For claimant
representatives and advocates
This page is for attorneys, legal-aid staff, union or worker
representatives, supervised students where permitted, and authorized
non-attorney representatives assisting claimants in unemployment
proceedings.
Verify authority to appear
Representation rules differ by jurisdiction and stage. A state may
permit some non-attorney representation at an agency hearing while
requiring counsel for judicial review, limiting compensation, requiring
written authorization, or regulating who may appear. Verify the current
rule before undertaking representation.
Advocate workflow
Initial review
Identify every determination, deadline, procedural stage, noticed
issue, tribunal, and adverse fact. Obtain the full notice, available
agency record, separation evidence, and procedural history before
committing to a theory.
Burden and element mapping
Separate who must prove what from what feels equitable. Build an
issue grid identifying each required finding, supporting proof, contrary
proof, and gap.
Record development
Select witnesses by personal knowledge, authenticate documents,
obtain missing records, use subpoenas where available, and preserve
notice, access, interpreter, disclosure, or technology problems.
Hearing execution
Use direct examination, cross-examination, focused objections,
reliability analysis, and closing argument to create a complete record
rather than a generalized plea for fairness.
Post-hearing review
Compare findings with the admitted evidence, identify burden and
legal errors, preserve the next deadline, and assess the authority of
the reviewing body to affirm, reverse, modify, or remand.
Professional discipline
Do not coach false testimony, conceal adverse facts, overstate the
governing law, or use courtroom ritual that does not advance the record.
Examples and worksheets must be adapted to the jurisdiction, notice, and
actual evidence.