Paul Burkhalter, NOSSCR President

“I have friends everywhere.”

A great thing about being a NOSSCR member is that you have friends across the country that are willing to offer a quick word of advice, to help you think through a legal issue, or share insights about a new ALJ or medical expert.

Even after 33 years of experience in Social Security disability law, SSA still throws me some curve balls. Just last week I went to NOSSCR’s Martin list serve for guidance from hundreds of my friends in our community. Both a former NOSSCR president and an experienced NOSSCR conference speaker came to my aid with great advice and case law that I had not considered. That kind of generosity and collective wisdom is one of the greatest strengths of our organization. (To join the NOSSCR listserv, click here, or email Alyssa at alyssa.pimentel@nosscr.org).

Starting this week, many of us will be voting on new leadership to NOSSCR’s Board of Directors. The First, Fourth/DC, Fifth, and Eleventh Circuits all have competitive elections to elect a representative for their Circuit. I would encourage everyone to vote so that your voice is heard.

If you don’t already know your Circuit Representative as a prominent local advocate, you’ve likely seen them lead your Circuit meeting at a NOSSCR conference or during a virtual session. (Upcoming virtual meetings are currently scheduled for the Third and Ninth Circuits, and all Circuits will have in-person meetings during our September Conference in San Diego). These gatherings give you a chance to raise your concerns directly to NOSSCR leadership and stay informed about developments at SSA and in the courts.

If you have not had to opportunity to get know you NOSSCR Circuit Representative personally, hopefully, you have heard them present on continuing legal education topics on SSD law at either national, regional, or local conferences. Several of our NOSSCR Board members have deep ties to NOSSCR founders, being part of second or third generations of lawyers from firms that helped found NOSSCR in the early 1980s.

Historically, NOSSCR Board members have been at the forefront of seminal Supreme Court and Circuit cases that have reshaped the legal landscape of disability law.

As I mentioned last month, it is remarkable that those in our community care so much about our practices that we have competitive elections and members so willing to serve at their own expense (Board members willingly pay for their own travel to attend Board meetings; sometimes making the trip even when they cannot attend the conference that might be happening during the same week). 

Please vote! Your input matters—and your friends are counting on you.