Our exploration of the basics of Government Benefits Law continues!  We’re continuing to cover this fundamental practice area.  This training is for both new hires and experienced legal aid staff that are interested in learning about where this legal area may overlap with their current practice.  In this training, you will be given an overview of social security-based government benefits legal work.  We will review common legal issues and best practices when representing clients in government benefits matters.

Presenters:

Jenna Saverynski, Paralegal, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services. In her four years with SMRLS, Jenna has helped dozens of clients seeking disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. Jenna has assisted clients with initial applications and several levels of appeal, including hearings with Administrative Law Judges and the Appeals Council. She has also assisted attorney Tom Krause, also of SMRLS, in preparing federal court briefs. In addition, Jenna has helped clients with overpayments, continuing disability reviews in which the client’s benefits have been terminated, and various payment issues. Jenna prides herself in her ability to connect with clients and offer a hands-on approach during such a difficult time their lives. 

Jenna holds a bachelor's degree in hydrogeology from the University of Texas at Austin, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies (which she earned while working full-time and pregnant) from Western Technical College in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She is a Minnesota Certified Paralegal, and member of the National Association of Disability Representatives and Minnesota State Bar Association’s Social Security Disability Law Section. She spends much of her free time with her husband and toddler. She enjoys canoeing, embroidery, and houseplants.

Nicole Mourgos, Lead Attorney, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services.  Nicole Mourgos is a lead attorney in the Economic Justice unit with Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services for the Southwest Region, located in Mankato.  Ms. Mourgos represents clients throughout the Southwest Region's 17 counties.  Ms. Mourgos represents clients in cases that prioritize goals of obtaining or maintaining income and employment, obtaining food support, and obtaining health insurance for local and federal government benefit programs.  Outside of work, Ms. Mourgos spends time with her husband and two children.

Details: Monday, September 11, 2023, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.  1 CLE Credit to be applied for. Register on Zoom.