Effective Social Security Disability Representation: A Former Administrative Law Judge’s Perspective (Self-Study)

Course Description

This webinar will discuss what makes an effective representative in disability cases before the Social Security Administration from a former Administrative Law Judge’s perspective. The presentation will contain examples of good and bad representation that he witnessed in his career, and will give specific practice tips to enhance a representative’s success in this field of law.

Principles

• Three Qualities of an Effective Representative
• Examples of Good and Bad Representation
• Requesting Appeals Council Review: Dos and Don’ts

Syllabus

Introduction: Who I am, past experience

Unique Judicial Process: Non-adversarial

Qualities of an effective representative in non-adversarial process:

I. Cooperative

1. Evidence Gathering
2. Postponements
3. Flexibility
a. Video hearings
b. Scheduling hearings
4. Submitting evidence
a. Five day rule

II. Efficient

1. Being late
2. Questioning the claimant
3. Questioning expert witnesses

III. Persuasive

1. Knowledge!
2. Pre and Post hearing memoranda
3. Proposed favorable decision
4. Tips on brief and memoranda writing

IV. Requesting Appeals Council review: Dos and Don’t

Instructor
Honorable David G. Hatfield, Esq.