Exposing the Step 5 Job Number Crisis: From Administrative Stonewalling to Federal Court Reversal (Presented by National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives)
Meghan Gallo is a dedicated regional attorney at GCC Law firm in Rogers, Arkansas, with a practice extending across states in the Midwest and the South. With 15 years of experience, Meghan specializes in representing disabled individuals before the Social Security Administration and in Federal Court.
1 hour CLE
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Program Summary
Meghan’s session on the lack of statistical and scientific integrity in Step 5 vocational data will discuss how the setup at the administrative hearing stage leads to remands in federal court on due process grounds. She will outline how the system demands that claimants and practitioners give the Administration absolute discretion on the Step 5 issue—an arrangement that cannot withstand even the most basic due process standards.
The reality is that the Administration creates a catch-22 for claimants, who are penalized both for not doing enough and for doing everything possible to expose the lack of substantial evidence supporting Step 5 job number findings. Meghan will explain why each step matters—from the five-day letter to the post-hearing memorandum—what to expect from the Administration at each stage, and how these steps connect to specific federal arguments.
The session will also touch on key Supreme Court cases in administrative law, both within and beyond the SSA context, and examine Biestek v. Berryhill, including how it both supports and differs from the process discussed here.
Key topics to be discussed:
- Due Process Failures in Step 5 Vocational Evidence and the Administrative Catch-22
- Preserving Issues Through the Hearing Record: Five-Day Letters to Post-Hearing Memos
- Leveraging Administrative-Law Precedent, Including Biestek v. Berryhill, for Federal Court Review
This course is co-sponsored with myLawCLE.
Closed-captioning available
Speakers
Meghan Gallo | GCC Law firm
Meghan Gallo is a dedicated regional attorney at GCC Law firm in Rogers, Arkansas, with a practice extending across states in the Midwest and the South. With 15 years of experience, Meghan specializes in representing disabled individuals before the Social Security Administration and in Federal Court. She earned her undergraduate business degree from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management before moving to Arkansas to attend the University of Arkansas School of Law. There, she excelled academically, making the Dean’s List and earning her Juris Doctorate in 2010.
Meghan’s practice is defined by her unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of the disabled. Her dedication to taking on complex legal challenges is exemplified by her vigorous efforts to address vocational expert issues, where she has fought tirelessly to ensure that her clients receive fair treatment under the law. Meghan’s determination to navigate and resolve intricate legal matters showcases her zeal as an advocate for those she represents.
In addition to her legal work, Meghan is also a proud parent of a disabled child, providing her with valuable insights into the intricacies of living with a disability. This personal experience, combined with her professional expertise, strengthens her resolve to fight for the rights and well-being of her clients.
Outside of her legal practice, Meghan is an accomplished outdoors enthusiast. She has been granted a fellowship in the Cave Research Foundation, reflecting her deep passion for exploration and discovery. Meghan and her family reside in Rogers, Arkansas, where she and her family enjoy caving and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Agenda
I. Due Process Failures in Step 5 Vocational Evidence and the Administrative Catch-22 | 8:00am – 8:20am
II. Preserving Issues Through the Hearing Record: Five-Day Letters to Post-Hearing Memos | 8:20am – 8:40am
III. Leveraging Administrative-Law Precedent, Including Biestek v. Berryhill, for Federal Court Review | 8:40am – 9:00am
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