Dirk Samuel Stemerman

PRO

Dirk Samuel Stemerman

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 23 years

Workers compensation Lawyer at Monterey, CA
Practice Areas: Workers Compensation, Social Security

1035 5th St Ste B, Monterey, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Dirk

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Workers Compensation 90%

90%
Social Security & Disability 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Contingency

15%-25%

Licenses

Licensed in California for 23 years

State: California

Acquired: 2002

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Rucka O'Boyle Lombardo & McKenna

1035 5th St Ste B, Monterey, CA, 93940-3560

rolmlawyers.com/attorneys/stemerman/

Dirk Samuel Stemerman's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

16 Client Reviews

Posted by anonymous | January 29, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Workers Comp champion!

I highly recommend Mr. Dirk Stemerman. He handled my case with professionalism and diligence. They took care of all the paperwork and negotiations resulting in a better settlement than expected. I can’t thank him enough.

Posted by anonymous | September 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly recommend Mr. Stemerman.

Mr. Stemerman is an ethical, responsible, highly qualified Workers Compensation Attorney. I trust Mr. Stemerman, and his legal team, in the handling and execution of my claims. He is always prompt in addressing questions I have, transparent with me about the legal side of the claim, compassionate to...wards any medical concerns I have, and an advocate for me, who has my best interests at the forefront. I highly recommend Mr. Stemerman as a Worker’s Compensation Attorney. Working with Mr. Stemerman, and his legal team, I feel confident and at ease knowing I have the best legal representation, and medical representation.

Posted by Michael | September 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Dirk Stemerman is a winner!

I had an extremely complicated case which lasted over ten years. My first two attorneys retired during the course of the case. I only wish I had found Dirk in the beginning. He moved things right along at a pace I didn't expect and appreciated. Additionally, communication with him and his sta...ff was not what I had experienced with my previous attorneys. Responses to my queries were immediate and often from Dirk himself. They made me feel like I was their only client. I cannot recommend Dirk Stemerman enough.

Posted by anonymous | August 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Worker's Compensation Attorney!!

I had a very complicated Worker's Compensation case. and I wanted to see what my rights would be when I consulted with Mr. Stemerman. It turned. out my case was broken up into 3. Mr. Stemerman was patient in responding to all my questions and was extremely helpful at the time of my deposition. I wo...uld not have been able to go on pursing my case if I did not have an Attorney with Worker's Compensation expertise of Mr. Stemerman. It was not an easy case. He was able to obtain a decent settlement, more than expected. I recommend his counsel if you have any Worker's Compensation issues. His staff is knowledgeable (Angelina, Paralegal) and made this stress free as possible. Thank you.

Posted by Yolanda | August 12, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly Recommend!!

Dirk took over my worker's compensation case and social security case and won both in only year! He was able to resolve my cases quickly, efficiently, and made sure that I received all of the benefits I was due from my work. Dirk and his team kept in constant contact with me and kept me in the loop. ...Anytime I had a question or needed something from their office, they would get back to me right away. The paralegals do an outstanding job and definitely know what they are doing. They even went above and beyond to assist in coordinating with my doctor's appointments. Dirk and his legal team are the whole package and I am glad I trusted them with both of my cases. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking their expertise.

See All Client Reviews

Dirk Samuel Stemerman's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Dirk
Michael Peter Georgariou II headshot
Michael Georgariou

Workers compensation lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have witnessed his abilities at court on countless occasions. He is both a skilled attorney and an aggressive advocate."

Richard James Meechan headshot
Richard Meechan

Workers compensation lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.Dirk is an energetic and bright attorney. He works with our state organization by providing education programs at our statewide conventions. He is also a leader with our local president group."

Barry Philip Gorelick headshot
Barry Gorelick

Workers compensation lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Dirk is an excellent lawyer. He is smart, hard working and he fights hard for his clients. Dirk comes from a respected workers compensation law firm that has been taking good care of injured workers for decades."

Alan Barry Snitzer headshot
Alan Snitzer

Workers compensation lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dirk Stemerman for about 8 years, having served together with him on the Board of Directors of the California Applicants' Attorneys Assoc., the premier, statewide bar association for attorneys representing injured workers in California. In fact, for several years, Dirk was a member of a committee of that Board, of which I was a co-chair. I've always been impressed by Dirk's unwavering commitment to the cause of our state's injured workers, who must fight an uphill battle against a system that is currently stacked against them. Dirk fights hard for his clients, and also works hard at any task he takes on, such as the bar association I mentioned. He has a sharp, analytical legal mind, and a lot of heart. I would highly recommend him to any potential client considering retaining his services!"

Charles Robert Cleveland Jr. headshot
Charles Cleveland

Workers compensation lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am pleased to endorse this attorney. I personally known him for many years and have interacted with him in fighting for the rights of injured workers in the State of California. He is a highly competent workers compensation attorney."

Scott Mitchell Rubel headshot
Scott Rubel

Workers compensation lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Stemerman is an extraordinary attorney. His knowledge, training, and experience allow him to provide the highest level of representation in the practice of workers' compensation. I wholeheartedly recommend his services."

Kelli Brooke Schmidt headshot
Kelli Schmidt

Workers compensation lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Stemerman is an excellent attorney and fights hard for his clients."

Neil Pi Berman headshot
Neil Berman

Workers compensation lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"Dirk is one of the top workers' compensation attorneys in the state. He is widely respected in the workers' compensation and Social Security disability fields and is frequently asked to speak on panels at state and national conventions. He is the most organized person that I know. Dirk cares deeply about his clients and this community. Injured workers in our region are very fortunate to have a workers' compensation specialist like Dirk protecting their interests."

Glen Joel Grossman headshot
Glen Grossman

Workers compensation lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have litigated against Mr. Stemerman for nearly 15 years. I cannot recall a single month where we have not been in court. I have always found him professional, prepared, and reasonable. I heartily endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements

No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Nation's Top 100 Injured Workers Attorneys, Workers' Injury Law & Advocacy Group

2023

Certified Specialist Recertification - Workers' Compensation Law, State Bar of California - Board of Legal Specialization

2020

Recognition for Serving on Board for 15 years, California Applicants' Attorneys Association

2018

Certified Specialist Recertification - Workers' Compensation Law, State Bar of California - Board of Legal Specialization

2014

Nation's Top 100 Injured Workers Attorneys, Workers' Injury Law & Advocacy Group

2013

Certified Specialist Recertification - Workers' Compensation Law, State Bar of California - Board of Legal Specialization

2012

Recognition for Serving as President of Monterey Bay Chapter, California Applicants' Attorneys Association

2008

Certified Specialist - Workers' Compensation Law, State Bar of California - Board of Legal Specialization

1998

First Place, Column, Illinois College Press Association

1997

National Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha

Work Experience

2024 - Present

President & Senior Partner, Rucka, O'Boyle, Lombardo & McKenna

2007 - Present

Partner, Rucka, O'Boyle, Lombardo & McKenna

2016 - 2024

Managing Partner, Rucka, O'Boyle, Lombardo & McKenna

2002 - 2007

Attorney, Rucka, O'Boyle, Lombardo & McKenna

2001 - 2002

Law Clerk, California Teachers' Association

Associations

2002 - Present

Workplace Injury Law & Advocacy Group

Member

2002 - Present

National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives

Member

2002 - Present

California Teachers' Association Group Legal Services

Member

2002 - Present

California Applicants' Attorneys Association

Member

2012 - 2017

California Applicants' Attorneys Association

President - Northern California Chapter Liaison

2011 - 2012

Monterey Bay Chapter, California Applicants' Attorneys Association

President

2010 - 2020

California Applicants' Attorneys Association

Membership Committee

2005 - 2020

California Applicants' Attorneys Association

Director - Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Quality Plumbing et al.. v. WCAB (Hernandez) (2024, 2025)

Writ Denied

Olden v. State of California, Dept. of Corrections, 40 CWCR 30

Upheld in Opinion and Decision after Reconsideration

See More Legal Cases

Education

2001

Whittier College School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

University of Illinois

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2023

COA Annual Meeting & QME Course

Applying the Kite Decision

2019

California Applicants' Attorneys Association, January Convention, San Diego, CA

Benson: How and Why Exceptions Apply

2017

California Applicants' Attorneys Association, January Convention, San Diego, CA

Professional Responsibility & Conflicts of Interest

2015

California Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney's Association Winter Conference Applicant Attorney Perspective on Rebutting the PDRS Post 1/1/13

2015

California Applicants' Attorneys Association, January Convention - San Diego, CA

How to Obtain, Actualize and Secure Your Client’s Accurate and Actual Disability

2014

California Applicants' Attorneys Association, September Seminar - Oakland, CA

The Domino Effect of Treatment Denials

2012

California Applicants' Attorneys Association, December Rating Seminar - Monterey, CA

Annual Rating Seminar

2009

California Applicants' Attorneys Association, June Convention - Olympic Valley, CA

Utilizing Medical & Other Expert Evidence at Trial – Rebuttal to the Guides WPI and/or the Scheduled FEC

2008

California Applicants' Attorneys Association, June Convention - Monterey, CA

Advanced AMA Guides II

2008

California Applicants' Attorneys Association, January Convention - Rancho Mirage, CA

Navigating the AME/QME Process

2006

American Trial Lawyers Association, July Convention - Seattle, WA

Representing Farm Workers, Migrant Workers, and Undocumented Workers–Overcoming Geographical, Social, and Language Barriers

Publications

2013

Monterey County Herald On The Job

2012

Monterey County Herald On The Job

2011

Monterey County Herald On The Job

2010

Monterey County Weekly Editorial Intern

2010

CAAAments Contributor

2007

CAAA Newsletter Author

2006

CAAA Newsletter Author

2006

Workers' First Watch Contributor

2006

CAAAments Contributor

2005

CAAA Newsletter Author

2005

Workers' First Watch Contributor

2005

CAAAments Contributor

2005

Matthew Bender Labor and Employment Law Bulletin Case Review

2004

Matthew Bender Labor and Employment Law Bulletin Case Review

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution