10 Questions With Rachel G. Mahoney

Adding a third generation partner to our firm, Rachel marks a milestone in the Fresno law community.

Rachel started working at the firm when she was in high school, helping with filing. During her last two years of law school, Rachel clerked at our firm, participating in depositions, settlement conferences and legal writing. This experience allowed Rachel to hit the ground running. Since joining the firm as an attorney in 2012, she has handled hundreds of appearances and settlements for the firm, while building her own caseload along the way. Rachel is a certified specialist in workers’ compensation law.

1. What is your philosophy when it comes to representing clients? 

My representation philosophy is simple. Do for my clients what I would want done for me if I were in their situation. This approach allows me to better empathize with my clients, and resolve their case in a manner that makes them feel cared for.

2. Why did you decide to become an attorney? Why Worker's Comp/SSD?

Well, being a lawyer is in my blood. My grandfather was an attorney, my mom is an attorney, and so is my brother. But, I also felt drawn to the career as a way to help people with something very stressful, that they can’t do on their own. I choose to specialize in workers’ comp/disability because people who are injured or disabled are going through one of the most challenging times of their lives, and I wanted to be able to support them through that time in a way that I know how - the law.  

3. What sets your firm apart from other worker's comp/SSD firms in the area? 

We are certified specialists in Workers’ Compensation, and have many years of experience representing claimants in SSD cases. Workers’ comp and disability cases are all that we do, so we have a lot of specialized knowledge.

4. Why is hiring a certified workers’ comp specialist so important? 

As certified specialists, we maintain a high level of up-to-date education on workers’ compensation law. This allows us to better serve our clients. 

5. Describe the culture at Cole Fisher Cole O'Keefe + Mahoney.  

Family. Both figuratively and literally. Our team is very connected with another in a way that reminds me a lot of being around family. Plus, I get to actually work with family every day, so that’s great too.

6. What has been your proudest moment as an attorney?  

I don’t know that there is a single defining “proudest moment”. But, honestly, every time I help someone obtain benefits they truly need and deserve, I feel really proud of the work my team and I have done on their behalf.   

7. What's one thing you wish every client/injured worker knew about the worker's comp/disability process?

One thing I think many injured workers are not aware of, is how lengthy the claim approval process can be. These systems are designed to help workers, but they are also notorious for being slow and frustrating. It’s common for a case to take months, or even years, to see resolution; and that’s usually a surprise to new clients. Working with an attorney absolutely helps the process to go smoother and quicker, but it’s still an uphill battle with a long timeframe.

8. What's the most frequent question clients ask you? 

The most common question I hear is, “How can I get treated and get back to work?” Our clients are people who genuinely just want to get the necessary medical treatment or compensation they need - and deserve - and get back to their regular life.

9. What's your favorite thing about Fresno/Central Valley? 

Fresno is home, and I absolutely love it. The community feel that Fresno offers is unlike anything I’ve experienced anywhere else. 

10. What do you do when you're not fighting for injured workers' rights? 

Outside of work, I’m a wife and mother of three, so I enjoy spending time with my husband and kids.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.