8:00-8:30 a.m.
Registration
8:30-8:45 a.m. - (.25 credits)
Program Overview
Vanessa M. Greenbaum • Greenbaum Breuer & Associates • New Orleans
Wiebke Breuer • Greenbaum Breuer & Associates • New Orleans
8:45-9:45 a.m. - (1 credit)
Preparation for the Hearing Begins the Moment You Take the Case
Adam M. Meunier • Levitt Meunier Law • Metairie
The presentation will begin with identification of all relevant issues upon accepting the case, procedural and medical and will emphasize that the key to winning the case is this and a review of relevant medical evidence ASAP. Next will be ensuring the issues are fully developed and that the attorney must monitor this themselves and review the relevant medical and other evidence on a consistent basis. Next will be reviewing the exhibit file as soon as it is exhibited and identify any issues which may have been unknown previously. Finally, will be effective brief writing.
9:45-10:45 a.m. - (1 credit, Prof.)
Turning Stress into Success
Dr. Angela White-Bazile • Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program Inc • Mandeville
In this presentation, JLAP Executive Director Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Esq. will break down what mental health is, how to spot the signs of someone experiencing mental illness, as well as some tips on how to have a compassionate conversation. Dr. Bazile will also provide useful insights and strategies of how to navigate during these shifting times. Attorneys will learn that you must take care of yourself because you cannot pour from an empty cup.
10:45-11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00 a.m.-noon - (1 credit)
The Other Title II: How to Recognize, File, and Win CDB/DAC and DWB Claims
Eva D. Conner • The Law Offices of James S. Conner • Mandeville
How often have we all heard the question: “what do I write in the wage earner box?” This seminar will teach you how to recognize cases where a disabled adult child or widow might be eligible for additional benefits through a wage earner, how to apply for those benefits, and how to increase your chances of winning the case.
Noon-1:15 p.m.
Lunch (on your own)
1:15-2:15 p.m. - (1 credit)
Occupational Requirements Survey & Vocational Experts: What Attorneys Need to Know
John M. Yent, MA ABDA CRC CPWIC • Recovery to Work Disability Services • New Orleans
In all areas of law where employability will determine outcomes, ORS has a growing role. ORS began as a response to the increasing obsolescence of vocational information tools such as the DOT. Commissioned by the Social Security Administration for disability adjudication and developed by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, its high-quality current data also has private sector applications. This presentation will introduce the concept of ORS as a modern source of valid, objective, statistically reliable occupational core data which vocational experts will include in their analyses. Participants will learn:
1) what categories of information ORS features
2) types of information data sets and calculations
3) how they are used in vocational analysis; and
4) ORS elements to consider in your examination of the expert.
2:15-3:15 p.m. - (1 credit)
Federal Social Security Disability Cases and How to Collect Fees
Wiebke Breuer • Greenbaum Breuer & Associates • New Orleans
Joshua S. Wexler • Greenbaum Breuer & Associates • New Orleans
This course will review Fifth Circuit case law and arguments commonly made on appeal. These common arguments will help identify issues raised the most in federal court. This includes failing to incorporate limitations into an RFC, whether an impairment meets or equals a listing, medical opinions, vocational testimony, and other attacks on substantial evidence. After winning in federal court, it is important to know how to get paid. We will review EAJA motions, important language to include in your fee agreements, and how to obtain 406(a) and 406(b) fees after winning on remand or a reversal.
3:15-3:30 p.m.
Break
3:30-4:30 pm. - (1 credit)
SSI, its “Income and Asset” Rules, and Special Needs Trusts and the ABLE Act
Benjamin Misko • The Law Offices of Benjamin Misko • New Orleans
Carole Cukell Neff • Sessions, Fishman & Nathan • New Orleans
This presentation will be on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), its “Income and Asset” restrictions, who
qualifies for it and why, and how you can help your clients with disabilities and their loved ones use “Special
Needs Trusts” and “The ABLE Act” to remain eligible for, and maximize, SSI benefits.