NADR E-Learning Portal

Mock Hearing
Presented by Leanne Hernandez et al

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2026 NADR CONFERENCE SEssion

Step inside a realistic Social Security disability hearing and watch how experienced representatives build their case. This mock hearing walks through claimant testimony, medical expert opinions, and vocational expert cross-examination—revealing practical strategies you can use in your own hearings. The session has been a NADR favorite from the beginning.  A session with NADR members role playing the client, ALJ, representative, VE, ME, or other attendee engaged in a reality based mock hearing. 
 
Audio recorded on March 23, 2026 in Plano Texas

One of the best ways to learn hearing strategy is to experience it in action. In this realistic mock Social Security disability hearing, you will observe the full structure of a Title II hearing from start to finish. The simulation follows a claimant who was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma and now experiences ongoing residual symptoms following chemotherapy, including neuropathy, fatigue, cognitive problems, and chronic pain.

As the hearing unfolds, you will see how the representative develops testimony from the claimant to demonstrate functional limitations, challenges medical expert opinions, and strategically cross-examines the vocational expert to expose weaknesses in the job evidence. The session provides a behind-the-scenes look at how disability hearings actually work - showing the dynamics between the administrative law judge, claimant, medical expert, vocational expert, and representative.

This mock hearing also highlights practical advocacy techniques, including how to:

  • Build a persuasive opening statement
  • Develop claimant testimony that clearly demonstrates functional limitations
  • Question medical experts about incomplete record review and treatment history
  • Challenge vocational expert job classifications and job numbers
  • Use hypotheticals to demonstrate when limitations would eliminate competitive employment
  • Address issues such as absenteeism, off-task behavior, and sit/stand limitations