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Tuesday, August 27
 

5:30pm CDT

Evening Reception for Hotel Guests
Tuesday August 27, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
Hotel Atrium
Tuesday August 27, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
Hotel Atrium
  Social

6:30pm CDT

Early Event Registration
Tuesday August 27, 2024 6:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
TBD
Tuesday August 27, 2024 6:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
TBD
  Registration

8:00pm CDT

Hospitality Suite
Tuesday August 27, 2024 8:00pm - 11:59pm CDT
TBD
Tuesday August 27, 2024 8:00pm - 11:59pm CDT
TBD
  Social
 
Wednesday, August 28
 

6:30am CDT

Breakfast for Hotel Guests
Wednesday August 28, 2024 6:30am - 9:00am CDT
Hotel Atrium
Wednesday August 28, 2024 6:30am - 9:00am CDT
Hotel Atrium
  Meal

8:00am CDT

Event Registration
Wednesday August 28, 2024 8:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Conference Center
Wednesday August 28, 2024 8:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Conference Center
  Registration

8:30am CDT

Opening Plenary
Wednesday August 28, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Oakleigh ABC
Wednesday August 28, 2024 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Oakleigh ABC
  Plenary

10:00am CDT

Connected and Thriving: Leveraging the Law in Three Areas to Improve Outcomes for Children and Youth in or at Risk for DCS Custody
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Cambridge A
The presenter will address the risks faced by students in or at risk for DCS custody, whether by virtue of juvenile justice or dependency and neglect. The presenter will provide information about three areas of the law that attorneys can use to support student connection and success: Special education, school discipline (for general and special education students) and school stability. The session will close with a truly inspiring reminder from the young person in extension of foster care about the critical importance of our work.
Speakers
CM

Carrie Mason

Court Improvement Program in the TN AOC
Carrie Mason, Ph.D. is the Tennessee Court Improvement Program Attorney in the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts. Prior to joining the AOC in 2020, Carrie practiced as a guardian ad litem and parent attorney on a holistic delinquency prevention project in the Metro Nashville... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Cambridge A

10:00am CDT

Empowering Legal Aid Professionals to Implement Trauma-Informed Care
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Cambridge B
This training equips Legal Aid staff and attorneys with essential knowledge and skills to effectively support victims of abuse through trauma-informed approaches. Participants will learn about trauma's impact on both clients and themselves, as well as practical strategies to mitigate vicarious trauma and re-traumatization. The training emphasizes trauma-informed interviewing techniques, guidance on understanding trauma responses, and the importance of shared processes.
Speakers
HH

Heather Herrmann

Metro Office Family of Safety
Heather Herrmann is the Director of Education for the Metro Nashville Office of Family Safety. Heather has over fifteen years of experience working in mission-based non-profits. Much of her career has been focused on work with vulnerable populations- survivors of domestic and sexual... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Cambridge B

10:00am CDT

Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Broadlands B
Awareness for the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program for the State of Tennessee.
Speakers
SS

Stacy Scruggs

Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program
Stacy Scruggs is the Program Coordinator serving as 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... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Broadlands B

10:00am CDT

The Rule of Law and Access to Justice
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Mirabella G
A fast-paced review of the history of the intertwined concepts of the rule of law and access to justice in Tennessee, America, and the world.
Speakers
RF
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Mirabella G

10:00am CDT

Understanding Conflict: The Framework for Communication and Conflict Resolution
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Broadlands A
This presentation will discuss the biological basis of conflict including our individual capacities, predispositions, and hard-wired traits. We will also discuss sociological contributors to conflict and how the interaction between nature and nurture impacts our conflict response. Finally, we will discuss numerous tools and skills for bringing a better version of ourselves and others who we are in conflict.
Speakers
KB

Kimberly Best

Best Conflict Solutions, LLC
Kimberly Best, RN, MA, is a Tennessee Rule 31 Listed Civil Mediator and Tennessee Rule 31 Trained Family Mediator, FINRA Arbitrator and owner of Best Conflict Solutions, LLC. She is serving her third term on the board of the Tennessee Association of Professional Mediators, currently... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Broadlands A

10:00am CDT

The ABC's of Legal Ethics
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Mirabella H
An A-Z review of common ethics rules using Power Point and visuals
Speakers
KB

Kevin Balkwill

Ethics Law
After a lengthy career serving as Disciplinary Counsel with the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility, Mr. Balkwill opened an ethics-centric practice dedicated to attorney ethics, regulation, and licensing.
Wednesday August 28, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Mirabella H
  Ethics

11:45am CDT

Welcome Lunch
Wednesday August 28, 2024 11:45am - 12:45pm CDT
Oakleigh BC
Speakers
JS
Wednesday August 28, 2024 11:45am - 12:45pm CDT
Oakleigh BC
  Meal   Awards Ceremony

1:00pm CDT

Child Support - AWAITING A SESSION TITLE
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Cambridge A
Speakers
DD
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Cambridge A

1:00pm CDT

Lawyer Mental Health​
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Cambridge B
Speakers
KH

Kent Halkett

Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Cambridge B

1:00pm CDT

Understanding Tennessee Law of Summary Judgment
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Broadlands A
Basics of summary judgment law in Tennessee
Speakers
DN

David Nagle

Legal Aid of East Tennessee
David is the managing attorney of the Chattanooga office of Legal Aid of East Tennessee. David is a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law. He was on the editorial board of the Mississippi Law Journal and authored an article on voting rights that was published in... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Broadlands A

1:00pm CDT

Unlocking Financial Freedom: Demystifying Taxes and Maximizing Refunds for Low Income Taxpayers
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Broadlands B
This presentation aims to equip public interest advocates with comprehensive knowledge and strategies concerning tax refunds for low income taxpayers. It covers various topics, starting with an exploration of the different tax credits available to low income earners, particularly those with dependents. Participants will gain insights into the significance of filing tax returns, highlighting the financial benefits and legal obligations involved.

As the session progresses, attendees will delve into the complexities of the audit process, including why low income earners are often targeted by the IRS. Detailed explanations will be provided on what transpires during an IRS audit and the potential implications for taxpayers. Moreover, the presentation will shed light on the role and interventions of the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands' Tennessee Taxpayer Project in assisting low income individuals facing audits and other federal income tax issues.

Designed to accommodate both novice and seasoned advocates, this session offers a holistic approach to advocating for low income taxpayers' rights and financial well-being. Attendees will leave empowered with practical strategies to maximize tax refunds, debunk misconceptions, and navigate the intricate landscape of tax laws and audits, ultimately fostering greater economic empowerment within their communities.
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 →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Broadlands B

1:00pm CDT

Working with Hispanic Clients: A Cultural Primer
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Mirabella G
This session provides legal professionals with a basic overview of Hispanic culture. Through an exploration of customs, values, and societal norms, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the Hispanic community and develop cultural competency to better serve their clients. This session will also address practical strategies for effective communication, building trust, and navigating cultural differences within legal contexts.
Speakers
RP

Richard Ponce-de-Leon

Univeristy of Tennessee Language Center
Richard Ponce-de-Leon leads training and language access initiatives at the Tennessee Language Center. In this role, he develops and manages training programs for language interpreters and translators, alongside intercultural communication initiatives tailored for both public and... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Mirabella G

1:15pm CDT

Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission Meeting
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Mirabella H
Wednesday August 28, 2024 1:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Mirabella H
  Meeting

2:15pm CDT

De-escalation: Communicating in times of high emotion and conflict
Wednesday August 28, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Mirabella G
In community mediation, high emotion is commonplace. Mediators must rely on their de-escalation strategies to create an environment where all parties can find common ground and reach an agreement. This session will focus on engaging with emotions in a productive manner, active listening, perspective taking, and empathy building as everyday tools to de-escalate parties and manage conflict to reach consensus.
Speakers
SW

Shannon Wagner

Nashville Conflict Resolution Center
Shannon Wagner is a nonprofit management professional with more than 17 years of experience. Her background is primarily in fundraising across a diverse array of nonprofits including social services, education, and the arts. Motivated to incorporate conflict management and strategic... Read More →
FK

Faith Kline

Nashville Conflict Resolution Center
Faith Klein serves as the Civil Mediation Director at Nashville Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC). She began her mediation career during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing virtual mediation support to courts and litigants, and mobilizing a network of pro bono mediators... Read More →
RW

Robin Wheeler

Nashville Conflict Resolution Center
Robin Wheeler joined the NCRC staff in spring 2019 after mediating as a volunteer. She is a Rule 31 Listed Family/Family Mediators Specially Trained in Domestic Violence/General Civil mediator. Prior to joining NCRC, Robin worked in Columbia, South Carolina where she was the South... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Mirabella G

2:15pm CDT

Professional Duty of Self-Care
Wednesday August 28, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Broadlands A
This presentation focuses on lawyer mental health wellness and mindfulness, explains the types of mental health challenges lawyers are experiencing in 2024, and offers real solutions and strategies in current best-practices to help protect mental health and lower the risk of developing mental health issues due to the stress and pressure of practicing law.
Speakers
BS

Buddy Stockwell

Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP)
Buddy Stockwell was appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court on July 1, 2020, as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP). Stockwell comes from south Louisiana where he was a volunteer and peer monitor for the state’s Committee on Alcohol and Drug... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Broadlands A

2:15pm CDT

Defending Subsidized Housing Evictions
Wednesday August 28, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Broadlands B
Handling subsidized housing cases is a skill that gets sharper with experience and time. We will be going through the basic process that we, as Legal Aid housing lawyers, use to approach subsidized housing cases in smaller steps to make it less intimidating. We will also go over the basics of what each type of subsidy is, how to recognize each subsidy, and what legal authorities apply to housing funded by each subsidy. We will also discuss how ethics play a role in choosing your defense strategy.
Speakers
AB

Ann Boatner

staff attorney, Legal Aid of East Tennessee
Anne Boatner (she/her) is an attorney with the Eviction Prevention Initiative at Legal Aid of East Tennessee in Chattanooga. She is very enthusiastic about housing. Anne is a graduate of Brooklyn College of the City University of New York and Vanderbilt Law School. She is the 2023... Read More →
EC

Emily Cala

Legal Aid of East Tennessee
Emily Cala joined the Knoxville office of Legal Aid of East Tennessee right out of law school in 2021. Emily has mainly worked as a housing attorney, and with LAET’s Mental Health Law Partnership with the McNabb Center. Emily recently moved to LAET's new office focused solely on... Read More →
MD
Wednesday August 28, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Broadlands B
  Housing

2:15pm CDT

Ending the School-to-Prison Pipeline: Leveraging Education Law in Juvenile Court Proceedings
Wednesday August 28, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Cambridge B
Education, juvenile justice, and child welfare are closely intertwined. This presentation will empower participants with legal tools in education law and school discipline law to improve outcomes for youth subject to the school-to-prison pipeline in juvenile court proceedings. Participants will receive an overview of the legal standards and processes governing delinquency, unruly, truancy and neglect/dependency proceedings in juvenile court. In addition, participants will learn critical protections provided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and federal and state school discipline law. Finally, this presentation will provide actionable steps for leveraging these laws to advocate for strong outcomes youth in juvenile court proceedings.
Speakers
CS

Chris Sailer

Tennessee Public Defender’s Community Law Office
Chris Sailer is director of education advocacy for the Knox County, Tennessee Public Defender’s Community Law Office. He has previously worked in both Houston and Austin, TX, providing holistic educational, healthcare, and housing advocacy for teens facing delinquency charges. Before... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Cambridge B
  Juvenile Justice

3:30pm CDT

A Conversation with the TN Access to Justice Commission
Wednesday August 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Mirabella G
Speakers
JR

Joy Radice

University of Tennessee Law Clinic, LAS
Professor Joy Radice is an Associate Professor and the Director of Clinical Programs at the University of Tennessee College of Law. She is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She teaches in the Advocacy Clinic and launched the Expungement Mini-Clinic to train... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Mirabella G

3:30pm CDT

Common Evidentiary Issues in Domestic Litigation
Wednesday August 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Cambridge B
This training will address common evidentiary issues that arise in family law matters. We will address some of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence such as common hearsay issues, authentication issues, and expert testimony.
Speakers
CN

C. Nicole Benjamin

Legal Aid of East Tennessee
C. Nicole Benjamin is a 2008 graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in American Studies and Political Science and a minor in Women’s Studies. She graduated summa cum laude and was awarded the Chancellor’s... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Cambridge B

3:30pm CDT

Inclusive Language
Wednesday August 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Broadlands B
Lawyers’ primary professional tool is language. Accordingly, lawyers should strive to use accurate, clear, and compelling word choices in their communications. Attorneys have the responsibility to use words that demonstrate respect for our clients and others. In addition, clinical instructors seek to further pedagogical and representation goals while also communicating principles of equity, inclusion, and justice that are core to legal work. Inclusive language principles help to guide lawyers in choosing the most appropriate words to engender respect, amplify understanding, and enhance communication. While this requires nuanced analysis specific to the context and individuals involved, inclusive language can have a myriad of benefits. Beyond mere grammatical accuracy or linguistic specificity, word choices can help build relationships, foster understanding, and provide insight into personal narratives. Inclusive language is a goal unto itself, not simply a means to achieving advocacy goals, whether in the context of litigation, legislation, or community education.
Speakers
JS

Jennifer Safstrom

Vanderbilt University Law School
https://cdn.vanderbilt.edu/vu-web/people-manager/files/people-2151-SafstromCV-20240412110948.pdf
Wednesday August 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Broadlands B

3:30pm CDT

Legal Advice vs. Legal Info Do You Know the Difference?
Wednesday August 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Broadlands A
I would like to use a non-attorney panel of an advocate, a paralegal and myself as a project coordinator to make this session a discussion on the different ways we all have to work to give information and NOT advice.
Speakers
NA

Nick Armes

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Nick is an attorney with Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. Nick works in the Oak Ridge Office serving the seven most eastern counties in the LAS Service Area. He has represented families in East Tennessee for over ten years and joined LAS in 2019 after closing... Read More →
TC

Trent Craig

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
After spending the first 7.5 years of his life in the Philadelphia/Wilmington, Del. area, Trent has been a lifelong Rutherford County resident. Graduating from Smyrna High School in 1981 and Middle Tennessee State University in 1986 with a BS in Political Science with minors in both... Read More →
JJ

Jessica Jernigan

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Jessica Jernigan is an Advocate in the Family Law and HBE practice groups at the Legal Aid Society of Middle TN and the Cumberlands. She is a graduate of Weber State University in Ogden, UT with a BS in Social Work. She worked for the Utah Division of Child and Family Services and... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Broadlands A

3:30pm CDT

What is TENNCARE Long Term Services & Supports (LTSS)
Wednesday August 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Cambridge A
Introduction to the Long Term Services and Supports Programs of Tenncare (CHOICES, ECF CHOICES, Katie Beckett and Statewide Waivers)
Speakers
EJ

Emily Jenkins

Tennessee Justice Center
Emily Jenkins is an attorney and certified mediator, she obtained her J.D. from the College of William and Mary and her B.A. from Rhodes College. She has been a Staff Attorney with Tennessee Justice Center since 2023. Prior to coming to TJC, her work was focused on Child Welfare Advocacy... Read More →
Wednesday August 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Cambridge A

6:30pm CDT

Access to Justice Reception
Wednesday August 28, 2024 6:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
Oakleigh Hallway
Wednesday August 28, 2024 6:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
Oakleigh Hallway
  Social

7:00pm CDT

Access to Justice Dinner
Wednesday August 28, 2024 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
Oakleigh ABC
Wednesday August 28, 2024 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
Oakleigh ABC
  Meal   Awards Ceremony

8:00pm CDT

Hospitality Suite
Wednesday August 28, 2024 8:00pm - 11:59pm CDT
TBD
Wednesday August 28, 2024 8:00pm - 11:59pm CDT
TBD
  Social
 
Thursday, August 29
 

6:30am CDT

Breakfast for Hotel Guests
Thursday August 29, 2024 6:30am - 9:00am CDT
Hotel Atrium
Thursday August 29, 2024 6:30am - 9:00am CDT
Hotel Atrium
  Meal

8:00am CDT

Event Registration
Thursday August 29, 2024 8:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Conference Center
Thursday August 29, 2024 8:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Conference Center
  Registration

8:15am CDT

Elvis Law: The State and Federal Cases
Thursday August 29, 2024 8:15am - 9:45am CDT
Cambridge A
ELVIS LAW will review the cases dealing with Elvis Presley. These cases go all the way to the United States Supreme Court and include many areas of the law and jurisdictions.
Speakers
RF
Thursday August 29, 2024 8:15am - 9:45am CDT
Cambridge A

8:15am CDT

Emotional Intelligence, Empathy and Client Centered Approaches
Thursday August 29, 2024 8:15am - 9:45am CDT
Broadlands B
This session will focus on self-awareness, managing emotions, and empathy as strategies for building rapport with clients. Presenters will be introduced to the domains of emotional intelligence and connected to case studies. Participants will leave with applicable strategies and tips that mitigate contention and conflict with clients.
Speakers
DW

DarKenya Waller

Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of Middle TN and 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 →
LW

LaDrina Wilson

Iman Consulting
As an attorney, she received Tennessee Alliance of Legal Services’ B. Riney Green Award for her efforts in promoting inter-program cooperation to strengthen access to justice across the state. Ms. Wilds has conducted trainings throughout Tennessee on laws related to disabilities... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 8:15am - 9:45am CDT
Broadlands B

8:15am CDT

Juvenile Justice & Civil Legal Practice
Thursday August 29, 2024 8:15am - 9:45am CDT
Cambridge B
This session will cover a basic overview of Tennessee's juvenile justice system, and ways that civil legal practice can fill gaps in order to decrease entrance into the juvenile justice system, improve re-entry outcomes, and address conditions issues for youth who are in facilities. While practitioners may think of juvenile justice as a separate practice area from traditional civil legal aid, many of the families who are eligible for civil legal aid services in practice areas like housing, benefits, family law, and education assistance are also families that are impacted by juvenile justice. This presentation aims to help civil legal practitioners understand what role they can play in improving juvenile justice system outcomes in their own communities.
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 29, 2024 8:15am - 9:45am CDT
Cambridge B

8:15am CDT

Restoring Citizenship Rights after a Felony Conviction
Thursday August 29, 2024 8:15am - 9:45am CDT
Mirabella G
This session will provide attorneys with a how-to guide for helping individuals restore their full citizenship rights, in particular the right to vote. Part 1 will cover the necessary Tennessee statutes governing how a person can restore their citizenship rights by breaking down which rights are forfeited because of a felony conviction, and the process for restoring them. The recent changes to voter restoration outlined by the Coordinator of Elections following the Tennessee Supreme Court’s decision in Falls v. Goins (2023) will be discussed in depth. Part 2 of the session will present examples of how to apply these statutes and overcome potential barriers to restoration. The session will conclude by presenting a clear outline for preparing and filing petitions to restore a person’s full citizenship rights in Circuit Court.
Speakers
JR

Joy Radice

University of Tennessee Law Clinic, LAS
Professor Joy Radice is an Associate Professor and the Director of Clinical Programs at the University of Tennessee College of Law. She is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She teaches in the Advocacy Clinic and launched the Expungement Mini-Clinic to train... Read More →
TR

Tomi Robb

Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Tomi Robb graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 2021 with a focus in Advocacy. Throughout law school she worked at the Knox County Public Defender's Office, gaining valuable experience, and nurturing her passion for facilitating restoration within the justice... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 8:15am - 9:45am CDT
Mirabella G

8:15am CDT

Trauma and Trauma Informed Care
Thursday August 29, 2024 8:15am - 9:45am CDT
Broadlands A
Trauma 101 including the neuroscience of Trauma, and what it does to survivors as to responses. It will include a presentation on Trauma informed Care, allowing you to not only understand trauma, but offer best practices for interacting with survivors, in ways that should benefit your client, and increase your ability to successfully work with them
Speakers
SL

Shannon Lynch

Shannon Lynch started her career in Victim Services 40 yrs. ago as the sole staff person at a grassroots DV program in the mountains of Colorado. Her specific job was as the PR/Community Outreach facilitator. As she was the only paid staff, in addition to her specified job requirements... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 8:15am - 9:45am CDT
Broadlands A

10:00am CDT

Domestic Violence and Housing Protections
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Cambridge B
This presentation will give an overview of the legal protections available to victims and survivors of domestic violence and how to assert those rights and protections. We will focus on VAWA and the new VAWA complaint process.
Speakers
EB

Emma Boyd Elliott

Peregrine Law, PLLC
Emma Boyd Elliott is the owner of Peregrine Law, PLLC in Nashville, Tennessee. Emma’s practice focuses on civil litigation, housing and property issues, and consumer advocacy. Prior to starting her own practice, Emma provided legal counsel to housing authorities and property owners... Read More →
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 →
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Cambridge B

10:00am CDT

Legislative Update
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Mirabella G
Speakers
SC

Stewart Clifton

Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services
Stewart Clifton is an attorney and registered lobbyist with a practice focused on nonprofit organizations, primarily at the state level.  He currently provides advocacy, monitoring and advisory services for several health, social welfare, equal justice and environmental groups, including... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Mirabella G

10:00am CDT

Plain Language = Access for All
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Broadlands A
This practical, interactive training will help you improve access to information and services by using plain language best practices in all your communication.
Speakers
JS

Jolene Sharp

TN Council on Developmental Disabilities
Jolene Sharp is Chief Strategy Officer for the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities. In that role, she provides vision and oversight for all three areas of the Council’s work: leadership development, public policy, and communications. Jolene previously spent several... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Broadlands A

10:00am CDT

The Top Ten Tennessee Litigation Mistakes
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Cambridge A
A review of the top ten Tennessee civil litigation mistakes (legal and ethical) and how to keep them from happening to you. These include litigation and ethical mishaps from trial through appeal. The continually updated countdown was compiled with the help of an advisory board of retired Tennessee trial and appellate judges, including former Tennessee Chief Justice William M. Barker.
Speakers
RF
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Cambridge A

10:00am CDT

Ethical Issues for Legal Aid Practitioners
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Broadlands B
This session would cover ethical questions frequently encountered by legal services practitioners.
Speakers
SC

Steven Christopher

Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility
I am presently Deputy Chief Disciplinary Counsel of Investigations at the Board of Professional Responsibility. As Deputy, I supervise the attorneys and support staff that handle investigation of attorney misconduct. I also provide advisory ethics opinions to attorneys, and handle... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Broadlands B
  Ethics

11:45am CDT

Leadership Lunch
Thursday August 29, 2024 11:45am - 1:00pm CDT
Oakleigh ABC
Thursday August 29, 2024 11:45am - 1:00pm CDT
Oakleigh ABC
  Meal   Awards Ceremony

1:15pm CDT

Heirs Property: Helping Clients Preserve the Family Home
Thursday August 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Broadlands B
When real property owners pass down a single parcel to multiple family members, they create heirs property. Often, heirs do not know their rights or responsibilities as joint owners and are not prepared for the challenges caused by a lack of clear title, especially the risk of forced sale. This session will address best practices for helping clients prevent or preserve heirs property through estate planning, community education, family negotiations, and more.
Speakers
MM

Miles Malbrough

Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
After working as a private yacht and estate chef for a couple of decades, she returned to her passion for serving survivors. Working as a DV/SA Advocate, she transitioned into the court system to work as a Legal Advocate. While doing this, she also focused on community collaboration... Read More →
avatar for Patricia Jones

Patricia Jones

Managing Attorney, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Patricia A. Jones is the managing attorney for the Columbia office of the Legal Aid Society in addition to being the Home Retention Team lead. Patricia is a Tennessee native and a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Washington and Lee Law School.
Thursday August 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Broadlands B

1:15pm CDT

Investigations 101: How to Conduct a Workplace Investigation
Thursday August 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Broadlands A
The first sessions (Conducting Investigations) is geared towards HR professionals, legal or other who handle ER issues for their employers on how to conduct a workplace investigation - whether it be discrimination and harassment, abusive conduct/bullying, violence, FMLA, ADA, Code of conduct, etc. It would walk through the nuts and bolts of how to conduct a thorough, impartial, and fair investigation including but not limited to interview questions and approach, analyzing information, and documenting the process and overall best practices.
Speakers
AS

Andrea Smith

TN Department of Human Resources
Andrea Smith is currently the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) with the Tennessee Department of Human Resources (DOHR). She has served in this role since September 2022. Previously she served as an Assistant General Counsel with DOHR from 2018-September 2022. In her... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Broadlands A

1:15pm CDT

Plain Language and Civil Legal Aid
Thursday August 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Mirabella G
A history of the concept and practice of using plain language, and its application in civil legal aid.
Speakers
SH

Simeon Huff

Legal Aid of East Tennessee
Thursday August 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Mirabella G

1:15pm CDT

Collection Defense Basics
Thursday August 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Cambridge B
 This presentation will provide an overview of how to handle collections defense cases from the first client interview through post-judgment issues
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 →
avatar for Rae Anne Smith

Rae Anne Smith

Attorney, Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Rae Anne Smith is an attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberland’s Tullahoma office. She leads the Legal Aid Society’s Gilbert Family Fellowship, which focuses on cases involving children and young adults, and chairs Legal Aid Society’s Staff Development... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Cambridge B
  Consumer

1:15pm CDT

A Dozen Things You Need to Know About TennCare or Remain Quiet
Thursday August 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Cambridge A
Outline:
1) Understanding QITs – income limits, requirements for proper use, legal authority to create, and how to close
2) Community Spousal resource assessment – how calculated, snapshot date, minimum and maximum,
3) Minimum monthly income for community spouses – maximum and beyond
4) Gifts to spouse – how and when to gift penalty free
5) Hardship – definition and utilization to protect resident and facility.
6) ALF and CHOICES group 2 – what does it pay for
7) Pending status – payment implications
8) Medicaid bed status -
9) Estate Recovery – review the rules
10) How to avoid committing a felony’
11) Redetermination response
12) SSI change
Speakers
JB

Josh Bey

Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning
As Public Benefits Specialist, Joshua Bey 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... Read More →
BM
Thursday August 29, 2024 1:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Cambridge A
  Elder Care

2:30pm CDT

Funding/Storytelling AWAITING SESSION TITLE
Thursday August 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Broadlands A
Speakers
AB
Thursday August 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Broadlands A

2:30pm CDT

Tennessee's Center for Decision Making Support
Thursday August 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Cambridge A
This presentation is about how to use the Center for Decision Making Support as a tool for lawyers when they are approached for conservatorships. Also, how to write conservatorships in the most empowering way possible.
Speakers
avatar for Penny Johnson

Penny Johnson

Program Coordinator, Arc Tennessee, The Center for Decision Making Support
Penny Johnson has worked in various social service roles for over 16 years ranging from eligibility worker to program manager. Penny joined the Arc Tennessee in July 2020 as the Program Coordinator for the TN Center for Decision-Making Support. Prior to joining the Arc Tennessee... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Cambridge A

2:30pm CDT

Reporting Consumer Issues to the State: A Panel
Thursday August 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Cambridge B
Attorneys from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, the Regulatory Boards Commission and the Insurance Division, and the Attorney General’s office will present on a panel about reporting consumer issues to the state. Panelists will share their role in how complaints are addressed at the state level and provide “best practices” for reporting to the respective agency.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Duke

Elizabeth Duke

Attorney, West Tennessee Legal Services
Elizabeth Duke has over 15 years of public speaking experience. She served as a park ranger for the National Park Service, presenting programs for the public. She then worked in the tourism industry and has presented workshops about audience-based engagement for tourism professionals... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Cambridge B
  Consumer

2:30pm CDT

Ethical Considerations of Joint Representation
Thursday August 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Mirabella G
Many tax credits designed to lift low-income families out of poverty require filing joint federal income tax returns. Married individuals who are victims of domestic violence are often forced to file joint returns. Frozen tax credits or joint and several liabilities stemming from joint filing result in taxpayers asking for joint representation. This session will highlight the ethical issues involved with joint representation. When joint representation is appropriate, it will provide a template for informed consent. It will also discuss when joint representation is not appropriate. This session will compare federal income tax levies and liens. It will provide tools for stopping IRS Levies, obtaining refunds of erroneous levies and releasing federal income tax liens.
Speakers
MM
Thursday August 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Mirabella G
  Ethics

2:30pm CDT

Alternatives to Due Process for Students with Disabilities: OCR Complaints, Administrative Complaints, and Mediation
Thursday August 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Broadlands B
Filing a due process complaint against a school system for violations of IDEIA can be an effective tool when neccessary in getting appropriate services for students with disabilities. However, attorneys and families of students with disabilities may want to consider other less time intensive and less costly strategies to resolve disputes. Complaints filed with the Office of Civil Rights, Administrative Complaints filed with the Tennessee Department of Education, or Requests for Mediation may provide quicker and sometimes more systemic relief. In this presentation, these strategies will be explored in detail in the light of students with mental health and behavioral challenges who may wind up in the school to prison pipeline if effective interventions are not implemented by the school system. Participants in this session will work collaboratively in small groups to develop strategies including basic planning for filing a complaint on such student needs as functional behavior assessments and plans, mental health supports, and innovative individualized instruction.
Speakers
JD

Jack Derryberry

Disability Rights Tennessee
SW

Sherry Wilds

Disability Rights Tennessee
Sherry Wilds is the Assistant Legal Director and Director of Pro Bono and Legal Interns with Disability Rights Tennessee. She primarily handles abuse or neglect and disability discrimination cases under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehab Act with an emphasis... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Broadlands B
  Special Education

3:45pm CDT

Hear to Succeed: The Power of Active Listening in Legal Excellence
Thursday August 29, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Broadlands B
This session emphasizes the critical role of listening skills in achieving professional success and legal and interpersonal effectiveness.
Speakers
TB

Trevor Belcher

The Profit Multiplier
Trevor John Belcher is an influential business leader and motivational speaker with a remarkable journey from South Africa to global corporate prominence. Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Trevor has over four decades of extensive experience in telecommunications, sales, and strategic management... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Broadlands B

3:45pm CDT

Incorporating Person-Centered Practices and Supported Decision-Making in Legal Practice: Can it be done?
Thursday August 29, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Cambridge A
We all need support with decisions at one time or another in our life. In some circumstances a legal decision-maker may need to be appointed. It could be for an elderly parent with dementia, a loved one who had a stroke, an adult child with a disability, a young adult with disabilities reaching the age of majority or someone suffering from a mental health crisis. For these situations people reach out for legal advice.

How does someone evaluate for capacity when seeking a conservatorship or other legal decision-making documents? Is there a one-size fits all assessment or process for determining capacity? How does the law office support considerations for “least restrictive manner” when counseling families in these situations?

This session will provide information, resources, and tools for applying person centered practices within the legal setting to support decision-making autonomy. Attendees will be challenged to consider how to increase person centered practices in their offices.
Speakers
avatar for Penny Johnson

Penny Johnson

Program Coordinator, Arc Tennessee, The Center for Decision Making Support
Penny Johnson has worked in various social service roles for over 16 years ranging from eligibility worker to program manager. Penny joined the Arc Tennessee in July 2020 as the Program Coordinator for the TN Center for Decision-Making Support. Prior to joining the Arc Tennessee... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Cambridge A

3:45pm CDT

Remembering the House of Swann: The Legal History of LGBTQIA+ Rights
Thursday August 29, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Mirabella G
William Dorsey Swann was born enslaved in Maryland. He was the first person to self-identify as a ""queen of drag"" later became the first person in the US to lead a queer resistance group. After being convicted of "keeping a disorderly house" meaning he ran a brothel, he requested a pardon from President Grover Cleveland. This marked the first time on record that an American requested any right of the LGBTQIA+ community's right to gather.

What he did has evolved over the last 150 years or so resulting in a right to gather, a right to privacy, the right to be married, and now even a right to not be discriminated against in employment. We still have much to go, but I believe in the importance of talking about all this history and where it all began, especially in today's society. This session will go through major legislation, major events, and major Supreme Court cases and how they have redefined what it means to be an American Queer.
Speakers
NT

N. Tanner Beck

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
I am a Housing and Consumer Attorney in the Columbia office of Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberlands. I've been here at LAS since October 2020 and before that, I was a senior law attorney at Legal Aid of East Tennessee. I carry my queerness with me into all situations... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Mirabella G

3:45pm CDT

Combatting Elder Abuse with Civil Legal Aid: A Workshop
Thursday August 29, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Cambridge B
In this workshop-style session, practitioners of all experience levels will be provided hypothetical situations of elder abuse and an opportunity to develop strategies to address the situation with civil legal aid. Often, elder abuse cases are messy and tangled and in many cases require more than one legal problem to be addressed. This workshop will use facilitated dialogue techniques to encourage ideas to be discussed in smaller groups before shared with the larger group. Issues of client capacity, navigating difficult family members, working with community partners, and ethical obligations will be addressed.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Duke

Elizabeth Duke

Attorney, West Tennessee Legal Services
Elizabeth Duke has over 15 years of public speaking experience. She served as a park ranger for the National Park Service, presenting programs for the public. She then worked in the tourism industry and has presented workshops about audience-based engagement for tourism professionals... Read More →
Thursday August 29, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Cambridge B
  Elder Care

3:45pm CDT

Immigration 101
Thursday August 29, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Broadlands A
Speakers
CS

Chay Sengkhounmany

Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Thursday August 29, 2024 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Broadlands A
  Immigration

5:30pm CDT

Evening Reception for Hotel Guests
Thursday August 29, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
Hotel Atrium
Thursday August 29, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
Hotel Atrium
  Social

7:00pm CDT

TriviaTime! (2 HRS or 3 HRS?)
Thursday August 29, 2024 7:00pm - 10:15pm CDT
Oakleigh BC
Thursday August 29, 2024 7:00pm - 10:15pm CDT
Oakleigh BC
  Social

10:30pm CDT

Hospitality Suite
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:30pm - 11:59pm CDT
TBD
Thursday August 29, 2024 10:30pm - 11:59pm CDT
TBD
  Social
 
Friday, August 30
 

6:30am CDT

Breakfast for Hotel Guests
Friday August 30, 2024 6:30am - 9:00am CDT
Hotel Atrium
Friday August 30, 2024 6:30am - 9:00am CDT
Hotel Atrium
  Meal

8:00am CDT

Attorney's Fees as a Tool to Help Our Clients & Our Programs
Friday August 30, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Cambridge B
This highly practical session will explain how legal aid lawyers can use requests for attorney's fees to get better outcomes for our clients as well as more funding for our programs. The session will discuss why fees matter, explain the LSC rules for fee-generating cases, and highlight some fee-generating statutes common to legal aid practice. Participants will receive a template fee petition and insights into the nuts and bolts of the fee request itself.
Speakers
EL

Elizabeth Leiserson

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 →
Friday August 30, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Cambridge B

8:00am CDT

Trauma Informed Lawyering: The Blame Game
Friday August 30, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Broadlands A
Taking a trauma informed approach to handling clients struggling to accept personal accountability for their legal troubles.
Speakers
avatar for Nick Gau

Nick Gau

Attorney, Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services
I was born and raised in Nashville TN, and have always had a deep affinity for the Nashville community. Early in my career I was given the opportunity to serve Nashville’s community by working at a local non-profit which provided residential services to youth in State’s custody... Read More →
VG
Friday August 30, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Broadlands A

8:00am CDT

A Primer on Affirmative Litigation in Car Contract Cases
Friday August 30, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Cambridge A
An overview of how to prepare for filing affirmative lawsuits in car contract cases, including issue spotting tips, identifying strong vs weak cases, steps to get ready for litigation, and identifying proper remedies.
Speakers
avatar for Jake Old

Jake Old

Attorney, West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc.
Jake Old is a Staff Attorney with West Tennessee Legal Services in Jackson, Tennessee, where he primarily practices consumer law. He also helps oversee the day-of-court clinics at WTLS in which attorneys are available in some general sessions courts to provide advice or representation... Read More →
Friday August 30, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Cambridge A
  Consumer

9:30am CDT

Closing Plenary
Friday August 30, 2024 9:30am - 11:00am CDT
Oakleigh ABC or BC?
Speakers
JS
Friday August 30, 2024 9:30am - 11:00am CDT
Oakleigh ABC or BC?
  Plenary
 
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