Bakersfield Office Location

1800 30th Street
Suite 130
Bakersfield, CA 93301

T (661) 328-0224
F (916) 442-1028

Practice Areas

Workers’ Compensation Defense

Background

Admitted to Practice by the State Bar of California: 2023
Number of years in Workers’ Compensation: 1

Matthew L. Stern

Associate Attorney

Bakersfield Office Location

1800 30th Street
Suite 130
Bakersfield, CA 93301

T (661) 328-0224
F (916) 442-1028

Practice Areas

Workers’ Compensation Defense

Background

Admitted to Practice by the State Bar of California: 2023
Number of years in Worker's Compensation: 1

Career Basics

Matthew’s career has been shaped by a longstanding interest in the law and a strong commitment to public service. Before becoming an attorney, he spent 17 years in law enforcement and completed 25 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve. During his military service, he held a variety of roles in finance, public affairs, leadership, and Army history. These experiences complemented his interest in advocacy and the legal profession and continue to shape the practical, client-focused approach he brings to his work as an attorney.

Education

Matthew earned his Juris Doctor from The Colleges of Law in Santa Barbara in 2023 and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2003. While attending UCSB, he participated in Army ROTC as a scholarship cadet. His additional professional education includes completing the Rio Hondo Police Academy and military studies through the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Professional Membership

Matthew is an active member in good standing of the State Bar of California. His professional affiliations also include the California Lawyers Association, where he participates in the Workers’ Compensation and Law Practice Management and Technology sections, as well as the Reserve Officers Association and The American Legion.

Personal Note

Matthew’s background in law, law enforcement, and military service has given him a practical perspective on problem-solving, leadership, and communication. He values preparation, professionalism, and straightforward communication, and strives to bring these qualities to his work with clients and relationships with colleagues. Matthew’s workers’ compensation experience includes managing a caseload of more than 250 active matters, regularly appearing before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB), handling depositions, analyzing medical-legal evidence, negotiating settlements, and supervising support staff. He enjoys the combination of legal analysis, advocacy, negotiation, and practical problem-solving that comes with a workers’ compensation practice.