MEET OUR TEAM
EM Legal, APC was founded by Sean Eggers and B. Leor Makover. The duo brings comprehensive and wide-ranging experience to their practice. Having worked at large, state-wide, workers' compensation defense firms, Mr. Eggers and Mr. Makover sought to establish a different kind of practice - a practice focused on providing curated, pro-active solutions to clients' complex needs. Now, EM Legal, APC effectively mitigates clients' exposure through diligent case management and a nuanced litigation approach to each claim. The team at EM Legal, APC brings knowledge, experience and a commitment to excellence to every case.
B. LEOR MAKOVER
Founding Partner
Prior to founding EM Legal, APC, Leor Makover worked as a senior litigator at multiple large, state-wide workers compensation defense firms. He provides diligent and determined representation in his defense of employers, insurers, and third-party administrators. Leor is dedicated to mitigating client exposure through proactive case management, aggressive litigation and early resolution.
Throughout Leor’s workers’ compensation career, he has successfully secured reversals on a wide range of issues such as causation, permanent disability, and industrial apportionment. He is also committed to sharing his expertise with the community by providing training to clients and guest appearances on multiple podcast discussions.
Leor’s legal career began at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office Anti-Gang Unit where he worked closely with the Los Angeles Police Department and assisted with the prosecution of a broad range of crimes committed within Los Angeles City limits.
When not at the office, Leor can be found at a standup comedy show, concert, or music festival. His favorite music genre is fusion electronica.
Three words to describe Leor are “affable, tenacious, and witty.” If his life had a theme song, it would be “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” by Pink Floyd. He lives by the phrase, “The most important step a person can take in life is always the next one.” – Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
As for Leor’s hidden talent, he is adept at auditory identification. He can identify celebrity voice overs in commercials with uncanny accuracy.
Throughout Leor’s workers’ compensation career, he has successfully secured reversals on a wide range of issues such as causation, permanent disability, and industrial apportionment. He is also committed to sharing his expertise with the community by providing training to clients and guest appearances on multiple podcast discussions.
Leor’s legal career began at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office Anti-Gang Unit where he worked closely with the Los Angeles Police Department and assisted with the prosecution of a broad range of crimes committed within Los Angeles City limits.
When not at the office, Leor can be found at a standup comedy show, concert, or music festival. His favorite music genre is fusion electronica.
Three words to describe Leor are “affable, tenacious, and witty.” If his life had a theme song, it would be “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” by Pink Floyd. He lives by the phrase, “The most important step a person can take in life is always the next one.” – Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
As for Leor’s hidden talent, he is adept at auditory identification. He can identify celebrity voice overs in commercials with uncanny accuracy.
SEAN EGGERS
Founding Partner
Sean Eggers is the co-founder of EM Legal, APC. He strongly believes in the importance of client communication and focuses on resolving cases in the most cost-effective manner. Sean’s experience includes defense of high exposure cases as well as death claims.
Prior to pursuing a career in workers compensation defense litigation, Sean worked both as a Patent Prosecution Attorney and as a Patent Litigator. He prepared patent applications in a variety of industries including medical devices, software, business products, and mechanical devices. He is still a registered attorney with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Sean received his juris doctorate from USC and his bachelor’s of science in Physics from UCLA. While at UCLA he focused his curriculum on Quantum Mechanics as well as Solid-State Mechanics.
Sean grew up in Manhattan Beach, California. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, dismantling and reassembling mechanical watches, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and spending time with his family. His favorite TV show of all time is Unsolved Mysteries hosted by the legendary Robert Stack. His hidden talent is a near eidetic memory for movie lines as well as random historical facts.
If Sean were to pursue a career other than that of an attorney, he would have pursued a PhD in Physics and dedicated his career towards the pursuit of fusion based energy.
Prior to pursuing a career in workers compensation defense litigation, Sean worked both as a Patent Prosecution Attorney and as a Patent Litigator. He prepared patent applications in a variety of industries including medical devices, software, business products, and mechanical devices. He is still a registered attorney with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Sean received his juris doctorate from USC and his bachelor’s of science in Physics from UCLA. While at UCLA he focused his curriculum on Quantum Mechanics as well as Solid-State Mechanics.
Sean grew up in Manhattan Beach, California. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, dismantling and reassembling mechanical watches, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and spending time with his family. His favorite TV show of all time is Unsolved Mysteries hosted by the legendary Robert Stack. His hidden talent is a near eidetic memory for movie lines as well as random historical facts.
If Sean were to pursue a career other than that of an attorney, he would have pursued a PhD in Physics and dedicated his career towards the pursuit of fusion based energy.
MIRIAM GREGORY
Managing Associate
Miriam Gregory brings to the team extensive experience in insurance defense litigation. Prior to joining EM Legal, APC, Miriam worked as a workers compensation defense litigator in two capacities. Specifically, Miriam has experience defending workers compensation claims as staff counsel at large workers compensation insurance companies as well as a senior litigator at large state-wide defense firms. Miriam is dedicated to providing comprehensive counsel and representation to her clients, supporting her client’s business goals and mitigating claim costs at every stage of claim administration and litigation.
Miriam began her legal career in civil litigation, specifically, personal injury and subrogation. Thereafter, Miriam joined a nationwide firm working as coverage counsel and as a coverage litigation associate, specializing in Directors & Officers policies. In this position, Miriam defended insurers against breach of contract, bad faith, and unfair practices claims in state and federal court.
Outside the office, Miriam can be found browsing a used bookstore, trying out a new restaurant, or lounging by the beach. In her free time, Miriam likes to host her family and friends, read a cookbook, or practice yoga.
Miriam lives by the phrase, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose." -Dr. Seuss.
Miriam began her legal career in civil litigation, specifically, personal injury and subrogation. Thereafter, Miriam joined a nationwide firm working as coverage counsel and as a coverage litigation associate, specializing in Directors & Officers policies. In this position, Miriam defended insurers against breach of contract, bad faith, and unfair practices claims in state and federal court.
Outside the office, Miriam can be found browsing a used bookstore, trying out a new restaurant, or lounging by the beach. In her free time, Miriam likes to host her family and friends, read a cookbook, or practice yoga.
Miriam lives by the phrase, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose." -Dr. Seuss.
Y. GINA BOKSAR
Senior Associate
Y. Gina Boksar is a Certified Worker’s Compensation Specialist with over ten years of worker’s compensation experience, and over 15 years of litigation experience overall. She has worked as both an in-house counsel for a large workers’ compensation insurance carrier as well as a litigator with large state-wide workers’ compensation defense firms, representing insurance carriers, third-party administrators, and self-insured employers in all aspects of worker’s compensation matters. Gina has extensive experience managing worker’s compensation claims with various levels of exposure, including death claims and claims involving life pension, permanent total, and catastrophic injuries. Her skills lie in early resolution of claims, but if that is not possible, then aggressive litigation.
When Gina is not defending worker’s compensation claims, she is a sci-fi fanatic, and enjoys a never-ending effort to bake the perfect loaf of sourdough bread. She is also fluent in Russian.
When Gina is not defending worker’s compensation claims, she is a sci-fi fanatic, and enjoys a never-ending effort to bake the perfect loaf of sourdough bread. She is also fluent in Russian.
GAYANEH PETROSYAN
Of Counsel
Gayaneh Petrosyan is currently of counsel at EM legal, APC. She focuses her practice on the defense of workers’ compensation claims on behalf of insurance carriers, third party administrators, and self-insured employers, handling claims at all stages of litigation, including the defense of 132a and Serious and Willful claims.
Gayaneh brings with her extensive experience as a former applicant’s attorney. This informs her strategies and makes her an aggressive defense litigator. Gayaneh is an expert in cross-examinations and has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes during doctor depositions. She is a skilled negotiator and aims to resolve claims as efficiently as possible, often securing settlements during deposition proceedings.
Ms. Petrosyan began her career representing insurance carriers in civil litigation matters and has experience in corporate/business law, labor and employment law, landlord/tenant litigation, and Social Security disability claims.
In her free time, Gayaneh enjoys reading historical fiction novels and philosophical books about quests to personal fulfillment, poetry, art, gardening, cooking, and spending time in Lake Arrowhead with her husband and three children. Her motto in life is, “Be happy now, without reason- or you never will be at all” from one of her favorite childhood books, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
Gayaneh brings with her extensive experience as a former applicant’s attorney. This informs her strategies and makes her an aggressive defense litigator. Gayaneh is an expert in cross-examinations and has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes during doctor depositions. She is a skilled negotiator and aims to resolve claims as efficiently as possible, often securing settlements during deposition proceedings.
Ms. Petrosyan began her career representing insurance carriers in civil litigation matters and has experience in corporate/business law, labor and employment law, landlord/tenant litigation, and Social Security disability claims.
In her free time, Gayaneh enjoys reading historical fiction novels and philosophical books about quests to personal fulfillment, poetry, art, gardening, cooking, and spending time in Lake Arrowhead with her husband and three children. Her motto in life is, “Be happy now, without reason- or you never will be at all” from one of her favorite childhood books, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
CHRISTINA VILLANUEVA
Managing Paralegal
Christina Villanueva has extensive experience working in this industry. Prior to joining our team as the managing paralegal, Christina worked in large state-wide workers compensation defense firms. Having a similar drive for excellence and customer service, Christina joined Sean and Leor to build a unique law firm that aligns with the principles of quality over quantity.
Outside of her career, Christina focuses on her family and her love of food and books. She loves to eat good food with great company whether that is with her family or her friends. She has a particular sweet tooth and appreciates a beautiful dessert. When she has free time, Christina bakes, trying to replicate the desserts she sees in books and restaurants. Christina is also an avid reader and believes that the feel of turning the page of a physical book is unrivaled, however, with time limitations, will settle for an audiobook. She reads self-improvement, finance, romance, or fiction books. Christina also loves music of many genres, picking music to fit the particular moment in life.
Christina lives by the quote “Ohana – means family, and family means nobody is left behind or forgotten.” - Lilo & Stitch. Family means a lot- who else can you go to for help, receive guidance from and be unconditionally accepted through strength and faults – whether it be blood related or not – once ohana, you are ohana for life.
Christina’s favorite part about the workers compensation industry is the opportunity to meet interesting people and share knowledge and experience.
Outside of her career, Christina focuses on her family and her love of food and books. She loves to eat good food with great company whether that is with her family or her friends. She has a particular sweet tooth and appreciates a beautiful dessert. When she has free time, Christina bakes, trying to replicate the desserts she sees in books and restaurants. Christina is also an avid reader and believes that the feel of turning the page of a physical book is unrivaled, however, with time limitations, will settle for an audiobook. She reads self-improvement, finance, romance, or fiction books. Christina also loves music of many genres, picking music to fit the particular moment in life.
Christina lives by the quote “Ohana – means family, and family means nobody is left behind or forgotten.” - Lilo & Stitch. Family means a lot- who else can you go to for help, receive guidance from and be unconditionally accepted through strength and faults – whether it be blood related or not – once ohana, you are ohana for life.
Christina’s favorite part about the workers compensation industry is the opportunity to meet interesting people and share knowledge and experience.
TAMMY PADILLA
Senior Paralegal
Tammy Padilla brings with her extensive experience in the workers compensation defense industry, having worked in all facets of litigation support. Prior to joining EM Legal, APC, Tammy worked in large state-wide workers compensation defense firms. Having a passion for working with clients and providing first-rate customer support, Tammy joined our team to grow a practice focused on providing quality representation.
Tammy spends her free time with her family and her dogs. Her favorite quote is “What are we having for dinner?” This is said almost every day which means her husband and children are getting together to share a meal after a long day. She enjoys taking pictures at family gatherings and making collages and sending them to family members to capture the moments. Her family includes her husband, her three children, and her two Rottweilers.
Tammy’s favorite part about the workers compensation industry is that even though there are many people in this field, it remains a small world and paths are frequently crossed.
Tammy spends her free time with her family and her dogs. Her favorite quote is “What are we having for dinner?” This is said almost every day which means her husband and children are getting together to share a meal after a long day. She enjoys taking pictures at family gatherings and making collages and sending them to family members to capture the moments. Her family includes her husband, her three children, and her two Rottweilers.
Tammy’s favorite part about the workers compensation industry is that even though there are many people in this field, it remains a small world and paths are frequently crossed.
SIGAL ABIKHZER
Administration
Sigal joins the EM Legal, APC team with a diverse background in healthcare and human resource management. Her areas of expertise range from risk and need assessment, project management, and cross-functional collaboration.
She lives by the quote - “Life is like a camera. You focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negative and if things don’t work out, take another shot.” - Ziad K. Abdelnour. Life is challenging yet exciting, and it is so important to view it all positively and enjoy every moment with your loved ones.
When Sigal is not in the office, she enjoys practicing her culinary skills. She can be found cooking or baking most days and watching every cooking and baking competition in her free time.
She lives by the quote - “Life is like a camera. You focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negative and if things don’t work out, take another shot.” - Ziad K. Abdelnour. Life is challenging yet exciting, and it is so important to view it all positively and enjoy every moment with your loved ones.
When Sigal is not in the office, she enjoys practicing her culinary skills. She can be found cooking or baking most days and watching every cooking and baking competition in her free time.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIESJoin our teamIf you are looking to join a team with a lively culture, low case loads, and low turnover, a career with EM Legal, APC may be for you. We are seeking motivated and experienced professionals to join our growing team. We value each individual on our team and prioritize our company culture to ensure our staff is not only successful, but happy where they work.
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