Equal Justice University 2026: Full Schedule

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10:00am PDT

Closer to the Truth: Indicators of Deceptive Behavior & Credibility Signals for Lawyers

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

Elicitation vs. interrogation: how to ask questions that surface detail without escalating defensiveness

Verbal indicators to flag: evasion, manipulation, aggression, and persuasion tactics—and how to respond Reaction cues: what to spot in real time when the stakes rise (including stress responses, avoidance, and incongruence) Logical reasoning in credibility assessment: separating facts from assumptions and testing a story for internal consistency Examples and Q&A.

Speakers

Juan Ibarra

Juan Ibarra has over 20 years of military, law enforcement, investigations, and most recently, Mediator. Juan has an undergraduate degree from the University Of La Verne in Organizational Management, has completed over 150 hours of training on interviewing, negotiations, mediations... Read More →

Closer to the Truth Indicators of Deceptive Behavior for Lawyers pptx

Wednesday August 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Embassy Suites- Mirabella D

1:15pm PDT

Will the Nursing Home Take my House? Understanding Estate Recovery

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

Embassy Suites- Mirabella D

This educational session provides a comprehensive overview of TennCare Estate Recovery and its impact on individuals and families receiving long-term care benefits. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how estate recovery works, who it applies to, and what assets may be subject to recovery after death. The session will also explore key exceptions, hardship provisions, and strategic considerations related to asset transfers and estate planning. Through practical examples and policy explanations, attendees will learn how TennCare recovers costs for long-term services such as nursing home care and home- and community-based services, as required under federal law. The presentation also addresses common misconceptions and provides guidance on planning opportunities to help protect assets and minimize recovery exposure.

Speakers

Joshua Bey

As Public Benefits Specialist, Joshua guides clients through every step of the Medicaid application and appeal process. Much of his work is on the financial portion of Medicaid cases where he helps families understand the process and meet spend-down deadlines. Before joining Johnson... Read More →

Ryan Hicks

Ryan Hicks is an Associate Attorney at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, where he advises clients on Medicaid eligibility, asset protection, probate, and other estate planning matters. Prior to joining Johnson McGinnis, Ryan spent over a decade serving as an attorney... Read More →

115 215 Hicks Will the Nursing Home Take my House Estate Recovery EJU Presentation pptx

Wednesday August 26, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Embassy Suites- Mirabella D

2:30pm PDT

Understanding Workplace Discrimination: A Guide for Employees and Employers

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

Embassy Suites- Mirabella D

This informative presentation provides a clear overview of the federal laws enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and what they mean for today’s workplaces. Participants will learn about employee protections against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as the responsibilities employers have to create and maintain fair work environments. The session explains key rights, compliance expectations, and practical steps organizations can take to prevent violations and promote equal opportunity.

Speakers

Melissa Brown

Melissa Brown began her career with the Commission as a Bi-lingual Investigator. Five years later was promoted to the State and Local Government Coordinator for the district at the Nashville Area Office. In December 2022, Melissa was promoted to the Outreach and Education Coordinator... Read More →

230 330 Brown Employee Rights & Employer Responsibilities Share pptx

Wednesday August 26, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Embassy Suites- Mirabella D

3:45pm PDT

Tennessee Simple Will Preparation & Execution

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

Embassy Suites- Mirabella D

This training provides a practical, best practices overview of preparing and executing simple wills under Tennessee law, with a focus on protecting client intent, reducing ethical risk, and creating defensible probate records. Designed for legal services attorneys and staff, the program addresses statutory execution requirements, assessment of testamentary capacity, identification of undue influence, and the mechanics of a compliant execution ceremony. Participants will also learn concrete risk management techniques—such as effective documentation, witness responsibilities, and “habit of practice” protocols—to minimize future will contests and evidentiary challenges.

Speakers

Jonathan Steen

Jonathan Steen is the Medical-Legal Partnership / Litigation Supervising Attorney at West Tennessee Legal Services, where he leads efforts to integrate legal aid into healthcare settings to address social and legal barriers to health. With over 30 years of experience in civil litigation... Read More →

Sara Barnett

Sara E. Barnett is a partner with Spragins, Barnett & Cobb, and has been practicing law for over 20 years. Sara started her practice as a trial lawyer but now focuses her practice on elder law, estate planning, and family law and is the managing partner of the firm’s Estate Planning... Read More →

345 445 Steen Handout Tenn. Code Ann. 45 2 905 Death of persons having access to safe deposit box pdf

345 445 Steen Handout Tenn. Code Ann. 32 1 112 Deposit of will with probate court pdf

345 445 Steen Handout Tenn. Code Ann. 32 2 110 Affidavit of witnesses to prove will pdf

345 445 Steen Handout Why am I left in the waiting room pdf

345 445 Steen Handout Assessment of diminished capacity pdf

345 445 Steen Will Execution Best Practices Presentation (jos EJU) pptx

Wednesday August 26, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Embassy Suites- Mirabella D