Clifford D. Sweet, III

Clifford D. Sweet, III was the founding shareholder of Heggeness & Sweet from 1974 through January 2015 where he earned a Statewide reputation as a preeminent lawyer prior to becoming Of Counsel to Pearlman, Brown & Wax out of their San Diego office. Since 1981, he has been a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Cliff has expertise in workers’ compensation law including related civil actions, appellate law and workers’ compensation fraud investigations.

• Recipient of the Warren L. Hanna Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 for his lifetime commitment to the California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorneys’ Association, the entire Workers’ Compensation community, and to California employers and their insurance companies. “This award is presented to you by your colleagues, peers and friends for all important contributions that you have made in the forefront and behind the scenes to the Workers’ Compensation community.”
• First Recipient of the Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney of the Year Award by the Workers’ Compensation Section of the State Bar of California in 2005 in recognition of his knowledge of the law, professional courtesy, community service, professionalism, recent contributions to the practice of workers’ compensation law, service to clients, and advocacy skills.
• Recipient of the California Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Section 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 in recognition of his knowledge of the law, community service, professionalism, and significant lifetime contributions to the practice of workers’ compensation law.
• Rated A-V Preeminent (highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards) by Martindale Hubbell for over 40 years.
• Assisted in writing important workers’ compensation legislation and regulations, including the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Act.
• Received his Bachelor of Arts Degree (cum laude) from the University of California, Los Angeles with a major in Swedish Political Science.
• Received his Juris Doctorate Degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles.
• Member of the State Bar of California and the San Diego County Bar Association.
• Member and twice President of the California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorneys’ Association.
• Assists refugee resettlement as a volunteer through the Jewish Family Service of San Diego.