Our NOSSCR NextGen Retreat took place in New Orleans from October 19-21, and was a smashing success!

NextGen members Cody Passman, Stephen Sloan, Joseph Duerst, and Christine Burnside presented on the sequential evaluation process, federal court appeals, reducing medical records costs, and the ethical obligations at a hearing, respectively. We also heard from Assistant RCALJ for Region 6, Timothy Suing, along with Susan Ogden, Supervisory Attorney Advisor in New Orleans. Dr. Timothy Saar, a psychologist and DDS reviewer, presented on working with clients with mental and/or intellectual disabilities. NOSSCR’s Senior Counsel and Director of Legal Information, Jennifer Cronenberg, presented on how to handle cases after the claimant passes away. Our CLE Presenting Sponsor was Deuterman Law Group, and we are appreciative of their support. During the two days of CLE, attendees enjoyed snack breaks sponsored by Heard and Smith and a lunch sponsored by Trajector.

NextGen attendees met and mingled over other events, including a riverboat cruise sponsored by The Federal Appeals Firm, a happy hour sponsored by SSD Appeals, and dinner at Muriel’s in Jackson Square sponsored by Insurance Branch. This event would not have been possible without their sponsorship. We are also grateful to Lanier Law Group and Liner Legal for our NextGen Retreat t-shirts and welcome bags.

Our NextGen group is made up of NOSSCR members who have been practicing Social Security law for fewer than 10 years or are under the age of 40. Current NextGen members include four board members—Michael Liner, Maren Bam, Ashley Sappenfield, and Christine Burnside. Just 18 months ago, there was only one NextGen member on the Board. NextGen is truly NOSSCR’s next generation of leaders. Our retreat provided a valuable opportunity for newer practitioners to connect with colleagues, earn CLE, and participate openly in discussions about best practices (all while having some fun)!

We are excited about this dynamic group and look forward to sharing more of their voices with you at future NOSSCR events. We encourage all of our NextGen members to join us or, if you’re an experienced practitioner, consider sending your newer associates to our next event! Be on the lookout for exciting announcements about NextGen’s upcoming virtual events and involvement at our May conference.