Equal Justice University 2026: Full Schedule

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10:00am PDT

Unruly and Truancy Implications and Processes in Court

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

This presentation examines the legal implications and court processes related to unruly and truancy petitions, equipping attorneys to advocate more effectively for youth clients. Participants will develop a foundational understanding of how chronic absenteeism is defined, tracked, and referred to court, as well as the underlying factors that contribute to it, including mental health challenges, disability, bullying, and family socioeconomic status. Participants will also gain practical strategies to identify and address the root causes of truancy, navigate court processes, and support youth through effective collaboration with schools, families, and service providers.

Speakers

Beth Cruz

Beth Cruz serves as Assistant Dean and Judge Martha Craig Daughtrey Director of Public Interest at Vanderbilt Law School. She provides leadership, institutional support, and specialized advising for students as they develop high-impact careers in public interest law. Her office... Read More →

Bri Crawford

Bri Crawford is the 2025 Equal Justice Works Text-to-Give Fellow at the Youth Law Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Her fellowship project addresses the unmet legal needs of racially marginalized children and youth with disabilities in Tennessee who are involved in the child welfare... Read More →

10 1130 Crawford Unruly and Truancy Implications and Processes in Court BC 1 pdf

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

1:15pm PDT

Degrees of Debt: Navigating Student Debt After the OBBB

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

Embassy Suites- Cambridge B

Student loan debt continues to shape the financial stability of low-income clients, affecting everything from housing to employment and long-term economic mobility. This session will equip legal services advocates with practical tools to help borrowers access relief through discharges, defend against collections, and navigate income-driven repayment options. We will also break down the major student loan changes taking effect July 1, 2026, including impacts on Public Service Loan Forgiveness, graduate lending, and repayment structures, so advocates can confidently advise clients in a rapidly shifting landscape.

Speakers

Patrick Hodges

Patrick Hodges - Consumer Attorney at Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands

115 215 Hodges Handouts TPD Discharge Handout pdf

115 215 Hodges Handout PSLF Borrower Handout pdf

115 215 Hodges Degrees of Debt Navigating Student Loans After the OBBB pptx

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

2:30pm PDT

Public Record as a Tool for Justice

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

Embassy Suites- Cambridge B

Public records laws are powerful tools available to advocates serving vulnerable Tennesseans. From uncovering systemic failures to exposing barriers to housing, education, healthcare, and other services, access to government records can directly support impactful legal advocacy. This session provides a practical, Tennessee-focused guide to using the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA) as a broader strategy for advancing civil legal services. Participants will learn how to draft effective records requests, respond to common agency resistance tactics, and strategically integrate public records into advocacy efforts. The session will also explore recent and active litigation shaping access to public records—including disputes involving delays, redactions, and asserted exemptions. The presentation will also explore emerging legislative developments that may affect transparency and access rights across the state, including examples of potential reforms from other states. Designed for both new and experienced advocates, this session will equip attendees with concrete tools to strengthen their advocacy, enhance fact development, and promote government accountability on behalf of their clients. The session will create interactive opportunities to engage in questions and discuss the application of these strategies. The session will also address ethical considerations that arise in public records advocacy, including client counseling, privacy and confidentiality concerns, responsible use of obtained records, and strategic decision making under the rules of professional responsibility.

Speakers

Jennifer Safstrom

Jennifer Safstrom teaches the Stanton Foundation First Amendment Clinic at Vanderbilt Law School. Before joining Vanderbilt's law faculty, Professor Safstrom worked as counsel at the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection and as supervising attorney and clinical teaching... Read More →

Ryan Riedmuller

Ryan Riedmueller is a Clinical Legal Fellow with the Stanton Foundation First Amendment Clinic at Vanderbilt Law School. Before his current role, he clerked for District Judge Anne R. Traum in the United States District Court, District of Nevada. Prior to his clerkship, he graduated... Read More →

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

3:45pm PDT

Common Pitfalls for Elderly or Disabled Clients in SNAP

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

Embassy Suites- Cambridge B

Older adults and people with disabilities face heightened risk of SNAP benefit loss due to complex rules, reporting requirements, and recent statutory changes. This session will examine common SNAP pitfalls affecting these populations and review the practical effects of recent statutory changes under H.R. 1—including the expansion of the ABAWD three-month time limit to individuals ages 18–64—and their implications for elderly and disabled households. This session will also provide practical guidance on identifying and accurately calculating the SNAP medical expense deduction, addressing frequent agency errors, and effectively advocating to maximize benefits for eligible clients.

Speakers

Josiah Mezera

Josiah joined the Tennessee Justice Center as a Health Law Fellow sponsored by the Speer Foundation. He hopes to put his Health Law background to use by providing individual legal services and policy solutions, as well as representing clients during administrative appeals. Josiah’s... Read More →

345 445 Mezera Common Pitfalls for Elderly and Disabled SNAP Clients. EJU 2026 pptx

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

Equal Justice University 2026

10:00am PDT

Beth Cruz

Bri Crawford

1:15pm PDT

Patrick Hodges

2:30pm PDT

Jennifer Safstrom

Ryan Riedmuller

3:45pm PDT

Josiah Mezera

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