Recognizing & Handling PTSD in Your Next Case

THE 60-MINUTE LAWYER

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become a mainstream psychological ailment over the past 30 years, and is often raised in legal proceedings pertaining to divorce/custody, criminal responsibility, and civil damages. This seminar begins with an overview of PTSD, including current research and best practices in forensic assessment, and insights about what other mental health factors may be at play.

The faculty then discuss what considerations an attorney should undertake when representing a client who has either been diagnosed with PTSD or the attorney suspects the client has PTSD.

How can an attorney provide trauma-informed representation?

How should an attorney conduct client interviews and handle correspondences with a client that presents with trauma?

How should an attorney prepare such clients for sworn testimony pursuant to a deposition or at a trial?

How should a client's trauma diagnosis be presented to a court?

How can an attorney be thoroughly prepared and have a good command of the facts of a client's case when trauma is a factor?

This program is a must-attend for attorneys who have a litigation practice in either criminal or domestic relations law where factors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child physical/sexual abuse, assault and battery are often factors in a case.