Donald Barthel was born in Anchorage, Alaska. He graduated from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with honors in 1986. He received his Juris Doctorate from U.C.L.A. in 1990, and immediately thereafter he was admitted to the State Bar of California.

Mr. Barthel's entire legal career has been dedicated to the defense of employers' rights in the arenas of labor law, employment law, and workers' compensation. During the last 30 years, his practice has exclusively focused on workers' compensation defense and related matters. With many years' experience in southern and northern California, he has appeared at virtually every WCAB district office in the state.

Mr. Barthel is an acknowledged expert regarding the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. He has taught adjusters, human resource directors, employer representatives, attorneys and physicians throughout California and the United States.