The third and final session in a disability-related three-part CLE series, titled "Social Security Appeals," is scheduled on Friday, May 6, 2016.  It will be held in conjunction with the Alexandria Bench Bar hosted by the Young Lawyer’s Section of the Alexandria Bar Association.  This session is especially relevant to young attorneys and solo/small firm practitioners seeking to expand their client base; and will provide them the skills to handle Social Security Disability appeals and cases.  Speakers for the Social Security Appeals session include panelists Julia Deal (The Law Offices of Julia Deal, LLC); Daniel Nodurft (Attorney at Law); and Matthew Lane (Attorney at Law). 

For information about registration, contact Lauren Laborde.

2015 - 2016 Disability Series Information

The Diversity Committee's Pipeline Subcommittee and Legal Services for Persons with Disabilities Committee (LSPD)  joined forces in order to produce a three-part CLE series focusing on disabilities-related legal issues. The 2015-2016 year is the second year of hosting this successful seminar series.

Session I - "Intoduction to Special Needs Planning"
Thursday, September 24, 2015 (New Orleans, LA)
Carol Cukel Neff an estate planning specialist discussed how to counsel families on financing long-term care needs, including long-term care insurance and Medicaid eligibility, and on financial and legal planning for disabled family members, including special needs trusts designed to preserve eligibility for governmental benefits.

Session II - "Fit to Practice"
Thursday, January, 21, 2016 (New Orleans, LA)
The two hour seminar focused on liability and ethics issues in the event an attorney experiences a short or long-term disability. This session was especially relevant to solo and small firm attorneys and was available for full CLE credit via video conference to attendees at the Baton Rouge Bar Center. Speakers included J. E "Buddy" Stockwell, III, Executive Director, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP); Richard P. Lemmler, Jr., Ethics Counsel, LSBA; Julie Brown White, Partner, Schiff, Scheckman & White, LLP; and Bryan Jenkins, group benefits consultant for Gilsbar. 

Session III - "Introduction to Social Security Appeals"
Friday, May 6, 2016 (Alexandria, LA)
Social Security Insurance (SSI) is vital to the well-being of disabled and vulnerable individuals who are unable to work. Lawyers play an important role in this process by advocating for clients’ rights, and ensuring that these cases are adjudicated properly. Further, the demand for counsel in this area has risen in recent years as the median age of our state continues to rise. This session will provide a cursory overview of social security appeals, and include practical tips for garnering business and ensuring high-quality representation. The session is ideal for relatively new practitioners and/or those looking to expand their practice into this area.