Barbara Hollenbach Moderates Legal Updates for Pennsylvania 20th Annual Workers Compensation Conference
Barbara L. Hollenbach, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., served as moderator for the “Legal Updates” panel of the Pennsylvania 20th Annual Workers Compensation Conference hosted by the state’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation on May 17.
“With extensive experience advising and representing insured and self-insured employers in the Lehigh Valley and throughout eastern Pennsylvania, I was honored to serve as moderator for the state’s annual conference,” said Hollenbach.
About the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Conference
An annual favorite, the “Legal Updates” panel addressed recent cases and current, potentially problematic issues facing practitioners. Hollenbach and the panelists discussed appellate court decisions regarding fee review, course of employment, impairment rating evaluations, Earning Power Assessments, undocumented workers, incarceration, timing, subrogation, attorney fees, and the average weekly wage.
The conference, held virtually May 17-18, offered additional topics such as an update from the Healthcare Service Review, how technology could build a healthier workforce and safer workplace, COVID-19, challenges and topics for employers, claim forms, security, basic applicable law, the legislative process, tips and tricks, avoiding litigation, and much more. The Pennsylvania Bar Institute provided continuing legal education credits for a price in addition to the cost of the conference, which was $100 to attend.
About Barbara Hollenbach
A resident of Bethlehem, Hollenbach focuses her practice on workers’ compensation, professional liability, products liability, and general litigation. Her civil litigation experience includes representing manufacturers of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and other products; as well as representing professionals including psychiatrists and veterinarians. She also represents clients in Orphans’ Court matters, including will contests and actions involving claims of undue influence and lack of mental capacity.
Hollenbach is certified as a specialist in workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Section on Workers’ Compensation Law as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. She was the first woman elected president of the Northampton County Bar Association and is a past chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Workers’ Compensation Law Section. From 2011 – 2016, Hollenbach served on the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Rules Committee. A Fellow of The College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers, she has co-authored and co-presented the PBI Workers’ Compensation Practice & Procedures manual and course since 2000. Hollenbach has been named one of Pennsylvania’s Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers for several years, most recently in 2020.
An active community volunteer, Hollenbach is a past chair and current member of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites’ Board of Trustees. She is also active in Cops ‘n’ Kids of the Lehigh Valley. In addition, Hollenbach has served on the boards and has been president of numerous charitable organizations, including the YWCA of Bethlehem. She earned her J.D., cum laude, in 1978 from Dickinson School of Law and her B.A., with highest distinction, in 1975 from Pennsylvania State University.
