A trial for your Social Security Disability case is nothing like what you see on Television.
In Central Illinois- Peoria, Bloomington, Pontiac, Champaign and Springfield- the hearing is either held in the Hearing Office hearing room, a video conference room, or a Federal Court Conference room depending on where you live. The room itself is not that large. It does not look like a TV courtroom. There is no jury. So there is not a jury box.
The only people present are the Social Security Judge, known as an Administrative Law Judge, a monitor who runs the recording equipment, the vocational expert, yourself and your lawyer.
The monitor makes an audio recording of the hearing. Later a transcript may be necessary.
The vocational expert answers questions from the judge regarding jobs that you may be able to perform based on your limitations.
The Administrative Law Judge usually will ask you many questions about your educational and work background, your medical condition, and your limitations. Social Security does not have a lawyer so the judge will ask many more questions than other types of cases.
You will then have the chance to explain to the judge how your problems keep you from working and to question the vocational expert.
If you have any questions regarding your upcoming Social Security Disability hearing please call Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.