Equal Justice University 2025

Because conflict is often an emotion-based dispute, it is essential for resolvers of conflict to monitor their own emotions throughout the process.  Therefore, knowledge about emotional intelligence can provide tools to ensure emotions do not derail the mediation process.  Emotional intelligence can be developed at any age and is based on a five-phase pyramid (like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs) where one develops the first level and proceeds up the pyramid.  The five core components are self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, empathy and social skills/effective communication.  Knowledge about emotional intelligence can provide tools to ensure emotions (of the parties and the conflict resolver) do not derail the process and, by engaging in active listening, conflict resolvers can effectively respond to and monitor the emotions of participants.  Often times the key to resolving conflict is identifying and understanding the emotional needs that create each person's positions.  By building our own emotional intelligence, we become more effective communicators, we actively listen, we better understand the perspectives of all involved (empathy), we develop strong problem-solving skills, we create more durable agreements, and we build stronger, healthier relationships. Primary Resource:  Daniel Goleman's 1995 book "Emotional Intelligence"

Learning Objectives:

1. To encourage attendees to develop their own emotional intelligence. 
2. To motivate attendees to "model" strong emotional skills which will motivate others to build their own EQ. They will "see" the "benefits" of EQ>
3. By being emotionally intelligent, conflict resolvers will assist individuals in creating efficient, effective, and respectful resolutions.

This session will provide a basic overview of immigration law, including common terminology and the government agencies involved in implementing the laws and regulations. The session will also introduce some of the immigration options available to noncitizens and cover recent law changes.

Learning Objectives:

1. To introduce immigration concepts and players involved in decision making.
2. To introduce the immigration options available to noncitizens.
3. To provide an overview of recent policy changes.

This session will examine recent and potential changes to SNAP policies at both federal and state levels, highlighting how these shifts affect eligibility requirements, access, and administrative processes. Attendees will gain practical insights into how these policy developments directly impact SNAP recipients, with special focus on Tennessee's implementation and the resulting challenges faced by clients. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable knowledge to better advocate for and support their clients through this evolving policy landscape.

Learning Objectives:

1. How to determine whether a debtor is eligible for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy
2. How to determine whether a debtor is eligible for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy
3. Basic bankruptcy rules that every advocate should know for holistic representation

This session will take a practical look at effective cross-examination in the unique context of family law cases. We will review key principles of maintaining control, challenging credibility, and structuring questions. We will explore common and complex scenarios of cross-examination in family law matters and we will offer concrete strategies to use in the courtroom.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand and apply core cross examination skills to family law practice. 
2. Identify common scenarios and go over possible approaches to address those scenarios effectively.
3.    Learn to adapt general principles to individual courtroom styles and preferences.