Class Code 8820
Law Firms
Class code 8820 applies to law firms and the typical in‑office work performed by attorneys, paralegals, legal secretaries, billing and administrative staff. The approved pure premium for California (effective Sept 1, 2026) is $0.213 per $100 of payroll. Understanding this low‑hazard office classification helps California employers control costs while meeting compliance and safety obligations.
What Class Code 8820 Covers
This classification covers the routine professional and clerical operations of law firms: legal research and drafting, client counseling and intake, document preparation and management, e‑filing and docketing, billing and trust accounting, and administrative support performed in an office or on short business trips. It includes courtroom appearances and depositions when those activities are an ordinary part of an attorney’s or paralegal’s duties. Non‑typical or higher‑risk activities that are not part of normal office practice—such as armed security, private investigation, process serving, or courier work conducted as a separate business function—are generally assigned to different class codes. The code assumes a primarily indoor, clerical/professional exposure profile with limited manual material handling and travel exposures.
Who It Applies To
- Attorneys and partners performing legal work and court appearances
- Paralegals and litigation support staff
- Legal secretaries, receptionists, and administrative assistants
- Billing, trust accounting, and HR/payroll staff employed by the firm
- In‑house records clerks and document management personnel
- On‑site IT support and office facilities staff performing routine office duties
Common Job Duties
- Legal research, drafting pleadings, briefs and contracts
- Client intake, counseling and conflict checks
- Preparing for and attending depositions, hearings, and trials
- Document assembly, scanning, e‑filing, and discovery production
- Maintaining client files, records retention and physical file retrieval
- Billing, trust accounting, invoicing, and timekeeping
- Scheduling, answering reception phones and office administrative tasks
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $0.213 Rate
The pure premium of $0.213 per $100 of payroll is the portion of premium that payers expect to cover predicted indemnity and medical losses for this class. Insurers use the pure premium as the base and then apply expense loads, state assessments, experience modification (XMOD), schedule ratings, policy deductibles or credits, and any PEO pooling adjustments to calculate the final premium. An employer’s payroll mix, claim history, accurate classification of employees, and participation in safety and return‑to‑work programs all affect the ultimate cost.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Law firms must comply with Cal/OSHA requirements appropriate to office settings, including maintaining an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (Title 8, Section 3203), workplace injury/illness recordkeeping, and training on ergonomics and safe lifting. Employers should provide office ergonomics assessments, safe file handling procedures, emergency action plans, and training for client‑facing staff on managing aggressive behavior or de‑escalation techniques.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 8820
A PEO like Key HR helps law firms manage workers’ comp costs through accurate payroll classification audits, claims management and advocacy, and proactive loss‑control programs (ergonomics, IIPP templates, workplace violence awareness). Key HR’s pooled buying power and experience monitoring can lower premium volatility while providing return‑to‑work coordination and timely documentation to reduce claim duration and cost.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are partners, owners, and corporate officers covered under class code 8820?
Coverage for owners, partners and corporate officers depends on the business entity and any coverage elections. Sole proprietors and partners can often elect to exclude themselves; corporate officers’ coverage varies by structure and election. Discuss firm structure and elections with Key HR or legal counsel to confirm payroll reporting and coverage.
If attorneys travel to court or meet clients offsite, are those duties still under 8820?
Yes. Incidental business travel, court appearances and client meetings that are part of normal law firm operations are typically included in class 8820. However, if staff perform substantial fieldwork that is a different trade (process serving, private investigation, security or courier services), those activities should be assigned separate classification codes.
What practical steps can a law firm take to reduce workers’ comp costs under 8820?
Focus on ergonomic programs, safe file handling and lifting training, prompt reporting and light‑duty return‑to‑work options, accurate payroll classification, and regular loss‑run reviews. Working with a PEO like Key HR for claims management, preventive training and experience‑mod monitoring can materially reduce frequency and severity of claims.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 8820
- Classification
- Law Firms
- Pure Premium Rate
- $0.213 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 8820?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.