This program will address the basics of Social Security law and practice, and how to represent clients with disabilities who are seeking benefits or appealing benefit claim denials. The application and appeals process can be confusing and difficult for the many claimants for disability benefits who cannot afford legal representation, and representation by counsel can make the difference. At the program, experienced practitioners will discuss fundamentals, evolving issues, and practical considerations for representing clients with disabilities who need representation, particularly when the claimant is appealing an unfavorable decision to an Administrative Law Judge or for further review.

What You Will Learn
After completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand eligibility for disability-based Social Security benefits
• Recognize how to handle an administrative hearing and best practices
• Focus on the Appeals Council: what it is and best practices
• Review federal court appeals and practice
• Consider how to be an effective advocate for your client

Who Should Attend
Attorneys interested in providing pro bono representation and attorneys already working with clients with disabilities will benefit from this program.

PLI offers full scholarships, registration fee waivers, and discounts to attend PLI programs for attorneys, paralegals, law librarians, and staff working for nonprofit/legal services organizations; pro bono attorneys/volunteers (providing no-fee legal assistance to clients individually or through a nonprofit organization); government attorneys; judges and judicial law clerks; law professors and law students; retired attorneys; independent/freelance paralegals; unemployed attorneys; and others with financial hardships. Learn more here.