Lee Ann Klooster — ADJ18094363, ADJ20111669

Applicant Lee Ann Klooster, proceeding in pro per, filed a Petition for Disqualification of the assigned WCJ, arguing that because the WCJ had previously adjudicated a fee dispute between applicant and her former attorneys, a new WCJ should be appointed. Defendant filed no answer, and the WCJ submitted a Report and Recommendation urging denial. The WCAB panel reviewed the petition against the standards of Labor Code section 5311, Code of Civil Procedure section 641, and WCAB Rule 10960, finding the allegations insufficient to establish disqualification grounds. The Board emphasized that a WCJ's prior rulings and expressions of opinion in the discharge of official duties do not constitute bias, and that a party's subjective perception of bias cannot support disqualification. The panel denied the Petition for Disqualification.