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THE MENTAL HEALTH LEGAL ADVISORS COMMITTEE

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TRAINING

The Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee provides educational seminars on issues of mental health for attorneys and advocates whose clients are adults or children with mental illness. For information on past or future trainings, contact Kate Dulit at MHLAC. She can be reached via email at MHLACtraining@gmail.com or by telephone at: (617) 338-2345 x30

Written materials for most of these conferences are available though the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee for $25.

NOTE: To open agenda and registrations for trainings starting on 6/2/06 will require
Adobe Acrobat Reader (download free).

RECENT TRAINING

TOP NOTCH REPRESENTATION OF CHILDREN AND PARENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS was held in Boston, MA at MCLE. on June 6, 2008. The MENTAL HEALTH LEGAL ADVISORS COMMITTEE presented a full-day seminar for attorneys and other professionals of all levels of experience aimed at improving the outcome for children and parents with mental illness involved in the legal system. Sessions included The Ins and Outs of Psychological Assessments, Partnering with Pediatricians, and Children on the Spectrum, a panel discussion of Recent Developments in Representing Children with Mental Health Needs and an intensive look at Special Education Advocacy. This seminar combined the knowledge and experience of medical and legal experts who work with persons with mental illness.
Complete Program Agenda

PAST TRAININGS

On February 1, 2008 MHLAC presented "CRITICAL COMPONENTS TO FIRST-RATE REPRESENTATION OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS" a full-day seminar at MCLE. This seminar aimed at improving the outcome for persons with mental illness involved in the legal system. The day began with a greeting from Barbara Leadholm and a keynote address by Laurie Martinelli. The morning sessions had a clinical focus and covered hot topics in psychopharmacology and assessing risk. The entire afternoon, an intensive and productive looked at legal and litigation issues involved in representing persons with mental illness, led by experienced attorneys and judges and ended with an opportunity for audience participation and input. Complete Program Agenda

On October 26, 2007 MHLAC presented "CONVENTIONAL AND UNCONVENTIONAL REPRESENTATION OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS" at Western New England School of Law in Springfield, Mass. This seminar, taught by experienced trial attorneys, clinical doctors, and Western Massachusetts judges, focused on areas of critical importance to superior representation of persons with mental illness. Topics covered in the morning included psychiatric medications, mental health evaluations, and the experience of consumers involved in the system. In the afternoon, experienced attorneys discussed legal strategies for working with experts and Judges presented a view from the bench on issues of mental health in their courts.

Complete Program Agenda

On June 1, 2007 MHLAC presented "SOLUTION-ORIENTED REPRESENTATION OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS" The full-day seminar for attorneys and other professionals of all levels of experience aimed at improving the outcome for children and adolescents with mental illness involved in the legal system. Keynote speaker, Dr. Ross Greene, discussed Collaborative Problem Solving and expert clinicians followed with talks on autism spectrum disorders and psychopharmacology in child Rogers cases. The afternoon began with a View from the Bench by Honorable Jay Blitzman and then offered two panel presentations of critical interest to those representing children and adolescents in legal and education matters. The first panel addressed recent case law developments and the second focused on the impact of trauma on learning. This seminar included both valuable practical information as well as thoughtful analysis of the challenges advocates face for children and adolescents with mental illness. This course was approved for 8 credits for both CPCS MHL and CAFL Units.

Complete Program Agenda

On February 2, 2007 MHLAC presented "EVOLVING APPROACHES TO REPRESENTING PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS" at MCLE in Boston. The topics of the morning sessions included Medications for Psychosis, Mood Disorders and Behavioral Emergencies, Treatment Strategies for Dual Diagnosis, and Assessing Dangerousness to Self or Others. The afternoon consisted of two panels: the first on Emergency Room Treatment of Persons with Mental Illness and the second on the Framingham Jail Diversion Program. This course was approved for 8 credits for both CPCS MHL and CAFL Units. Materials are available upon request.

Complete Program Agenda

On November 3, 2006, MHLAC presented its first Western Massachusetts training called, "REPRESENTING CHILDREN AND PARENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS WEST OF WORCESTER." The conference was held at the Western New England College School of Law in Springfield from 8:30 AM-5:00 PM. The morning sessions included mental health diagnoses and treatment for children, representing parents with mental illness, and the role of child development, psychological research and values in representing youth in child protection actions. The afternoon consisted of two panels: the first on mental health systems and services in Western Massachusetts and the second on diverse Rogers practice in the Juvenile and Probate Courts.

Complete Program Agenda

On June 2, 2006, MHLAC presented "MASTERING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN JUVENILE COURT." This all-day conference was held at MCLE, 10 Winter Place, Boston from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. The purpose of this training was to improve the representation of children in juvenile court. The morning sessions included sessions on mental health medications for kids, a view from the bench by Judge Erskine, and a clinical/legal discussion of understanding children's competency to make decisions. The afternoon covered basic and advanced legal skills and a session on pycho-social assessments and their use in court.

Complete Program Agenda (PDF)

On February 3, 2006, MHLAC presented "STATE-OF-THE-ART TREATMENT AND REPRESENTATION OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS." This all-day conference was held at MCLE, 10 Winter Place, from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. The morning sessions focused on empirically-supported mental health treatment, specifically Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, evidence-based medicine, and effective therapies for children. The afternoon included a thorough discussion by Judge Rosemary Minehan on the complexities of mental health law practice and finally, there was a session on motivational interviewing.             Complete Program Agenda (Microsoft Word)

On June 3, 2005, MHLAC presented "MAXIMIZING ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AND LEARNING DISABILITIES." This full day seminar took place at MCLE fom 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. The course's goal was to improve advocacy on behalf of children with mental illness and learning disabilities in both the courtroom and the schools. In the morning, presentations were on mental illness in children, neuropsychological evaluations, and understanding aggression in children. The afternoon contained a legislative update, an analysis of changes in special education law, and a nuts and bolts discussion of working with schools and the Department of Social Services on behalf of your child client.             Complete Program Agenda (Microsoft Word)

On January 21, 2005, MHLAC presented "EFFECTIVE AND ZEALOUS LEGAL REPRESENTATION: HONING SKILLS AND CREATING STRATEGIES ON BEHALF OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS." This full-day seminar took place at MCLE from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. The course's aim was to advance the representation of adults and children with mental illness and as such it focused on the legal skills involved in advocacy on behalf of clients with mental illness. The morning consisted of presentations on competence to consent to treatment and cross examination of experts. The afternoon included a talk by the Chief Justice of the District Court, a session on Strategic Decisions in Civil Commitment Cases for Adults and for Children in DSS Custody and finally a novel presentation on Recognizing Barriers and Overcoming Hurdles in Attorney-Client Communication.
Complete Program Agenda

On June 4, 2004, MHLAC presented "REPRESENTING THE MENTAL HEALTH CLIENT WITH A COMPLEXITY OF ISSUES." The seminar took place at MCLE from 8:30AM - 5:00 PM. The program focused on the many complex medical and behavioral issues that are often present in conjunction with mental illness. The morning presentations involved personality disorders and the afternoon sessions discussed conduct disorder, eating disorders, substance abuse and mental retardation.
Complete Program Agenda

On January 30, 2004, MHLAC presented TWENTY YEARS SINCE ROGERS: MENTAL HEALTH MEDICATIONS AND THE LAW TODAY. The seminar took place at the Federal Reserve Bank from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. The morning presentations involved presentations by preeminent psychiatrists regarding commonly used mental health medications for adults and children, their uses and side effects. The afternoon provided instruction and discussion of legal skills and strategies for representing persons with mental illness, specifically alternatives to medication and a mock Rogers hearing. Complete Program Agenda.

On June 2, 2003, MHLAC presented MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS IN THE COURTROOM. The seminar took place at Suffolk University Law School from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. The morning presentations by doctors focused on the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression in both adults and children. The afternoon included complex discussions of interviewing techniques and issues of treatment compliance.
Complete Program Agenda.

On January 31, 2003, MHLAC presented REPRESENTING PARENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN FAMILY LAW CASES. This all-day seminar took place at Bunker Hill Community College's Charlestown campus from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The morning and afternoon sessions focused on the clinical and legal aspects involved in representing parents with mental illness in court as well as accessing services for clients in these cases.
Complete Program Agenda.

On May 31, 2002, MHLAC presented SCHIZOPHRENIA AND BIPOLAR DISORDER 101: A SEMINAR FOR LAWYERS BY DOCTORS. The seminar took place at Suffolk University Law School from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. The morning focused on the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The afternoon involved discussions of the legal issues involved in representing persons with these disabilities such as the standards for competency, dangerousness, guardianship and commitment.
Complete Program Agenda.

On January 25, 2002, MHLAC presented RING AROUND THE ROSEY: LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL ILLNESS. This all-day seminar was held at the Federal Reserve Bank from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. The morning of the conference focused on advocacy with state agencies on behalf of children with mental illness. The afternoon included a panel discussion of the use of the juvenile court clinics and workshops on special education issues and pediatric psychopharmacology.
Complete Program Agenda.

On Friday, June 8, 2001, MHLAC presented COLLABORATE OR COLLIDE: WORKING WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS TO EFFECTIVELY REPRESENT PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS. This all-day program was held at the Federal Reserve Bank from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. The seminar focused on the rewards and challenges of working with other professionals in the representation of persons with mental illness. The program offered a variety of sessions by professionals who work directly with mental health attorneys in the pre-hearing, hearing and post-hearing stages of mental health litigation.
Complete Program Agenda.

On January 29, 2001, MHLAC presented BIG CHANGES, NEW TACTICS: MENTAL HEALTH LAWYERING AFTER COMMITMENT LAW REFORM. This all-day seminar was held at the Federal Reserve Bank from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. The program addressed the changes involved in commitment law after the law reform, professional ethics in lawyering on behalf of persons with mental illness, and interviewing strategies and techniques involved in this area of work.
Complete Program Agenda.
Additional folder material.

On May 22, 2000, MHLAC, together with the Center for Public Representation, and MCLE, co-sponsored an all-day conference entitled REPRESENTING CLIENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS. This collaborative effort provided training for legal services staff and private attorneys as well as promoted pro bono opportunities for the bar. Experts in housing, involuntary treatment, guardianship, and custody issues lectured and answered questions. Discussions focused on how to access mental health services for your client and ethical issues. Materials are available through MCLE at 1-800-966-6253.

On January 28, 2000, MHLAC presented DECIPHERING DOCTORS: UNDERSTANDING MEDICATION AND EFFECTIVELY USING MEDICAL EXPERTS IN MENTAL HEALTH PROCEEDINGS. This all-day program was held at Suffolk University Law School from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. The morning focused on diagnosis and medications for treatment of mental illness while the afternoon involved a mock commitment and Rogers hearing.

On June 28, 1999, MHLAC presented COMMITMENT HEARINGS AND MEDICATION OPTIONS: BEYOND ROUTINE REPRESENTATION OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS. This all-day program was held at Boston College Law School from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. The morning session offered tips and tactics by experienced attorneys on commitment hearings and discussed options of psychotropic medications. The afternoon involved an in-depth look at legal issues that develop in a Rogers hearing.

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