petition filings.
WCAB Representation
KSM Law Group provides representation at all Southern California WCABs, as well as Northern California WCABs upon request.
Why Clients Choose KSM
Responsive Communication
Direct access to your defense team. We respond promptly and keep you informed at every stage of the claim.
Aggressive Defense Strategies
We identify and pursue every available defense, from threshold issues to liability exposure, to protect your interests.
Cost-Conscious Litigation
We balance aggressive advocacy with practical cost management — minimizing unnecessary litigation spend.
Early Resolution Focus
Where appropriate, we pursue early, cost-effective resolutions to reduce long-term exposure and administrative burden.
California WCAB Experience
Deep familiarity with WCAB judges, procedures, and local practices across all California venues.
Partner-Level Attention
Every client receives direct attention from experienced attorneys — not just associates or paralegals.
Meet Our Attorneys
Founding Partner
Kelly M. Jorgensen
Kelly M. Jorgensen began her career in workers' compensation in 2005. She has worked in various positions in the field including as an examiner at one of the largest, most well-respected TPAs in the industry. Since becoming an attorney, she has handled high exposure and complex litigation claims involving catastrophic injuries, permanent total disability, fatalities, and jurisdictional issues. Ms. Jorgensen has represented a wide variety of employers in many different industries including medical, air transportation, manufacturing, public entities, and retail. Having held a variety of positions within the workers' compensation field, Ms. Jorgensen truly has a deep understanding of all aspects of claims handling and litigation. She strongly believes in a cooperative relationship with clients and enjoys working closely with her clients to develop strategies to move claims to conclusion in the most cost-effective manner. She takes pride in her work and strives to build strong relationships with her clients and colleagues built on mutual trust and respect.
Education: J.D., Whittier Law School (Magna Cum Laude); B.A., University of California, Irvine
Admissions: State Bar of California
Founding Partner
Saara Salehi
Saara Salehi brings to the table years of invaluable experience and insight as both a prior applicant's attorney, turned defense attorney in the field of workers' compensation. Having previously represented injured workers, Ms. Salehi navigates her claims with expert precision and a multifaceted approach that allows her to anticipate all angles of attack, optimizing the results she consistently obtains for her clients whether it is secured by early resolution or aggressive litigation at time of trial. Ms. Salehi prides herself on her approach to case management and emphasizes a strategic balance between client priorities and cost-effective, aggressive litigation.
Education: J.D., Western State College of Law; B.A., University of California, Los Angeles
Admissions: State Bar of California
Founding Partner
Marianna Mikhalevich
Marianna Mikhalevich strives for a strategic and results-oriented approach to all areas of her practice. Before transitioning exclusively to workers' compensation defense, she served as outside counsel for American Express National Bank, representing the company's interests in creditor's rights litigation throughout California, negotiating millions of dollars in settlements. Drawing on her diverse background, Ms. Mikhalevich provides a comprehensive perspective on legal advocacy, with a strong focus on delivering practical, efficient, and favorable outcomes for her clients whether by tactful negotiation or aggressive litigation. When not working tirelessly for her clients, Ms. Mikhalevich also serves as a part-time Business Law lecturer at California State University, Northridge, where she enjoys mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.
Education: J.D., Southwestern Law School; B.A., California State University, Northridge
Admissions: State Bar of California
Associate Attorney
Gustavo Arceo-Gonzalez
Prior to joining KSM Law Group, Mr. Arceo-Gonzalez worked as an Associate Attorney for several reputable workers’ compensation defense firms in the Los Angeles area, where he handled a full case load representing insurance carriers in all aspects of Workers’ Compensation litigation. Mr. Arceo-Gonzalez brings a passionate spirit to the firm having spent over a decade working in the legal field. His diverse background which includes workers’ compensation defense, eviction defense, family law and creditor's rights defense has helped him develop a unique perspective towards the importance of communication and attention to detail. His work ethic is exemplified in how he defends workers’ compensation claims, being extremely skillful in his negotiation tactics to deliver desirable results for his clients. He understands the value of collaboration and often leads with empathy and perspective. Outside of work, Mr. Arceo-Gonzalez is training to run his next marathon and enjoys spending time outdoors with family as well as staying fit by running, swimming and cycling.
Education: J.D., Ventura College of Law; B.A., University of Hawaii-Hilo
Admissions: State Bar of California
Coverage Throughout California
Representing clients before WCAB locations throughout Southern and Northern California. Our attorneys are experienced practitioners at every major WCAB district office in the state.
Discuss Your Defense Strategy
Contact KSM Law Group LLP to learn how our team can help manage and defend your workers' compensation claims.