Every Question Counts: Building the Hearing Record with Purpose – NOSSCR 2026 Fall National Conference – Track I (Presented by National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives)
Megan Gallo is a NOSSCR Board Member for the 8th Circuit.
Alexandra (Alex) Donihoo is an attorney with the firm, representing clients across Texas, Arkansas, and beyond.
1 hour CLE
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Program Summary
Stop Running the Checklist. Start Building the Record
Claimant testimony too often runs as a routine checklist — the same questions, every hearing, every claimant. This session treats it as something else entirely: a strategic advocacy tool, with every question designed for a purpose the record will show.
Each question either works or it doesn't. A tailored question strengthens the administrative record; a rote one leaves it thin. Testimony that naturally incorporates regulatory language reinforces the standards and supports credibility findings. A transcript that closely connects testimony to the medical evidence speaks to the substantial evidence standard — and preserves issues for federal appeal.
You walk out with the techniques in hand: methods for designing hearing questions and tailoring examinations to the individual claimant, for incorporating regulatory language and legal concepts into testimony, and for building transcripts that connect testimony to medical evidence — a hearing strategy refined and modernized.
Eligible for up to 1 CLE Credit Hour
This session was originally submitted for CLE as a live, in-person presentation and a live webcast for the 2026 Fall National Conference and may be eligible for self-study credit. Each state handles self-study credit differently; for questions, please consult your State Bar Association.
Recorded Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Key topics to be discussed:
- Testimony as Advocacy
Turning claimant testimony from a routine checklist into a strategic advocacy tool. - Designing Hearing Questions
Techniques for questions that strengthen the administrative record and reinforce regulatory standards. - Tailoring the Examination
Fitting the examination to the individual claimant while naturally incorporating regulatory language and legal concepts. - Supporting Credibility Findings
Building testimony that supports credibility findings in the record. - Connecting Evidence and Testimony
Methods for transcripts that closely connect testimony to the medical evidence and the substantial evidence standard. - Preserving Federal Appeal
Designing the hearing record to preserve issues for federal appeal while refining and modernizing hearing strategy.
This course is co-sponsored with myLawCLE.
Date / Time: October 14, 2026
- 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Eastern
- 10:00 am – 11:00 am Central
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am Mountain
- 8:00 am – 9:00 am Pacific
Closed-captioning available
Speakers
Meghan Gallo, Senior Partner | GCC Law Firm
Megan Gallo is a NOSSCR Board Member for the 8th Circuit.
- Education & Credentials
She earned her undergraduate business degree from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2010, earning Dean’s List recognition. She is licensed to practice before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Recognition & Leadership
She is recognized nationally in Social Security disability law, particularly on Step Five vocational testimony, serves on NOSSCR’s Policy and Governance Committees, and has mentored NOSSCR attorneys for several years.
- Professional Involvement
She has also been one of the leading presenters and practitioners addressing statistical deficiencies in vocational evidence.
- Experience
She is an experienced administrative and federal court attorney from Arkansas.
Alexandra Donihoo, Attorney | GCC Law Firm
Alexandra (Alex) Donihoo is an attorney with the firm, representing clients across Texas, Arkansas, and beyond. An East Texas native from Nacogdoches, Alex focuses primarily on Social Security Disability cases, guiding individuals through the administrative process with skill and compassion.
- Education & Credentials
Alex earned her undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Texas at Austin and received her J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas School of Law.
- Recognition & Leadership
In 2025, she was honored with the James H. McKenzie Award for Professional Responsibility and Ethics, a recognition of her commitment to integrity, client advocacy, and professional excellence.
- Experience
Alex also has experience in wage and hour law, and she is passionate about helping others and ensuring their voices are heard. Alex’s dedication to disability law is both professional and personal. Her brother has a rare birth condition that has led to numerous health difficulties, giving her a deep understanding of the challenges families face when health issues affect their lives. This personal perspective, combined with her legal background, drives her to fight for those navigating the disability system.
Agenda
SESSION 1 – Every Question Counts: Building the Hearing Record with Purpose | 11:00am – 12:00pm
This session explores how claimant testimony can become a strategic advocacy tool rather than a routine checklist. Attendees will learn techniques for designing hearing questions that strengthen the administrative record, reinforce regulatory standards, support credibility findings, and preserve issues for federal appeal. The presentation focuses on tailoring examinations to individual claimants while naturally incorporating regulatory language and legal concepts into testimony. Participants will learn methods for building transcripts that closely connect testimony to medical evidence and the substantial evidence standard while refining and modernizing hearing strategy.
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