The Difference Between Winning and Losing: How to Effectively Cross-Examine a Vocational Witness on Foundation and Methodology (Presented by the Federal Bar Association Social Security Law Section)

Dana W. Duncan, Founder | Duncan Disability Law

Dana W. Duncan is the founder of Duncan Disability Law, SC, located in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. He has represented thousands of disabled clients throughout Wisconsin and the nation in Social Security law. In addition to a high-volume administrative practice in Social Security disability, Mr. Duncan has averaged over a hundred federal Social Security appeals over the past five years. He was a speaker for several professional organizations and in numerous continuing legal education programs.

Mr. Duncan is admitted to practice in Wisconsin and Utah.

He is admitted to the Federal District Courts, including the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, the Northern, Central, and Southern Districts of Illinois, the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, Colorado, North Dakota, and Utah.

He is admitted to the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the First, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Circuits and U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Affairs.

He has more than 35 years of experience in Social Security law and has personally argued more than 50 cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, Chicago, Illinois; and before the Fourth Circuit, Richmond, Virginia.

He earned his B.A. degree from Beloit College and his J.D. degree from Marquette University.

Spelios Bacoyanis, Attorney at Law | Nash Disability Law

Spelios Bacoyanis has been licensed to practice law since 2012 and has practiced exclusively in the area of Social Security Disability law since 2017. He has represented clients at all levels of Social Security from initial claims up through the federal district court.

Spelios was the Chair of the Chicago Bar Association Social Security Law Committee from 2020-2021. As Chair, he authored and advocated for Public Act 102-0183, which expanded the definition of medical providers in Illinois and provided that individuals seeking SSDI,SSI, Aid to the Aged Blind and Disabled, and Federal Veterans’ benefits could obtain their medical records in Illinois for no charge. Spelios is currently the Vice Chair of the Federal Bar Association Social Security Law Section, and he has given numerous talks on Social Security, ranging from continuing legal education seminars to community discussions with organizations like the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).

Spelios received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University and received his J.D. and L.L.M. degrees from The John Marshall Law School (now the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law), where he was treasurer of the Student Bar Association. While at John Marshall, he was a senior clinical intern at the Fair Housing Legal Clinic, working closely with disabled individuals in housing discrimination cases.

Adam Vanderwerff, Attorney | Duncan Disability Law

Adam Vanderwerff is a native Wisconsinite who spent a few years exploring the mountains of Colorado. Adam is an avid outdoorsman who loves to run, hike, bike, camp, canoe, and kayak. Attorney Vanderwerff is the son of an engineer and a musician who taught him that he should creatively think through every problem. Adam has had an extremely varied early career in litigation, including family law, landlord-tenant issues, and personal injury. Adam also served as an Assistant Attorney General for Consumer Protection and Antitrust for two years, helping ensure fair, safe, and effective pharmaceutical treatment for the Citizens of Wisconsin.

Adam learned the value of hard work from his father, who showed him that the work was not done until it was done right.

He is admitted to the Federal District Courts, including the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin and Colorado, and to the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He earned his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in 2016. He is a member of NOSSCR – National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives; NADR – National Association of Disability Representatives; and WAWCA – Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys.

I. Cross-examining vocational experts regarding Step Four findings | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

II. Creating hypothetical questions using medical evidence and hearing testimony to eliminate substantial numbers at Step Five | 2:10pm – 2:25pm

III. Setting up cross-examination of vocational experts and preserving issues before the Appeals Council | 2:25pm – 2:35pm

IV. A roundtable discussion regarding the early application of SSR 24-3p | 2:35pm – 2:50pm

V. Q&A | 2:50pm – 3:00pm