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.

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

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. 

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

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

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. 

This session will examine more complicated subjects including TennCare's Long Term Services and Supports, Home and Community Based Services, the Medicaid Act's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment mandate for individuals 21 years and younger, Medical Service Appeals including Private Duty Nursing reductions, and any programmatic changes as a result of recent legislation.  The session is designed for attorneys and advocates who already have a basic understanding of TennCare.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Services Offered under TennCare's Long Term Services and Supports Program 
2. Understand the Reach of the EPSDT Mandate 
3. Develop Strategies to Successfully Represent Individuals on Medical Services Appeals

What is all this talk about mindfulness? This presentation will explore why lawyers need to pay attention to their mental state. The presenter will provide tools for being more present while practicing law. Mindfulness is more than rest and relaxing. It is being intentional about one’s own well-being while assisting clients with their legal issues. When a lawyer is present the client is best served.

Learning Objectives:

1. The participants will learn what mindfulness is and how it pertains to legal practice. 
2. The participants will learn the about the brain and how lawyers process information. 
3.  The participants will be provided tools to use for mental health and effective legal representation.