Our April luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, April 12th at 12:30 pm at The Poinsett Club. We would like to extend our invitation to this luncheon to other paralegals in the Upstate and ask you to bring a friend. If you bring a friend to this luncheon, your friend will eat lunch for FREE. Our speaker for April will be Gary Ramaeker from Greenville Technical College's Paralegal Program.
If you work with other paralegals or have a friend who is a paralegal and not a member of SCUPA, please invite them to attend this luncheon with you. When you RSVP to Whitney at the appropriate time, you will need to indicate the name of the person who will be attending the luncheon as your guest, as well as their menu choice.
Hope to see all of you there! Have a great weekend.
Thanks,
Marianna Ray, CP
SCUPA Membership, 2nd VP
Friday, March 16, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
The SCUPA Scoop: Vol. 7
We had a great turnout for our March luncheon. Special thanks go out to Phyllis Benfield and Sean Thacker who have graciously agreed to form a Tax Committee on behalf of SCUPA. In addition, thank you to Amy Ruttgers for agreeing to chair the Social/Sunshine Committee and to Karen Hall and Melissa Gregory for chairing the Seminar Committee.
At the luncheon, it was announced that nominations for Paralegal of the Year will open at the April luncheon and will be accepted through October 15, 2012. The award will be presented at the November luncheon. The nominations form will be distributed at the April luncheon and will also be posted on the website. Now is a good time to start thinking about whom among your colleagues is an exemplary paralegal and deserves to be recognized for their contributions to the field.
The Pro Bono Committee announced that volunteers are needed for Let There Be Mom's Seek & Snap on April 15, 2012. Those interested in either volunteering to run the event or forming a SCUPA team are encouraged to contact Dorothy Huskey.
To date, 25 people have signed up to participate in HOG day. The organizers don't need a final head count for a few more weeks, so if you are interested and have not yet signed up, please contact Daysha Bonner for more information. We look forward to having a big turnout!
At the luncheon, Don Pilzer provided a great presentation on Social Security Disability claims. He outlined several of the claim issues faced today. He explained that for general disability claims, there are constant credibility issues when it comes to subjective complaints of pain. As we all know, what is extremely painful to one person is not necessarily perceived the same by another.
Mr. Pilzer indicated that the SSA has a two point test for addressing pain. First, there must be objective medical evidence that would reasonably cause a person to have pain. A doctor must observe a medical condition and report on the issue or there must be clear diagnostic lab findings to produce a diagnosis. Second, the SSA judges examine how much the pain impacts a person's life. They look at factors such as what medications are used, what medical modalities are used, what aggravating factors make things worse, and how much the pain impacts a person's ability to perform their activities of daily living. Simple complaints of pain are not enough to win a SSDI claim. The water gets a bit murkier when dealing with fibromyalgia however. Fibromyalgia is generally diagnosed when a person has global pain but no known objective cause. SSA judges are often skeptical of the condition. It is helpful if a doctor can determine trigger points on the body that increase the pain. Opinion statements from one or more doctors are often obtained in these cases to support the claim for disability.
Mr. Pilzer also touched upon mental retardation disability claims. Unlike the standards for general disability claims, the standard for mental retardation claims is often seen as exceptionally liberal. It says, "mental retardation refers to significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning with deficits in adaptive functioning initially manifesting during the developmental period; i.e., the evidence demonstrates or supports onset of the impairment before age 22." Mr. Pilzer indicated that simply having a low IQ level doesn't support a claim under this listing. Due to many factors such as poverty and access to education, a 70 IQ is not all that uncommon. The intellectual deficits must be in combination with other deficits such as communication, self care, social/interpersonal skills, and work history issues in order to support a claim for benefits.
SCUPA thanks Mr. Pilzer for taking the time to speak to us. Keep checking back here for more updates on events and other SCUPA related news!
At the luncheon, it was announced that nominations for Paralegal of the Year will open at the April luncheon and will be accepted through October 15, 2012. The award will be presented at the November luncheon. The nominations form will be distributed at the April luncheon and will also be posted on the website. Now is a good time to start thinking about whom among your colleagues is an exemplary paralegal and deserves to be recognized for their contributions to the field.
The Pro Bono Committee announced that volunteers are needed for Let There Be Mom's Seek & Snap on April 15, 2012. Those interested in either volunteering to run the event or forming a SCUPA team are encouraged to contact Dorothy Huskey.
To date, 25 people have signed up to participate in HOG day. The organizers don't need a final head count for a few more weeks, so if you are interested and have not yet signed up, please contact Daysha Bonner for more information. We look forward to having a big turnout!
At the luncheon, Don Pilzer provided a great presentation on Social Security Disability claims. He outlined several of the claim issues faced today. He explained that for general disability claims, there are constant credibility issues when it comes to subjective complaints of pain. As we all know, what is extremely painful to one person is not necessarily perceived the same by another.
Mr. Pilzer indicated that the SSA has a two point test for addressing pain. First, there must be objective medical evidence that would reasonably cause a person to have pain. A doctor must observe a medical condition and report on the issue or there must be clear diagnostic lab findings to produce a diagnosis. Second, the SSA judges examine how much the pain impacts a person's life. They look at factors such as what medications are used, what medical modalities are used, what aggravating factors make things worse, and how much the pain impacts a person's ability to perform their activities of daily living. Simple complaints of pain are not enough to win a SSDI claim. The water gets a bit murkier when dealing with fibromyalgia however. Fibromyalgia is generally diagnosed when a person has global pain but no known objective cause. SSA judges are often skeptical of the condition. It is helpful if a doctor can determine trigger points on the body that increase the pain. Opinion statements from one or more doctors are often obtained in these cases to support the claim for disability.
Mr. Pilzer also touched upon mental retardation disability claims. Unlike the standards for general disability claims, the standard for mental retardation claims is often seen as exceptionally liberal. It says, "mental retardation refers to significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning with deficits in adaptive functioning initially manifesting during the developmental period; i.e., the evidence demonstrates or supports onset of the impairment before age 22." Mr. Pilzer indicated that simply having a low IQ level doesn't support a claim under this listing. Due to many factors such as poverty and access to education, a 70 IQ is not all that uncommon. The intellectual deficits must be in combination with other deficits such as communication, self care, social/interpersonal skills, and work history issues in order to support a claim for benefits.
SCUPA thanks Mr. Pilzer for taking the time to speak to us. Keep checking back here for more updates on events and other SCUPA related news!
Friday, March 2, 2012
The SCUPA Scoop: Save the Date!
SCUPA Announces its 17th Annual Seminar for Legal Professionals on
~ Friday, October 5, 2012 ~
Save the Date!
Our event will be held at the EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL,
670 Verdae Boulevard, Greenville, South Carolina.
We will continue to update our website with additional information.
Please visit us at: www.scupa.org
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The SCUPA Scoop: Congratulations to Jessica Caldwell Etheridge!
Congratulations to Jessica Caldwell Etheridge on the birth of her son, Caldwell Monroe Etheridge, who was born on February 27, 2012 ! Caldwell weighed in at 9 lbs., 3 ozs.
Monday, February 27, 2012
The SCUPA Scoop: Vol. 6
2012 is off to a great start. Our February luncheon featured a presentation by Gayle Johnson on the Guardian ad Litem program.
Gayle emphasized that anyone over the age of 21 can serve as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). GALs can come from any walk of life. They receive special training to allow them to speak for abused or neglected children in court. Their role can make an enormous difference in the life of a child.
Any time that the Department of Social Services (DSS) becomes involved in a case, a GAL is assigned for minor children. DSS' ultimate goal is to reunify families. They form treatment plans for parents to follow that are meant to bring the family back together. During hearings however, huge decisions are made in a matter of 15 minutes. Without the voice of the GAL, the children would be likely forgotten in this process. Gayle stated that the opinion of the GAL is held in very high esteem.
The skills of a paralegal can translate very well into a GAL role. Gayle's GAL duties take about 4 hours of her time at a minimum. A GAL is allowed to pick their own cases after an initial 30 hours of training. They are allowed to take one or a thousand cases. Gayle encouraged those interested to check out the program. For Greenville County, GAL classes begin April 2nd. Those interested can check out http://www.greenville.scgal.org/ or can contact Patty Dellinger, coordinator, at 864-467-5862 or GALGreenville@oepp.sc.gov.
In other news, the pro bono committee is actively planning SCUPA's participation in Hands on Greenville day on May 5, 2012. Additional details about the type of project we will be working on will be forthcoming. HOG day is a fun way to get involved in our community. The pro bono committee will also be working on projects to support A Child's Haven, Harvest Hope, Let There Be Mom, and Safe Harbor throughout the year.
Anyone interested in participating any committees this year may contact Barbara Spearman.
Gayle emphasized that anyone over the age of 21 can serve as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). GALs can come from any walk of life. They receive special training to allow them to speak for abused or neglected children in court. Their role can make an enormous difference in the life of a child.
Any time that the Department of Social Services (DSS) becomes involved in a case, a GAL is assigned for minor children. DSS' ultimate goal is to reunify families. They form treatment plans for parents to follow that are meant to bring the family back together. During hearings however, huge decisions are made in a matter of 15 minutes. Without the voice of the GAL, the children would be likely forgotten in this process. Gayle stated that the opinion of the GAL is held in very high esteem.
The skills of a paralegal can translate very well into a GAL role. Gayle's GAL duties take about 4 hours of her time at a minimum. A GAL is allowed to pick their own cases after an initial 30 hours of training. They are allowed to take one or a thousand cases. Gayle encouraged those interested to check out the program. For Greenville County, GAL classes begin April 2nd. Those interested can check out http://www.greenville.scgal.org/ or can contact Patty Dellinger, coordinator, at 864-467-5862 or GALGreenville@oepp.sc.gov.
In other news, the pro bono committee is actively planning SCUPA's participation in Hands on Greenville day on May 5, 2012. Additional details about the type of project we will be working on will be forthcoming. HOG day is a fun way to get involved in our community. The pro bono committee will also be working on projects to support A Child's Haven, Harvest Hope, Let There Be Mom, and Safe Harbor throughout the year.
Anyone interested in participating any committees this year may contact Barbara Spearman.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Pro Bono Reminder
Dear Members,
As previously announced, SCUPA will be participating in Hands on Greenville Day (HOG Day) which will be held on May 5, 2012. We do not yet know what project we will be assigned on that date but we know it will be "hands on." We would like to have as many members participating as possible. Spouses or significant others and children are welcomed to participate on our team as well.
This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our community. Please consider being a part of what will be a fun event and a great contribution to our neighbors. Daysha Bonner is our Team Leader for this project. If you want to participate but are concerned about the physical activity, let her know that. We will find something you can do within your capability, no matter what project we are assigned. Daysha needs a head count by Friday, February 24th if you are interested in participating. If you would like to join in for this great volunteer opportunity, please contact her at dbonner@collinsandlacy.
Thank you!
Dorothy Huskey, CP
Chairperson, Pro Bono Committee
As previously announced, SCUPA will be participating in Hands on Greenville Day (HOG Day) which will be held on May 5, 2012. We do not yet know what project we will be assigned on that date but we know it will be "hands on." We would like to have as many members participating as possible. Spouses or significant others and children are welcomed to participate on our team as well.
This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our community. Please consider being a part of what will be a fun event and a great contribution to our neighbors. Daysha Bonner is our Team Leader for this project. If you want to participate but are concerned about the physical activity, let her know that. We will find something you can do within your capability, no matter what project we are assigned. Daysha needs a head count by Friday, February 24th if you are interested in participating. If you would like to join in for this great volunteer opportunity, please contact her at dbonner@collinsandlacy.
Thank you!
Dorothy Huskey, CP
Chairperson, Pro Bono Committee
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Pro Bono Activity - Hands on Greenville Day
Dear Members,
We are excited to announce a new volunteer opportunity. SCUPA will be participating in Hands on Greenville Day (HOG Day) which will be held on May 5, 2012. I realize this sounds far off but the time will be here before we know it. The registration deadline is March 1st. We do not yet know what project we will be assigned on that date but we know it will be "hands on." We would like to have as many members participating as possible. Spouses or significant others and children are welcomed to participate on our team as well. We need a head count for registration.
This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our community. Please consider being a part of what will be a fun event and a great contribution to our neighbors. Daysha Bonner is our Team Leader for this project. If you plan to participate, please contact her at dbonner@collinsandlacy.com. If you want to participate but are concerned about the physical activity, let her know that. We will find something you can do within your capability, no matter what project we are assigned.
As a reminder, we will have our first Pro Bono meeting this Saturday, February 4 at 10:00am at my house, 42 Shale Court, Greenville, SC 29601. Plan to attend to learn more about plans for pro bono activities for 2012. My email is dorothy.huskey@mgclaw.com.
Thank you!
Dorothy Huskey, CP
Chairperson, Pro Bono Committee
We are excited to announce a new volunteer opportunity. SCUPA will be participating in Hands on Greenville Day (HOG Day) which will be held on May 5, 2012. I realize this sounds far off but the time will be here before we know it. The registration deadline is March 1st. We do not yet know what project we will be assigned on that date but we know it will be "hands on." We would like to have as many members participating as possible. Spouses or significant others and children are welcomed to participate on our team as well. We need a head count for registration.
This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our community. Please consider being a part of what will be a fun event and a great contribution to our neighbors. Daysha Bonner is our Team Leader for this project. If you plan to participate, please contact her at dbonner@collinsandlacy.com. If you want to participate but are concerned about the physical activity, let her know that. We will find something you can do within your capability, no matter what project we are assigned.
As a reminder, we will have our first Pro Bono meeting this Saturday, February 4 at 10:00am at my house, 42 Shale Court, Greenville, SC 29601. Plan to attend to learn more about plans for pro bono activities for 2012. My email is dorothy.huskey@mgclaw.com.
Thank you!
Dorothy Huskey, CP
Chairperson, Pro Bono Committee
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)