Equal Justice University 2026: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

10:00am PDT

SSA Work Incentives: Using Work Rules to Advocate for Your Client

Wednesday August 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am PDT

Explainer about SSA's work incentive rules, including: 1) Substantial Gainful Activity Rules, 2) SSI income counting rules, 3) the Trial Work Period, 4) Income-related Work Expenses, 5) ethics related Rules 6) other work-related topics, and 6) Ethics. Issue spotting on work-related SSI/SSDI topics and advocacy strategies for common pitfalls. This session will encourage developing work-related advocacy efforts in your organization.

Speakers

Allison Jones

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands

Allison Jones is the lead attorney for the Health, Benefits, and Education Practice Group at Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. She also co-directs Legal Aid Society’s medical-legal partnership with Shade Tree Clinic, a comprehensive, free medical clinic... Read More →

Cole Adams

Staff Attorney, West Tennessee Legal Services

Cole Adams (he/him) is a Staff Attorney in the Public Benefits Unit in the Memphis Office of West Tennessee Legal Services. In his practice, he represents and advises clients on Social Security, Medicaid, SNAP, Families First, and Unemployment Compensation issues. Previously, Cole... Read More →

10 1130 Jones SSA Work Incentives Presentation pptx

Wednesday August 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Embassy Suites- Cambridge A

1:15pm PDT

De-Escalation Skills for Legal Professionals: Managing Triggers and Setting the Tone for Productive Conversations

Wednesday August 26, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT

Embassy Suites- Cambridge A

Legal professionals regularly work with individuals who are stressed, overwhelmed, or in conflict. In these moments, conversations can escalate quickly, making it harder to gather information, build trust, and move toward resolution. This one-hour, skills-based workshop will introduce practical de-escalation tools that attorneys can use in client interactions, negotiations, and courtroom-adjacent settings. The session will focus on recognizing common triggers for escalation, understanding how emotional and physiological responses impact communication, and using simple, effective strategies to set a grounded tone in difficult conversations. Participants will leave with concrete tools to navigate high-emotion situations more effectively, reduce conflict escalation, and support more productive and respectful communication with clients, opposing parties, and colleagues. By strengthening attorneys’ ability to manage escalation, this training supports more effective client engagement, reduces conflict-related barriers, and contributes to more accessible and responsive legal services.

Speakers

Jen Comiskey

Jen Comiskey, J.D., is a native of Powell, Tennessee. She attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas on a Hays Memorial Scholarship, and graduated in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in Politics. After college, Jen attended the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville... Read More →

115 215 Comiskey DeEscalation for Legal Professionals pptx

Wednesday August 26, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Embassy Suites- Cambridge A

2:30pm PDT

General Insights and Guidelines for Working with Domestic Violence Victims

Wednesday August 26, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Embassy Suites- Cambridge A

To train paralegals in offering compassionate and informed support to domestic violence victims, enhancing their role as victim advocates. Topics Covered: Understanding the dynamics of domestic violence and its impact on victims' legal protections and resources available for domestic violence victims Techniques for providing emotional support and maintaining professionalism Collaboration with attorneys and other professionals to ensure comprehensive victim advocacy

Speakers

Tammie Sisco

Tammie Sisco is a seasoned paralegal with 26 years of experience, specializing in legal drafting, trial support, and advocacy. She holds an associate's degree in paralegal studies from Kaplan University and has dedicated six years to West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS), where... Read More →

230 330 Sisco Providing Victim Advocacy EJU Conference Keynote v1 pptx

Wednesday August 26, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Embassy Suites- Cambridge A

3:45pm PDT

Can you Hear Me Now - The Art of Active Listening

Wednesday August 26, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT

Embassy Suites- Cambridge A

This presentation will include a discussion of Active listening, non-verbal cues, body language, and Empathy in working with your clients.

Speakers

Shemeka Petties

Shemeka Petties Ramsey is a native of Oxford, Mississippi, with a strong commitment to service and community impact. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi and went on to receive her Master of Social Work from the University of Memphis. Shemeka brings... Read More →

345 445 Petties Can You Hear Me Now pptx

Wednesday August 26, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Embassy Suites- Cambridge A

Equal Justice University 2026

10:00am PDT

Allison Jones

Cole Adams

1:15pm PDT

Jen Comiskey

2:30pm PDT

Tammie Sisco

3:45pm PDT

Shemeka Petties

Get help with the event