WCA News:

ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration (WCA) Director Robert E. Doucette, Jr., announced the vacancy of one administrative law judge position in the agency’s Albuquerque office.

Judge Reginald C. Woodard has decided not to seek reappointment. Woodard’s term is set to expire Nov. 24. His last day in the office will be Monday, Oct. 16.

Workers’ compensation judges hear and decide disputes over benefits due to injured workers throughout New Mexico. WCA judicial positions are exempt with an initial one-year appointment and a possible reappointment to a five-year term.

The WCA will accept applications (and supporting documents) to fill the judge vacancy position through 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29. Public interviews will be held on or around Friday, Oct. 13. Applicants must be attorneys licensed by and in good standing with the New Mexico Supreme Court to practice in New Mexico, with a minimum of five years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Interested applicants may obtain a judicial application here.

About Judge Woodard

Judge “Reg” Woodard had more than 35 years of legal experience, prior to his WCA appointment in November 2012. Woodard practiced workers’ compensation law for more than 16 years and had been a recognized certified specialist in workers’ compensation law by the New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization since 2005. Woodard came to the WCA from the law firm of Woodard and Associates, PC., where he was a sole proprietor since 2004. Prior to that he was affiliated with Sturges, Houston & Sexton, PC. He has also been in-house counsel for CIGNA Insurance Companies. Woodard earned a Bachelor of Undergraduate Studies degree from the University of New Mexico in 1974. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1977 from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Woodard said he plans to spend more time in his barn with his two horses.