Attorney Charles Robert Cleveland Jr.

Certified Specialist in Worker’s Compensation Law

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Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law

Charles Cleveland is a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law and a founding partner of the Law Offices of Cleveland & Metz in Rancho Cucamonga.

Before becoming an attorney, Charles served in the United States Navy and worked as a police officer. He later worked in the Special Investigation Units of workers’ compensation insurance companies. That background gave him experience with workplace injuries and insurance claims from several different perspectives.

Today, his practice focuses on representing injured workers throughout the Inland Empire and surrounding communities.

Military and Law Enforcement Background

Charles was born in Los Angeles County and attended Don Bosco Technical Institute and Cantwell High School.

After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served from 1981 through 1985 and attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (E-5).

Following his honorable discharge, Charles attended the Rio Hondo Police Academy in Whittier. The Montclair Police Department hired him as a police officer in 1985.

While working as a police officer, he continued his education at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. He graduated in 1990 as valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. He earned an Associate in Arts degree in General Education and an Associate in Science degree in Real Estate and is a licensed California real estate broker..

Legal Education and Insurance Investigation Experience

In 1990, Charles enrolled at Western State College of Law. He received the California Community College Law School Scholarship and a law school scholarship from the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC).

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Law from Western State College of Law in 1993.

While attending law school, Charles worked in the Special Investigation Units of several workers’ compensation insurance carriers in Southern California. That experience provided firsthand knowledge of how insurance companies investigate workers’ compensation claims.

Charles later completed his legal studies at American College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1996.

Representing Injured Workers Since 1997

Charles was admitted to practice law in California in 1997. He established his law practice in Rancho Cucamonga that same year. He later joined with attorney John Metz to form the Law Offices of Cleveland & Metz.

Since then, the firm has represented injured workers throughout San Bernardino, Riverside and eastern Los Angeles Counties.

Charles concentrates his practice on California workers’ compensation law. His work includes workplace injuries, cumulative trauma claims, permanent disability, disputed medical treatment and the resolution of workers’ compensation cases.

Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law

Charles is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law.

Certification as a legal specialist requires attorneys to meet additional experience, education and examination requirements established by the State Bar.

His background as a police officer, insurance investigator and workers’ compensation attorney gives him a practical understanding of how workplace injuries are investigated, documented and evaluated.

Professional Leadership and Advocacy

Charles is a past president of the Greater Inland Empire Applicants’ Attorneys Association. The organization consists of attorneys who represent injured workers.

He has also been a sustaining member of the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association for more than 20 years and has served on its Board of Directors.

Through his work with the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association, Charles has traveled to Sacramento to meet with legislators. He has advocated on issues affecting injured workers and California’s workers’ compensation system.