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Equal Justice University 2025
Welcome to EJU2025: Moving Forward Together
Venue: Mirabella H clear filter
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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

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

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

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

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
 
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