VWC's Chief Deputy Commissioner Inducted Into the National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary’s Hall of Fame

[Orlando,FL (WorkersCompensation.com) - The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission is proud to announce Chief Deputy Commissioner James "Jim" Szablewicz has been inducted into the National Association of Workers' Compensation (NAWCJ) Judiciary's Hall of Fame. The recognition was announced on August 22, 2022, during NAWCJ's annual Judiciary College held in Orlando, Florida. 

"We are delighted that Chief Deputy Commissioner Szablewicz was recognized with this prestigious national award, designated to the very best in workers' compensation from around the country. This award lets the rest of the country know what we have known for a long time." said VWC's Chairman, Robert A. Rapaport.

“I am truly humbled to have been selected by workers’ compensation judges from around the country for this once in a lifetime honor. I look forward to continuing service to the workers' compensation community and working with the NAWCJ to further educational opportunities for workers’ compensation adjudicators.” stated Szablewicz.

Szablewicz received his B.A. in Political Science from Yale University and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. Prior to becoming Chief Deputy Commissioner in 2004, he served as a Deputy Commissioner for two years, and was engaged in the private practice of law on Virginia’s Eastern Shore for 11 years. He is a Past-President of the NAWCJ and an active member of the Dispute Resolution Committee of the IAIABC.  Szablewicz was inducted as a Fellow of the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in March 2014.

The NAWCJ was founded in 2009 to provide educational opportunities for workers’ compensation adjudicators at the trial and appellate level throughout the United States.  

About The Commission
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC), established in 1918, is an independent judicial and administrative state agency that oversees the workers’ compensation system for employees, employers, and insurers. VWC interprets and applies the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act and resolves claims through hearings and mediation.

The Commission is led by a Senior Leadership team consisting of three Commissioners, an Executive Director and a Chief Deputy Commissioner. Commissioners are selected by the General Assembly and serve six-year terms. Honorable R. Ferrell Newman, Honorable Wesley G. Marshall and Honorable Robert A. Rapaport currently serve as Commissioners. The Commissioners elect a Chairman to serve a three-year term. Commissioner Rapaport currently serves as Chairman. Ms. Evelyn V. McGill is the Commission’s Executive Director and the Honorable James J. Szablewicz is the Commission’s Chief Deputy Commissioner.
 
Leading the way in electronic data and claims filing systems, in 2021 VWC processed over 34,000 claims and issued over 3,000 judicial opinions. VWC also administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, the Uninsured Employer’s Fund, and adjudicates claims under the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, VWC operates regional offices in Bristol, Virginia Beach, Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Manassas and Fairfax.

For more information about the Virginia Workers Compensation Commission, visit the Commission's website. 
For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please email Charles Steepleton or call 877-664-2566.
 

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