About Us – Employment Law Weekly

Meet the Team

Senior Partners

John B. Floyd

Attorney at Law, Senior Partner (Emeritus)

The Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin, LLP was established in 1987 by John B. Floyd.

John B. Floyd

Attorney at Law, Senior Partner (Emeritus)

The Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin, LLP was established in 1987 by John B. Floyd. Since then, the firm has experienced significant and steady growth. Today, the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin has 10 offices throughout California. Mr. Floyd is a Certified Specialist, Workers’ Compensation Law and has devoted many years in the workers’ compensation field representing insurance companies, self-insureds, municipalities and employers in §132a claims and serious and willful actions. He has served as an Arbitrator, Mediator, and Judge Pro Tem, as well as being an expert witness in bad faith claims and is a Certified Administrator for Self-Insurers. Mr. Floyd has been involved in numerous committees, including California Chamber of Commerce Amicus Committee and the Employers’ Fraud Task Force. Additionally, Mr. Floyd is nationally recognized and AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He is also a member of the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) and the California Lawyers Association (CLA). Mr. Floyd helped publish Retired Judge David W. O’Brien’s treatises on California Workers’ Compensation Claims and Benefits and California Unemployment and Disability Compensation Programs.

Phone:(818) 715-0018
Email:john.floyd@floydskerenlaw.com

Thomas M. Skeren, Jr.

Senior Partner (Retired)

Thomas M. Skeren, Jr. a Senior Partner & Managing Partner of the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin.

Thomas M. Skeren, Jr.

Senior Partner (Retired)

Thomas M. Skeren, Jr. is a Senior Partner with the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin, LLP having joined the organization shortly after the firm was founded in 1987 by John B. Floyd. Mr. Skeren, a graduate of the University of Buffalo, began his career as a professional human resources and labor relations director with Dresser Industries. After completion of his legal studies at Western State University of Law, he left his post as Vice President of Human Resources with Angels Corporation and joined the Law Offices of John B. Floyd and commenced his legal career. He has represented a variety of insured and uninsured clients defending regular aspects of the claims as well as handling discrimination and serious & willful misconduct claims before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) throughout California. Mr. Skeren has assisted in overall management and growth of our firm since its inception.

Phone:(818) 206-9222
Email:tom.skeren@floydskerenlaw.com

Amanda A. Manukian

Attorney at Law, Senior Partner

Amanda A. Manukian a Senior Partner at the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin.

Amanda A. Manukian

Attorney at Law, Senior Partner

Amanda A. Manukian has been with the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin, LLP since 2003. Ms. Manukian started her career with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office in 1998, wherein she was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit for 5 years working on high profile cases. She then expanded her career with the State Compensation Insurance Fund, as the Fraud Liaison in helping to establish a strong and effective Fraud Unit for the State Contracts Department. Thereafter, she continued her career with Floyd, Skeren & Kelly, LLP in 2003. She has been with the firm since then, making named partner in 2018. As a senior partner, she works out of the Pasadena and Westlake Village offices and is the Managing Attorney of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). As defense attorney, she has obtained favorable decisions for her clients, to include various take nothing decisions on case in chief issues, including tackling very complex statute of limitation defenses. She has tried and also received take nothings on high exposure 132a and serious and willful petitions before the WCAB. Ms. Manukian’s appellate skills allowed for successful outcomes in filing of countless Petitions for Reconsideration and Removals, Writ of Reviews and Answers to Writ of Review. She practices the model that every case is defensible, with tailoring a boutique practice to meet and exceed every client’s expectations.

Phone:(626) 316-5720
Email:amanda.manukian@floydskerenlaw.com

John M. Langevin

Attorney at Law, Senior Partner Managing Attorney

John M. Langevin is a Senior Partner & Managing Partner of the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin.

John M. Langevin

Attorney at Law, Senior Partner Managing Attorney

John M. Langevin is a senior partner and the Managing Attorney in the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin’s Riverside and Bay Area offices. He is a Certified Specialist in workers’ compensation law by the State Bar of California. Mr. Langevin began his career in workers’ compensation defense at State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) in the State Contracts Unit where he was responsible for representation of the State of California. He was quickly promoted to senior counsel and regularly assigned complex cases, including catastrophic claims, discrimination complaints and multi-forum litigation. After twelve years at SCIF, he joined the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin and has since overseen the growth of its practice on a statewide basis. As a former nurse, his background in medical issues has proved to be an invaluable asset to achieving favorable results for his clients and that of his colleagues.

Phone:(510) 452-9556
Email:john.langevin@floydskerenlaw.com

Editor in Chief

Bernadette O'Brien

Esq., SPHR

Bernadette M. O’Brien is a Partner at Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin, LLP,

Bernadette O'Brien

Esq., SPHR

Bernadette M. O’Brien is a Partner at Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin, LLP, managing attorney of the Employment Law Department, and an SPHR certified Human Resources Consultant. Ms. O’Brien represents employers in employment related disputes before the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the California Labor Commissioner, including claims related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour violations. Ms. O’Brien also provides HR consultation to employers, human resource administrators, and risk managers on a myriad of HR topics including compliance with federal, state and local employment related laws; EEO compliance; AB 1825 Sexual Harassment training; managing leaves of absence pursuant to FMLA/CFRA, PDL and paid sick time; disability, accommodation and the interactive process; and performance, discipline and termination. Ms. O’Brien also conducts management and employee training sessions throughout California on numerous workplace topics. Ms. O’Brien is author of the LexisNexis publication Labor and Employment in California: A Guide to Employment Laws, Regulations and Practices, co-author of California Leave Law: A Practical Guide for Employers, and co-author of California Unemployment Insurance and Disability Compensation Programs. She is also editor of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin’s employment related websites: www.employmentlawweekly.com and www.floydskerenhrtraining.com. Ms. O’Brien has been a speaker on a variety of employment law topics for numerous organizations including PARMA, CalPelra, CWC, Ag-Safe, EAC, Northern California Workers’ Comp Forum, Intercare, National Interstate Insurance, CASBO, PIHRA, Strafford Webinars and the Employer’s Fraud Task Force. You can reach Bernadette O’Brien at bernadette.obrien@floydskerenlaw.com, Work: (818) 206-9222, or Cell: (916) 838-3332.

Phone:(916) 838-3332
Email:bernadette.obrien@floydskerenlaw.com

Co-Editor

Rene T. Folse

Of Counsel

Rene Thomas Folse, J.D., Ph.D. is affiliated with the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin, LLP in an of counsel position.

Rene T. Folse

Of Counsel

Rene Thomas Folse, J.D., Ph.D. is affiliated with the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin, LLP in an of counsel position. He works closely with the legal staff located in the firm’s statewide offices. Mr. Folse earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from California State University, Long Beach, before going on to earn his Juris Doctor degree, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of the San Fernando Valley College of Law. Mr. Folse also has the distinction of having earned his Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology, as well as his Doctorate in clinical psychology. He is licensed as both a psychologist and an attorney in California. Prior to joining Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin, Mr. Folse had the distinction of co-founding one of Southern California’s most reputable law firms, Miller & Folse, in 1974. Throughout his career, Mr. Folse has focused his attention on all aspects of workers’ compensation litigation. Mr. Folse has acted as a Judge Pro Tem with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, has been appointed to numerous faculty and teaching positions and has co-authored a leading treatise discussing psychological injury claims. In addition to his many other accomplishments, Mr. Folse is a highly sought after speaker. Mr. Folse currently works with Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin in an of counsel position assisting the firm in matters of complex litigation in all aspects of workers’ compensation.

Phone:(818) 715-0018
Email:rene.folse@floydskerenlaw.com

Assistant Editors

Eric E. Ostling

Attorney at Law, Partner Managing Attorney

Eric E. Ostling is a partner and the Managing Attorney of the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin’s Sacramento office.

Eric E. Ostling

Attorney at Law, Partner Managing Attorney

Eric E. Ostling is a partner and the Managing Attorney of the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin’s Sacramento office. Mr. Ostling earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis, before attending the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. He then obtained his Master of Law and Taxation Degree, also from the University of the Pacific. Mr. Ostling has been Certified as a Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization since 2006. Prior to joining the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin, LLP in 2007, Mr. Ostling spent twenty years litigating civil, employment and workers’ compensation issues before various Federal District Courts, California Superior Courts, as well as the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). As a result of this litigation experience, Mr. Ostling brings with him a breadth of knowledge on subrogation, employment and civil litigation to allow him to effectively represent Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin’s clients in the WCAB, Superior Court, or Federal Court. Currently, Mr. Ostling represents employers, insurance entities, self-insured entities and third party administrators before the WCAB on standard workers’ compensation defense, §132a discrimination claims and serious and willful misconduct allegations. Mr. Ostling also represents clients in State and Federal Court proceedings involving subrogation, general liability defense (product defect, premises liability, motor vehicle), and labor and employment law matters (claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, privacy violations, wrongful termination, PAGA, and wage & hour violations). Mr. Ostling also has a published article in the Pacific Law Journal.

Phone:(916) 920-1100
Email:eric.ostling@floydskerenlaw.com

Brianne Uebelhardt

Attorney at Law

Brianne Uebelhardt is an associate attorney with the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin in our firm’s Westlake Village office.

Brianne Uebelhardt

Attorney at Law

Brianne Uebelhardt is an associate attorney with the Law Offices of Floyd Skeren Manukian Langevin in our firm’s Westlake Village office. Ms. Uebelhardt graduated from Cal State Long Beach, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She started working at FSML as a hearing representative and editor of Judge O’Brien’s books on California Workers’ Compensation Claims and Benefits and California Unemployment, Disability and Paid Family Leave. While working at FSML, she attended Ventura College of Law earning her Juris Doctor degree. During law school, Ms. Uebelhardt received an award for scholastic achievement for the highest grade in Evidence and was a member of the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. She also interned for a firm specializing in Family Law. Ms. Uebelhardt is a member of the Employers’ Fraud Task Force and has assisted our Employment Law Department in advising, defending and training matters involving DEFA, wage and hour, and unlawful discrimination. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and twins.

Phone:(818) 715-0018
Email:brianne.uebelhardt@floydskerenlaw.com

Kyle R. Uebelhardt

Attorney at Law, Partner Assistant Managing Attorney

Kyle Uebelhardt is a Partner and an Assistant Managing Attorney in our firm’s Westlake Village office.

Kyle R. Uebelhardt

Attorney at Law, Partner Assistant Managing Attorney

Kyle Uebelhardt is a Partner and an Assistant Managing Attorney in our firm’s Westlake Village office. Mr. Uebelhardt was a valedictorian and graduated from Dartmouth College, majoring in Government and Political Theory. While at Dartmouth, he played quarterback on the school’s football team and was a member of the dance ensemble. He is now an interviewer for the Dartmouth Admissions Committee. Mr. Uebelhardt obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Ventura College of Law. His passion for defending employers regarding all legal issues led to his earning a Certificate of Concentration in Business Law. While attending law school in the evenings, Mr. Uebelhardt further honed his skills in business related matters, working full time in the areas of Real Estate Law and served under international expert Alvaro Pascotto, Esq., drafting transactional documents in the fields of Business Aviation, Tax Planning, Private Equity and Wealth Management. Mr. Uebelhardt is a trial attorney, well-versed in defending a multitude of workers’ compensation claims, including catastrophic, cardiac, insidious disease, 132a, serious and willful, and Special Investigations Unit. He is also a member of the Employment Law Litigation department, advising and defending clients on issues such as wage and hour, reasonable accommodation, interactive process, and leave of absence. Mr. Uebelhardt is a trained mediator through the Ventura Center for Dispute Settlement, a news broadcaster with WorkCompAcademy Weekly News, member of the Employers’ Fraud Task Force, writer for Employment Law Weekly, and serves as an event guest speaker. When not defending the interests of FSML’s clients, he enjoys spending time with his wife and baby twins.

Phone:(818) 715-0018
Email:kyle.uebelhardt@floydskerenlaw.com