Jane L. Suchma
Ms. Suchma was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and earned a B.A. in communications from the University of Houston. Ms. Suchma received her J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 1992. Ms. Suchma is a member of the Texas State Bar and also is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
Jane L. Suchma helped transform a small workers’ compensation docket into one of the largest in the state. Ms. Suchma’s experience in the area of workers’ compensation law and her service to clients in the insurance industry have been integral in the rapid growth of her practice. Ms. Suchma is Board Certified in Workers Compensation Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Ms. Suchma’s practice is largely defense-based, focusing on workers’ compensation, employers’ liability, and subrogation claims. She has represented insurance carriers and self-insured entities before hundreds of Benefit Review Conferences, Contested Case Hearings and Appeals Panel disputes before the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (formerly the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission). Her litigation experience includes judicial review of workers’ compensation claims, including wrongful death claims. Ms. Suchma handles non-subscriber litigation, as well. She also frequently presents continuing education seminars to insurance adjusters.
Michael J. “Jerry” Portele
Michael J. “Jerry” Portele is a third-generation native Houstonian who earned his degree in Biology from the University of Houston. He graduated South Texas College of Law in 2001 and is Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His practice has included all facets of insurance defense including workers’ compensation defense, premises liability, personal injury defense, subrogation and commercial litigation. He has represented clients from the administrative level through appellate court briefing.
Mr. Portele has been engaged with his alma mater, the University of Houston, in various capacities. He served on the Board of Directors for the Bauer Alumni Association as well as President of the same organization. He is a founding member of the 46ers, the University of Houston’s Football directed giving organization. He also serves as chair of the Parish Council for his church, St. Faustina Catholic Church.