Contract Attorney Board Member

Elisa L. Wayne

Los Angeles, CA ***** 310-***-****

****.*****@*****.***

Personal Summary

Dynamic professional with comprehensive litigation, legal counseling, social action, and fundraising experience.

In-depth knowledge and specific expertise of Social Security Disability Law, Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran Benefits, Workers’ Compensation, medical diagnoses / terminology.

Direct lobbyist experience on behalf of Los Angeles social service agencies in Sacramento, CA and Washington, D.C.

Skilled in negotiating and collaborating to achieve objectives, advance meaningful causes, and fulfill organizational mission statements in non-profit organizations.

Professional Experience

Leibovic Law Group, LLC, Chatsworth, CA 2018 - Present

Senior Attorney for Leading Social Security Disability Law Firm

Litigated 300+ Social Security appellate disability cases before Administrative Law Judges (ALJ).

Achieved 75% success rate in securing Social Security disability benefits for individual applicants.

Drafted appellate briefs for Appeals Council and Federal Court proceedings.

Prepared claimants for hearings and assisted in all aspects of Social Security and long-term disability claims.

Demonstrated expertise in five-step sequential evaluation process.

Handled a high-volume of cases on daily basis.

Fleming, Greenwald & Associates, Encino, CA 2015 - 2018

Genex Services, LLC, Wayne, PA

Citizens Disability, Waltham, MA

Heard Disability Group, LLC, San Antonio, TX

Contract Attorney for Leading Social Security Disability Advocacy Firms

Responsible for all California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada Social Security representation for multiple national firms.

Made 200+ appearances in Federal Administrative Law Courts with greater success rate than national average.

Worked with clients from all socio-economic and demographic backgrounds.

Demonstrated expertise in complex medical and mental health issues in litigating disability claims.

Educated and coached clients in preparation for Social Security Disability hearings.

Office of Disability Adjudication & Review, Social Security Administration, Los Angeles, CA 2008 - 2014

Senior Attorney Advisor

Drafted Administrative Law Decisions for Social Security Administrative Law Judges.

Presented complex analysis on disability, overpayment, eligibility, and entitlement issues for Social Security.

Adjudicated 100+ On-the-Record Decisions.

Presented legally defensible arguments in Agency and Federal Court remands.

Exhibited tenacious work ethic and strong collaborative skills as liaison with representative counsel.

Ensured adherence to all rules and regulations, agency procedural systems manual (POMS) and evidentiary requirements.

Provided essential leadership and oversight to judges, attorneys and paralegals.

Streamlined operations by evaluating cases for possible expedited determinations.

Designed and presented training to legal and support staff on eligibility issues, including paternity and date of birth.

Designed and presented unique training programs to judges and attorneys comparing Social Security Law, Workers’ Compensation, and Veteran’s Benefits.

Mentored new attorneys and paralegals.

Law Offices of Susan R. Wasserman, Los Angeles, CA 1997 - 2007

Part Time Contract Attorney

Drafted thousands of briefs for Social Security Administrative Law Hearings on Disability.

H.E.L.P. (Healthcare and Elder Law Programs Corporation) Non-Profit, Torrance, CA 1990 - 1995

Pro Bono Social Security Advisor and Lecturer

Held lectures on legal issues related to Eldercare and Ageing, including Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Financial Matters, Special Needs Trusts, Conservatorships, Medicare, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).

Created supportive climate to improve lives of older adults and their families by providing impartial information on ageing related legal and homecare challenges.

Office of Disability Adjudication & Review, Social Security Administration, Los Angeles, CA 1983 - 1997

Attorney Advisor

Drafted legally defensible decisions for Social Security Commissioner.

Researched eligibility, paternity, overpayment and various disability issues.

Advised Administrative Law Judges on complex cases.

Mentored staff and new attorneys.

Marshall, Bratter, Greene, Allison & Tucker, Los Angeles, CA 1981 - 1983

Associate Attorney

Drafted memorandum, prospectus and related investment documents for satellite NYC corporate law firm.

Conducted compliance investigations required by and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Community Service

Jewish Los Angeles Special Needs Trust, Board Member (2016-Present)

Jewish Women’s Theater of Los Angeles, Executive Vice President (2007-Present)

Board of Directors of Gerontology Education and Research Organization, Member and Secretary (2010-2012)

Jewish Home of Los Angeles, Executive Board, Development Chair for Young Leadership (2006-2012)

Young Presidents Organization LA, Education Chair; Forum Moderator (2000-2007)

Brentwood School, Special Events Chair (2001-2002)

Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Women’s Conference President; Women’s Campaign (1995-2000)

Brentwood Homeowners Association, Member; Board of Directors (1985-1990)

Education

Southwestern University School of Law, Los Angeles, CA

Juris Doctor, 1981

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Bachelor of Arts with Distinction, 1978

Certifications and Affiliations

California State Bar, admitted December 1981

U.S. Federal District Court, Ninth Circuit, admitted December 1981

National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR)

National Young Leadership Cabinet Alumni, Jewish Federations of North America

Personal Interests

Snow and water skiing, Pilates, golf, hiking, biking, live theatre, cooking, crossword puzzles, Wordle, Soduku.

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