Representing the Pro Bono Client: Advocacy Skills for Administrative Hearings 2013 (Free)

  • 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Eastern Time (US & Canada)
  • By: Practising Law Institute
  • Source: Georgia
Topics:
  • Legal Skills

Why you should attend
The need for pro bono assistance with administrative hearings has never been higher. The increase trend of employers challenging all Unemployment Benefits claims has been combined with the explosion of UI claims during the recession. The recession and aging of the workforce has resulted in an increase in disability-based Social Security claims. Budget cuts and program changes have created a "perfect storm" for public assistance recipients, and delays in obtaining much needed benefits. Several significant changes to key benefits programs have occurred in recent years, imposing new complex rules. At the same time, county staff has shrunk, and experienced workers retired, increasing the occurrence of administrative errors and problems with client's receipt of the benefits to which they are entitled. Legal Services also suffered staffing cuts, with reduced ability to represent clients in these cases. Unfortunately, many individuals who are owed desperately needed funds, or who have had their benefits improperly lowered or terminated, cannot make it through the appeals system without the benefit of legal counsel to guide them through the process or to vigorously defend against unlawful actions. As a result, families face the very real possibility of loss of income, hunger, homelessness, and overall family instability.

This training is designed to help mitigate the crisis by providing attorneys with a basic understanding of common issues and strategies in providing assistance with administrative appeals.

What you will learn

The types of administrative hearings low income clients most frequently need
- Special focus on SSI, Unemployment, and Social Services ("welfare") claims; Labor Commissioner wage claims, occupational licenses
Common advocacy strategies and procedures for administrative hearings
Obtaining evidence
Position statements/hearing briefs
Presenting your case
Rehearings and Appeals

Who should attend
All attorneys interested in or currently assisting pro bono clients with public benefits matters through representation or in clinical settings, law firm pro bono coordinators, managers and partners, law clinic students and faculty, and public interest and non-profit organization attorneys and staff would benefit from attending this program.

REGISTER HERE

  • CLE Credit Comments: CLE-GA Credits Credit Status: Pending Total Credits: 3.00 General: 3.00
  • Contact:
    Practising Law Institute
  • Website: www.pli.edu