Author Biographies: California Vocational Rehibilitation

California Vocational Rehabilitation
Author Biographies	Back to the Book Page

Joseph V. Capurro, Esq. Joseph V. Capurro, Esq., has practiced workers' compensation law since he was admitted to the California Bar in 1980. A certified specialist, he is the managing partner in the firm of Capurro, Rocha and Walsh in San Jose, CA. Mr. Capurro has served upon the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee of the State of California. He lectures frequently on workers’ compensation, particularly on the topic of recent case law developments. Mr. Capurro has written and lectured on vocational rehabilitation for the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association and the California Association of Rehabilitation and Re-employment Professional. Leonard J. Silberman, Esq. Leonard J. Silberman, Esq., has been one of the state’s top authorities on vocational rehabilitation for decades. He has appeared before the California Supreme Court and various Courts of Appeal, and his writings have been quoted in many decisions. Mr. Silberman has conducted many educational programs, including sessions for the California State Bar and Workers’ Compensation Judges’ annual meetings. Susan Wulz Silberman, Ph.D, Esq. Susan Wulz Silberman, Ph.D, Esq., was a vocational rehabilitation counselor for over ten years, and is currently a defense attorney. Dr. Silberman has served on the boards of the Southern California Rehabilitation Exchange and the California Association of Rehabilitation Professionals. James C. Westman, M.R.C., C.R.C. James C. Westman, M.R.C., C.R.C., is a vocational rehabilitation counselor in private practice with Westman & Perkins in the Campbell/San Jose area. Mr. Westman graduated from the University of Florida in 1974 with a Master of Rehabilitation Counseling degree. He has specialized in California worker’s compensation rehabilitation since 1980. Mr. Westman has provided expert witness testimony at the Worker’s Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) since 1986. He is an approved Vocational Expert for the Office of Hearings & Appeals with the Social Security Administration, and has maintained an annual contract with the U.S. Government since 1990. He has been a guest lecturer at San Jose State University and Santa Clara University, addressing vocational rehabilitation issues.