After more than four decades shaping and defending California workplace safety law, legendary Cal/OSHA attorney Fred Walter is retiring and closing a chapter on a career that helped define an entire practice area.

In a recent Cal-OSHA Reporter feature, Fred reflects on his path into Cal/OSHA defense, which began in the late 1970s in personal injury litigation before a pivotal meeting with Robert “Bob” Peterson, widely regarded as the godfather of the Cal/OSHA defense bar. As the first Chief Counsel for the Cal/OSHA Appeals Board, Peterson pioneered what was then an emerging specialty. Fred followed soon after, becoming only the second attorney to focus full-time on Cal/OSHA defense – a role he would hold for the next 45 years.

The article traces Fred’s firsthand experience with Cal/OSHA’s evolution, from its early, informal beginnings to the far more structured and legalistic system employers navigate today. Along the way, Fred shares what he loved most about the work, the cases that left a lasting impression, and the professional relationships that shaped his career. He also looks ahead to retirement, reflecting on the legacy he leaves behind and the future of Cal/OSHA practice.

We are proud to share this well-deserved tribute to Fred’s extraordinary career and lasting impact on California workplace safety law.

• • Subscribers can read the full article directly on the Cal-OSHA Reporter.
  • Non-subscribers may access the full article via the PDF linked here.

As Fred’s retirement becomes official on January 1, 2026, please feel free to reach out to our California OSHA defense team: Rachel Conn,  Megan Shaked, and Andrea Chavez for any assistance you may need. We look forward to working with you during this transition process.