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Equal Justice University 2025
Welcome to EJU2025: Moving Forward Together
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Thursday, August 28
 

8:30am PDT

How to: Throw Wrenches in the Slumlord Machine
Thursday August 28, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
This session will cover a wide range of strategies for disrupting the cycle of poor housing conditions among low- income renters in Tennessee. Topics will include a brief history of tenant exploitation, represented & pro se counterclaims, targeted litigation strategies, incorporating tenant education into legal services, and a crash course in collecting on judgments.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Grasp the basics of counterclaims in eviction proceedings. 
  2. Learn examples of targeted litigation strategies to combat the slumlord cycle including step by step for surviving circuit court.
  3.    Get a brief introduction to a few strategies we have found successful for collecting judgments.
Speakers
LF

Laura Felts

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Laura Felts (she/her) works on the Eviction Right to Counsel Project as a Legal Navigator/Advocate with the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. She is also an independent nonprofit development consultant focusing on tenant organizing and housing policy with... Read More →
CR

Colleen Ryan

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Colleen Ryan (she/her) is an attorney with the Eviction Right to Counsel program of the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. A 2022 graduate of Belmont University College of Law, Colleen is passionate about helping tenants assert their rights through counterclaims... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Mirabella H

8:30am PDT

Special Education and Juvenile Justice Laws Impact on Each Other
Thursday August 28, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Special Education and Juvenile Justice Laws Impact on Each Other

Learning Objectives:
  1. Youth with disabilities rights to special education when placed in DCS JJ custody
  2. How to protect rights of youth with disabilities in JJ custody  
  3. Exhaustion requirements, new definitions of appropriate education, and the least restrictive environment
Speakers
JD

Jack Derryberry

Disability Rights Tennessee
Jack W. Derryberry is the Legal Director at Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT), Tennessee's federally mandated Protection & Advocacy Network. DRT's mission is to protect the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities and does so by providing legal advocacy services to people with disabilities... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Broadlands B

8:30am PDT

The Top Ten Tennessee Trials 
Thursday August 28, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
We travel over two centuries and all across Tennessee to attend our state’s greatest civil and criminal trials in history and, in the process, we will meet Tennessee’s greatest lawyer and judge; “the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement;” the state’s worst trial judge; and Tennessee’s first hitman. Many of these trials had an impact beyond the courtroom on the law, the legal system, politics, and even culture, as well as propelled great legal and judicial careers. All had intense national press attention and courtroom drama.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Better appreciation of Tennessee’s rich legal history. 
  2. Better appreciation of great and ethical lawyering and judging.
  3.    Better appreciation of the impact of the dynamic trial process for good and evil.
Speakers
RF

Russell Fowler

Legal Aid of East Tennessee
Russell Fowler, a 10th generation Tennessean, is Director of Litigation and Advocacy and Managing Attorney at Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) and since 1999 has been adjunct professor of political science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). In 2005, he was selected... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Broadlands A

8:30am PDT

Closer to the truth - Mastering Interviewing
Thursday August 28, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
You’ve heard there’s two sides to a story and somewhere in the middle of the truth. But really how do you get closer to the truth when everybody lies? Do you want to know the truth? Are you putting away your personal biases? Are you afraid to ask uncomfortable questions? Are you uncomfortable asking hard and personal questions? How do you identify when somebody is being deceptive? How do you elicit information from a person who has information they want to conceal? This course will teach you how to identify deceptive behavior, how to elicit versus interrogate and how to improve the interview.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Elicitation vs Interrogation 
  2. Listening, Restarting, and Perception vs Perspective
  3.     Indicators of Deception 
Speakers
JI

Juan Ibarra

Equal Employment Opportunity Commision
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 training on interviewing, negotiations, mediations through... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Cambridge A

8:30am PDT

Managing the Grant Cycle Part 1 - Building the Foundation for Winning Grants
Thursday August 28, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Navigating the world of grants can be complex and overwhelming. This two-part comprehensive workshop aims to demystify the process and equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully secure and manage grants through an understanding of the entire grant cycle.

Whether new to grant writing or looking to refine your skills, each workshop session will provide valuable insights and hands-on experience. Join us to unlock the potential of grant funding for your organization that will make a lasting impact in your community.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand the connectivity of the grant cycle, from effective prospecting and organizational alignment to program fit, proposal development, and post-award management for improved grant success. 
  2. Apply practical tips and real-world examples to enhance your grant writing skills.
  3.    Engage in interactive exercises designed to help you confidently navigate each stage of the grant cycle.
Speakers
KL

Karen Lampert

KCL Consulting
Karen Lampert is a dedicated professional based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with over 25 years of experience in leadership and management roles within the nonprofit sector. Karen is also a certified Grant Professional (GPC) and manages KCL Consulting, where she specializes in grant... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Mirabella G

10:15am PDT

Safe at Home Address Confidentiality
Thursday August 28, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program T.C.A. 40-38-602 Awareness

Learning Objectives:
  1. Safe at Home Awareness 
  2. Becoming a Partnering agency 
  3. Enrolling victims in the program 
Speakers
SS

Stacy Scruggs

Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program
Ms. Scruggs is the primary administrative official for the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program. In this role Ms. Scruggs leads the coordination and development of training and outreach for Safe at Home application assistants with law enforcement, community advocates, and... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Mirabella H

10:15am PDT

Supporting Successful Transitions to Adulthood for Youth Aged 16-24
Thursday August 28, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
This presentation will cover the basics of how legal practitioners can work across systems to support healthy transitions to adulthood for youth aged 16-24 (often referred to as “transition-aged youth” or TAY). This presentation will provide an overview of common issues faced by youth clients, and in particular youth clients transitioning out of the foster care or juvenile justice systems, including challenges related to housing, access to health care and other public benefits, and education, and then provide a practical orientation to one transition planning legal entitlement available to many students with disabilities, the IEP Transition Plan (available through the special education system). Participants will discuss how IEP Transition Plans can be used to support students with disabilities transitioning to adulthood.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Participants will come away from the session with an understanding of the basic legal entitlements across systems for TAY, and how to assist clients in accessing those. 
  2. Participants will leave the session with a more in-depth understanding of the IEP Transition Plans for youth with disabilities and how to use those to support clients. 
  3. Participants will make connections with supports to improve their practice in working with youth and young adult clients. 
Speakers
avatar for Jasmine Miller

Jasmine Miller

Youth Law Center
Jasmine Ying Miller is a Staff Attorney at Youth Law Center, based in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. Her work focuses on the intersection between juvenile justice, child welfare and education systems, including special education and transitions to postsecondary education for... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Broadlands B

10:15am PDT

Using Trauma-Informed Lawyering to Support Survivors of Human Trafficking with Criminal Records
Thursday August 28, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Many survivors of human trafficking end up with criminal records. These records can be an obstacle to their ability to stay on a positive path of healing and also serve as a negative reminder of their lowest moments. Helping survivors understand their records and clearing as much of their record as possible can be life-changing.

This session will teach participants about an expungement law specifically for survivors of human trafficking, giving them context and information to empower participants to represent survivors in these petitions. It will also provide important information about trauma-informed lawyering and how it can play out in practice in the context of representing clients who are survivors of human trafficking. The session will address how trauma-informed lawyering intersects with professional legal responsibilities as well as effective client relationships. Participants will respond to prompts and engage in small group discussion around the topic of trauma-informed lawyering, to work together to further develop our collective skill in this important area.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand the human trafficking expungement law and be prepared to use it to support clients 
  2. Identifying how trauma-informed lawyering intersects with professional legal responsibilities 
  3. Building trauma-informed lawyering skills
Speakers
CS

Cara Suvall

Vanderbilt Law School, Youth Opportunity Clinic
Cara Suvall is a Clinical Professor at Vanderbilt Law School, where she teaches the Youth Opportunity Clinic and teaches Professional Responsibility. The clinic supports teenagers and young adults who have faced criminalization in the juvenile or criminal legal systems as they navigate... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Broadlands A

10:15am PDT

Managing the Grant Cycle Part 2 - Writing to Win and Managing to Sustain
Thursday August 28, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Navigating the world of grants can be complex and overwhelming. This two-part comprehensive workshop aims to demystify the process and equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully secure and manage grants through an understanding of the entire grant cycle.

Learners will leave with relevant and practical approaches that they can implement into their grant development processes to improve grant success. Participants will have session notes, worksheets, and handouts to reinforce learning objectives, knowledge and skills.
Speakers
KL

Karen Lampert

KCL Consulting
Karen Lampert is a dedicated professional based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with over 25 years of experience in leadership and management roles within the nonprofit sector. Karen is also a certified Grant Professional (GPC) and manages KCL Consulting, where she specializes in grant... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Mirabella G

10:15am PDT

Project Management for Legal Services Providers
Thursday August 28, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Project management is a vital skill in legal services work, showing up in everything from implementing strategic plans to engaging donors, planning events, organizing clinics, and meeting grant deliverables. This session is intended for beginner and mid-level leaders of projects to help provide tools and best practices to ensure the development and implementation of successful projects and programs to serve clients.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Attendees will learn the 5 phases of project management and how they can be applied to their everyday management. 
  2. Attendees will be familiar with some of the best practices for effective project management based on professional studies and experience in legal services settings. 
  3. Attendees will understand how project management tools can support successful projects by identifying key features to look for—such as task tracking, timelines, collaboration, and visibility—regardless of the specific platform used. 
Speakers
DW

DarKenya Waller

Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberlands
DarKenya W. Waller is the Executive Director of TN’s largest nonprofit law firm, Legal Aid Society of Middle TN and the Cumberlands. She began at Legal Aid as a family law staff attorney focusing on the needs of low-income victims of domestic violence before becoming Managing Attorney... Read More →
ZJ

Zane Jud

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Zane Jud is the Project Manager for the Eviction Right to Counsel (ERTC) pilot program at the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. He began working at Legal Aid in 2022 after receiving his Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Bradley... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Cambridge A

1:15pm PDT

Abuser's Use of Courts for Control
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Many abusers misuse the court system to maintain power and control over their form or current partners. Tennessee is one of the few states that has a law specifically aimed at stopping a former romantic partner from filing vexatious litigation against an ex. Despite this law, misuse of the legal system by perpetrators remains relatively common and the stress incurred from this experience can drain victims' finances, cause them to miss work, pull them away from their families, and force them to navigate the complex legal system, often on their own. This training will explore how these systems can be leveraged against victims and what professionals can do to mitigate the harm.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Discuss the definition of litigation abuse and common tactics seen in these cases.
  2. Review/study TCA 29-41-101.
  3. Present best practices to mitigate the harm.
Speakers
TT

Taryne Tillinghast

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Taryne Tillinghast is a Family Law attorney at the Nashville Office of the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. Taryne joined the Legal Aid Society in November of 2022, after graduating from Belmont College of Law. Taryne interned with the Murfreesboro Office... Read More →
RT

Rebecca Toca

Legal Aid Society of Middle TN and the Cumberlands
Rebecca Toca is the Lead Family Law attorney at the Nashville Office of the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. Rebecca joined the Legal Aid Society in October of 2020, practicing family law in the Nashville Office. She represents victims of domestic violence... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Cambridge A

1:15pm PDT

Be a Court Interpreter for a Day
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
In today's multicultural America, legal professionals are increasingly called upon to interact with participants in the system who do not speak English. As a result, legal professionals often have no other option but to communicate through an interpreter, a process that can easily cause frustration, confusion and difficulties in the carrying out of everyday affairs. However, with some basic knowledge and training, legal professionals will find that working with interpreters can be smooth and effective. In this fun, interactive session, participants will gain knowledge to help them work more smoothly with interpreters. By learning about about the interpreter standards of practice and participating in interactive role plays, participants will better understand how interpreters work with legal professionals. Participants can expect to achieve the sessions learning objectives through movement, discussion and challenging activities.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Discuss and understand the standards of practice and ethics of court interpreters 
  2. The dos and don'ts of working with interpreters
Speakers
GL

Genna Linton

Tennessee Language Center
Genna Linton is a certified medical interpreter and registered court interpreter. She has been working in interpreter training with Tennessee Language Center for the past five years.
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Broadlands B

1:15pm PDT

EEOC Investigations and Charge Process
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
This engaging session offers a clear, step by step overview of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charge and investigation process. The presentation breaks down what happens when a discrimination charge is filed, how investigations are conducted and the employer's role throughout the process. Participants will learn how to respond effectively, what to expect from the EEOC, and how to avoid common mistakes that could increase liability.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Explain the key steps in the EEOC charge and investigation process, from charge receipt to resolution. 
  2. Identify employer responsibilities and best practices for responding an EEOC charge and participating in an investigation. 
  3. Recognize potential outcomes of an EEOC investigation and how to proactively manage risk and compliance. 
Speakers
MB

Melissa Brown

Equal Employment Opportunity Commision
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 →
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Mirabella H

1:15pm PDT

Leading & Thriving in a Multi- Generational Law Firm
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Today’s law firms are more generationally diverse than ever before—with seasoned partners, Gen X leaders, millennial managers, and Gen Z associates all working side by side. Each generation brings unique values, communication styles, and workplace expectations that, if not acknowledged and aligned, can lead to miscommunication, conflict, lack of productivity and disengagement.

In this dynamic session, we’ll explore how to lead across generational lines with intention, empathy, and strategic foresight. We’ll unpack the generational norms that influence work ethic, collaboration, career growth, and leadership expectations—and examine how these play out in the culture of law firms. You’ll learn how to build inclusive systems that encourage mentorship, support cross-generational cohesion, and align diverse teams around shared goals.

From redefining feedback and communication practices to navigating technology adoption and succession planning, this session will provide actionable strategies to help each participant to not only manage generational diversity—but thrive because of it.

Takeaways:
  1. Understand key differences, strengths, and generational norms across cohorts
  2. Explore common intergenerational workplace tensions and how to resolve them
  3. Explore common intergenerational workplace tensions and how to resolve them
  4. Discover leadership practices that promote inclusion, innovation, and retention across generations
  5. Whether you’re a executive, young attorney, paralegal, or intern this session will equip you to lead confidently and collaboratively in today’s evolving legal landscape.
Speakers
DF

Derria Ford

Derria L. Ford is an accomplished nonprofit leader, strategist, and speaker with nearly two decades of experience advancing equity, opportunity, and community through philanthropy and leadership. As Chief Development Officer at the Martha O’Bryan Center, she led a diverse team responsible... Read More →
SH

Suzanne Hartness

M. Suzanne Hartness is a seasoned management consultant and former Chief Operating Officer of a mid-size Nashville law firm, where she led operations in human resources, finance, IT, facilities, and strategic planning for over six years. With more than 20 years of leadership experience... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Mirabella G

1:15pm PDT

Public Benefits for Non-Public Benefits Advocates
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
General information and issue spotting for state and federal public benefits programs that non-benefits case handlers can use to identify possible issues and unify their practices with benefits work to wholistically assist the client.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Have a better understanding of public benefits programs available in TN. 
  2. Issue spot possible financial and other eligibility issues for CLs
  3. Be able to screen CLs for issues with their benefits and know when to refer to the benefits unit
Speakers
CA

Cole Adams

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 →
Thursday August 28, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Broadlands A

2:30pm PDT

Changes in Immigrant Access to Public Benefit Programs
Thursday August 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Immigration is a rapidly changing area of law, and those changes can be quite drastic when a new administration assumes control. This session will summarize the most recent changes in immigration policy and predict how those changes may affect public benefit programs such as SNAP, WIC, and TennCare. Attendees will be better equipped to recognize problems and offer solutions to immigrant clients attempting to use or enroll in public benefit programs.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Familiarize attendees with immigration policy changes.   
  2. Connect immigration policy changes with public benefit programs.
  3. Equip attendees with problem solving skills as it relates to immigrant clients and public benefit programs.
Speakers
JM

Josiah Mezera

Tennessee Justice Center
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 →
Thursday August 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Broadlands A

2:30pm PDT

Counterclaims in Consumer Law Cases: Strategies and Best Practices
Thursday August 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
This session will provide an in-depth exploration of counterclaims in Tennessee consumer law cases. Attendees will gain insights into the procedural and substantive aspects of filing and defending counterclaims. The presentation will cover the legal framework governing counterclaims, practical considerations for practitioners, and recent case law developments. Participants will learn how to effectively leverage counterclaims to protect their clients' interests and navigate complex litigation scenarios.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Legal Framework: Attendees will learn about the statutory and case law foundations of counterclaims in Tennessee consumer law cases, including relevant rules and regulations.
  2. Develop Strategic Approaches: Participants will explore strategic considerations for filing and defending counterclaims, including timing, jurisdictional issues, and potential defenses.
  3. Timeliness: The session will emphasize the importance of timely actions in counterclaim processes, including shifting statutes of limitations. 
Speakers
TH

Trina Hughes

Staff Attorney, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Trina Hughes is an attorney in the Oak Ridge office of Legal Aid Society of Middle TN and the Cumberlands primarily practicing in the areas of consumer, fair housing, and family law. She joined LAS in February 2020. Before joining Legal Aid Society, Trina worked as an elder law attorney... Read More →
KO

Katie Ovalle

Staff Attorney, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Staff attorney practicing in consumer, housing, and home retention practice groups
Thursday August 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Mirabella H

2:30pm PDT

Ensuring Due Process Rights and Accountability for Special Education Students
Thursday August 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
This CLE program provides an in-depth exploration of the legal framework safeguarding due process rights for special education students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related legislation. Participants will examine key procedural protections, such as evaluations, individualized education plans (IEPs), and disciplinary processes, while addressing the challenges of ensuring accountability for educational agencies and institutions. Case studies and recent legal developments will highlight practical strategies for attorneys and advocate to effectively navigate disputes, foster compliance, and protect the rights of students with disabilities. Ideal for legal professionals working in education law or special education advocacy.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Understanding of due process rights under IDEA
  2. Accountability challenges educational institutions and equitable treatment of students with disabilities
  3.    Practical skills and strategies to advocate in disputes, disciplinary hearings, and IEP processes
Speakers
RW

Ronda Webb-Stewart

United State Air Force
Ronda Webb-Stewart, Esq. is a dedicated advocate for the underserved, originally from Memphis and now residing in Nashville. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Millsaps College, where she also completed the Business Advantage... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Broadlands B

2:30pm PDT

First Amendment Across Practice Areas
Thursday August 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
This session will explore how First Amendment rights—particularly freedom of speech, petition, and association—intersect with a wide range of legal practice areas. We have, for example, seen First Amendment issues arise in the immigration enforcement context and selective targeting of individuals based on their underlying speech rights. Some instances of criminal law also raise concerns about free expression. In the professional sphere, rights of association and expression can be implicated when attorneys undertake controversial representation or speak out on matters of public concern. This session will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about First Amendment rights that may apply to their practice areas and share their experiences—highlighting real-world examples and offering practical tools for client advocacy. The panel will be interactive, including real-world hypotheticals, discussion, and resource sharing.

Learning Objective:
First Amendment framework/tools that can be used across practice areas.
Speakers
JS

Jennifer Safstrom

Vanderbilt University Law School
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 →
Thursday August 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Cambridge A

2:30pm PDT

Digital Security: Ensure You Are Prepared for the What-If?
Thursday August 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
This session is designed to empower legal professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to build a resilient digital security posture. We’ll explore the most common threats facing nonprofit legal services—from phishing attacks to data loss—and offer realistic, budget-conscious strategies for safeguarding your systems and client information.

Learn how to implement practical security measures, train staff effectively, and respond to incidents in ways that prioritize both legal compliance and client trust. Whether you’re managing technology for a statewide network or handling intake on the front lines, this session will help you strengthen your security without compromising your mission.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand the specific cybersecurity risks facing legal aid organizations.
  2. Learn affordable, high-impact digital security practices you can implement now.
  3. Develop a culture of security awareness across legal and administrative staff.
Speakers
RH

Ray Holloman

Holloman Solutions
Ray Holloman is an experienced cybersecurity and disaster recovery expert with a strong track record of helping organizations navigate digital risk and data protection. With a background that spans the nonprofit, healthcare, and enterprise sectors, Ray brings a practical, mission-focused... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Mirabella G

3:45pm PDT

Ethics
Thursday August 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Speakers
Thursday August 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Mirabella H

3:45pm PDT

Marriage, Divorce, and Children: Tax Tips for Practitioners
Thursday August 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
This session aims to provide tax information for professionals who assist clients navigating the complexities of marital and family-related tax matters. Given the critical intersection of family law and taxation law, this presentation will offer practical guidance on how practitioners can support clients with tax-related decisions in the context of marriage, divorce, and children.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Marriage: The implications of filing as Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS), including the impact on tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).Separation & Divorce: Guidance on filing status when separated or divorcing, the process of allocating tax liabilities in divorce decrees, and strategies for claiming children in tax filings. 
  2. Parenting & Children: When and how to claim children on a tax return, how IRS rules interact with state divorce and custody agreements, and strategies for maximizing child-related tax benefits. 
  3. Practical Considerations: Overview of IRS administrative procedures, including Injured Spouse Claims and Innocent Spouse Relief, which aim to protect taxpayers from their spouse or ex-spouse's tax or other government agency debts. 
Speakers
MZ

Maria Zink

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
I graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2022. Joining the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands straight out of law school, I found my calling in our Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, known as the Tennessee Taxpayer Project. I focus on helping... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Broadlands B

3:45pm PDT

Section 8 Vouchers: What every Legal Aider (even one who doesn't do housing) should know
Thursday August 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program—commonly known as Section 8—is one of the most critical housing assistance programs in the United States, helping low-income individuals and families afford stable, decent housing in the private market. This session will provide attendees with a foundational understanding of how the HCV program operates, including key regulations and procedures. Attendees will learn about common reasons tenants lose their vouchers, such as alleged lease violations, missed deadlines, or program compliance issues. The session will also explore how to intervene to preserve a client’s housing assistance—whether through administrative hearings, negotiations with landlords and housing authorities, or educating clients about their rights and responsibilities. Practical tips and case examples will equip advocates to better serve clients and prevent unnecessary loss of vital housing supports.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Understand the basic structure and eligibility requirements of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, including the three-way partnership between housing authorities, landlords, and voucher-holders. 
  2. Identify the most common causes of voucher termination or denial and recognize early warning signs that a client may be at risk of losing their housing assistance. 
  3. Learn effective legal strategies and advocacy approaches for helping clients retain their vouchers, including preparing for informal hearings, negotiating with landlords and housing authorities, and addressing client-side compliance issues.
Speakers
LL

Liz Leiserson

Project Director, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Elizabeth Leiserson serves as the Project Director for the Eviction Right to Counsel program and the Housing Practice Group lead at Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. She is a Nashville native and a graduate of Yale Law School. She came to LAS after working... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Broadlands A

3:45pm PDT

Trauma Trust & Testimony Supporting Clients Through Legal Fear
Thursday August 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT

Learning Objectives:
  1. Identify common gaps between client expectations and legal realities in divorce proceedings.
  2. Explore effective communication strategies and tools that legal professionals can use to manage expectations and build trust with clients during emotionally charged family law cases.
  3. Examine systemic and procedural barriers within the justice system that contribute to misaligned expectations.
Speakers
AH

Alan Hall

Alan Hall Attorney
Alan established his private practice in 2015. Previously, he built a decade of experience in Tennessee State Government. As the Department of Human Service’s first Inspector General, he increased collections, reduced audit findings and improved the employee background check process... Read More →
Thursday August 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Mirabella G

3:45pm PDT

Supervision of Non-Attorneys
Thursday August 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
This session will provide attorneys and paralegals with essential guidance on the ethical and practical considerations in supervising non-attorneys in legal practice. Participants will explore Tennessee's Rules of Professional Conduct, ethical obligations, and best practices to ensure compliance and effective delegation while maintaining professional responsibility.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Identify best practices for maintaining ethical integrity while delegating legal tasks. 
  2. Discuss potential risks and liabilities associated with improper supervision. 
  3. Explore real-world case studies illustrating both successful and problematic supervision scenarios.
Speakers
NG

Nicole Grida

Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc.
Thursday August 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Cambridge A
 
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