Effectively streamlining through complex issues of California Workers Compensation Litigation. That is what Michael Misa does every day. Recently selected as a Workcomp Central Comp Laude finalist for the State of California as as well as a Super Lawyer Rising Star, he is a founding partner at a 15 attorney Southern California Workers Compensation defense litigation law firm, Misa Stefen Koller Ward, LLP – MSKW.
How can someone make complex Worker’s Compensation Insurance Law seem easy? That is what Michael Misa does every day. Michael Misa is considered a Legal Rising Star in the speciality of Worker’s Compensation. He is a founding partner at Misa Stefen Koller Ward, LLP – MSKW.
MSKW specializes in all aspects of California Worker’s Compensation Defense Litigation and discrimination. Even before walking into the Workers Compensation Appeals Board, he takes advantage of opportunities utilizing his expertise to avoid prospective litigation and cost, in order to save his client’s money by expediting resolution of firm handled litigated claims.
Michael was previously selected as a California rising star by Super Lawyers.
Recently, in September 2021 he was recognized by Workcompcentral as a Work Comp Laude Defense litigation attorney finalist in the State of California; a prestigious recognition voted by his colleagues/peers, and selected after rounds of judge and peer review.
Misa’s Work Philosophy
“At MSKW, we share a common goal: to achieve impeccable results for our clients while simultaneously creating a family work environment for those who join our firm.”
“One of my favorite words is COLLABORATION. Collaborating with your peers and clients expedites any process and, in my experience, produces the best results for our clients.” His practice is extremely effective, providing unmatched closure rates for his clients. Typically, the goal is to streamline litigated claims to effectively bring a case to resolution as quick as possible by utilizing attorney relationships and unique litigation strategy.
With an emphasis on slow, calculated growth, MSKW thrives on completion against themselves with one ultimate goal: to beat their own numbers, every year.
Misa’s Education and Background
After Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, Misa attended the University of California, Irvine. There, he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminology, Law, and Society.
Misa attended the University of San Diego Law School and obtained his Juris Doctorate in 2005. There, he gained experience as a law clerk, developing his litigation skill set initial practicing in the field of real estate litigation and employment litigation. Additionally, he performed services as a pro bono mediator for the San Diego Mediation Center.
Prior to starting his own firm, alongside his partners Martin, Matt and Teresa, Misa was a Co-Managing Partner at an established national workers’ compensation litigation firm. Misa’s practice strictly focuses on collaborating with professional sports teams, franchises, fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and professional employer organizations in order to eliminate the risk of prospective injury and litigation, while concurrently providing an aggressive defense for his clients.
Never a Dull Moment
Never a dull moment, Misa recognizes that the most valuable asset is time. Outside of work, he truly enjoys spending time with his wife, family and close friends.
At work, he truly enjoys the amazing culture that MSKW has created. Since the firms inception in 2016, MSKW has continued to strengthen, and has grown 400%, from 4 to 15 litigation attorneys in 5 years, with little turnover.
The Secret?
It all starts with creating a proper foundation; creating a unique firm culture that your team members love and truly believe in.
More importantly, “It is about understanding that each team member is equally as important, and your job is to make others better as a result of your prescence …” said Misa.
“Work hard … but remember to always enjoy the ride with the amazing people you work with … the greatest accomplishments at THIS FIRM are achieved by our team – as one unit. Find the strongest skill set in each team member, provide opportunity to accelerate it and thrive.”
MSKW ATTORNEYS AND STAFF- “The greatest accomplishments at THIS FIRM are achieved by our team – as one unit.”
MSKW CLIENT RELATIONS EVENT- “…work hard.. but remember to always enjoy the ride with the amazing people you work with…”
On September 17, 2020, Misa and his team rode through the ocean for 22-miles from Long Beach to Catalina and back.
Misa commented,“This special day just reminded me of how us four Alphas can get through anything together. Yes, the ocean was rough during most of the ride. BUT as a UNIT–full throttle–we blasted through it; arriving at our respective destinations creating memories.”
“I know with THIS squad; our Wolfpack–Martin Stefen, Matthew Koller, Teresa Ward–we are definitely stronger as ONE UNIT- and could get through anything together. No matter how rough any situation looks ahead. As a unit we can flawlessly work through anything.”
Years before MSKW was implemented, Misa only dreamed of creating a unique culture. A culture where every team member is treated as family; with the same respect, appreciation and responsiveness we provide our clients.
Reality has truly exceeded expectations. MSKW has created a unique innovative culture; continuously exceeding the expectations of their clients, while having a little fun along the way. MSKW is truly different from your typical law firm.
“We are just getting started!”
MSKW LLP
Learn more at www.mskwlaw.com