State of New Mexico
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ADMINISTRATION
Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor
Robert E. Doucette, JR., Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nicole Bazzano
October 24, 2024
Doug Christopherson appointed Workers’ Compensation Judge
ALBUQUERQUE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed Doug Christopherson to serve as a workers’ compensation judge for the Workers’ Compensation Administration (WCA). Christopherson will assume his position on November 12, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Leonard Padilla in August.
“I am excited for and humbled by the opportunity to serve the workers’ compensation community as a judge. My hope is that the care I have for this community will be reflected in my performance and conduct as a judge.” said Christopherson. Christopherson moved to New Mexico in 2012 after completing law school at the University of Utah and lives in the North Valley with his partner and daughter. Before attending law school, he spent several years managing psychiatric research studies for an outpatient research clinic. Following law school, Christopherson initially worked as a prosecutor for the State of New Mexico where he handled DWI and domestic violence cases. He spent the next decade as a defense attorney specializing in workers’ compensation cases before joining the Workers’ Compensation Administration as a mediator in September 2023.
Workers’ compensation judges hear and decide disputes over benefits due to injured workers throughout New Mexico. The Workers’ Compensation Administration works to assure the quick and efficient delivery of medical and indemnity benefits to injured workers at a reasonable cost to employers.
###