Hugo E. Velazquez, Esq.

Attorney Hugo E. Velazquez is a 1991 graduate of Western State University College of Law. While in law school, he had the privilege of serving as an intern with Judge Warren J. Ferguson of the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. This gave him a first hand look and unique experience in how judges see and decide cases especially dealing with social issues, immigration and human rights. As a result, Mr. Velazquez has dedicated himself to represent and defend those who are most vulnerable and subject to mistreatment in our society. In his over 28 years of workers' compensation experience, attorney Velazquez has passionately and vigorously secured millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. Mr. Velazquez is also fluent in Spanish which gives him the rare ability of being able to communicate with many of his clients in a more direct and personal level. The law firm of Velazquez & Hicks, that he co-founded, is devoted to standing up for the rights of injured workers.

Christopher T. Hicks, Esq.

Chris has been a workers’ compensation attorney since 2007. In fact, he is uniquely situated to understand the “ins and outs” of the workers’ compensation system, as prior to becoming a founding partner of Velazquez & Hicks, he was a defense attorney representing insurance carriers, employers and public entities. Prior to founding Velazquez & Hicks, he was a Partner at the preeminent workers’ compensation defense firm of Kegel, Tobin & Truce.

Chris began his legal career as a Senior Legislative Aide for Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.) on Capitol Hill where he was the chief aide for the Congresswoman’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee/Economic Development and Public Buildings Subcommittee issues.  He was also responsible for such issues as foreign affairs, labor, housing, environment and civil rights.

Mr. Hicks moved to California in 2004 to serve as Policy Director and Counsel for the Center for Law in the Public Interest where he worked on a number of policy and legal issues dealing with economic development, transportation, housing, environment and civil rights.

Prior to joining Kegel, Tobin & Truce, he served as Deputy Director in Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald’s (CA) District Office.  In this role, he was responsible for supervising the casework staff, as well as acting as liaison between the Congresswoman’s office and various federal agencies.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Wittenberg University in 1999.  He received his law degree from Howard University School of Law in 2002. He is admitted to the State Bars of California and New York.

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