This document provides an orientation to social security disability law. It discusses key terms, the disability appeal process, roles within the social security administration, evaluating disability claims, types of benefits, the sequential evaluation process, listing of impairments, evidence, hearings, representative roles, and resources. The orientation covers the basics of navigating the social security disability system from initial application through the appeals process.
I graduated with an ABA approved paralegal associates degree in 1996. In 2001 I obtained a bachelors in Business Administration. My work history is in private law firms and legal aid. Personal Injury, insurance defense for casinos, employment discrimination, Social Security law, and assisting HIV clients with their various legal issues. I currently am employed as a paralegal with Clark County Legal Services. I am the point person for all HIV clients and created the HIV department practice manual. I oversaw the transfer of client information to a new database and train new employees in it. I have presented CCLS’s services to the public and service providers for various agencies, and have attended various outreach fairs. When Hurricane Katrina hit, I was appointed the point person for a temporary Hurricane Katrina Legal Assistance program. This entailed quickly gathering the proper legal information needed to assist survivors and coordinate outreach at the Hurricane Center. For the Paralegal Association of Southern Nevada I served as president in 2002, and have been on the board of directors since its creation in 2002. I am also a member of the Legal Assistant Division of the State Bar, and the National Organization of Social Security Representatives. I was the 2004 host convention coordinator (basically the project manager) for the national paralegal convention, which entailed delegating tasks to a committee of 9 people so we could put together a full day of speakers, among other things. Our association was the youngest and smallest association to ever host a convention and we made a profit of $13,000.00. I appreciate the opportunity to help you start a new are in your practice and hope the information will give you a general understanding of social security.