Best Practices for Navigating the Criminal Legal System with Clients with Mental Health Diagnoses
Presented by NYSBA Committee on Mandated Representation, Mental Health Subcommittee
*Co-sponsored by the New York Women’s Bar Association, Crimlaw Committee

When: May 26, 2026, 9am – 1pm
Where:  Hybrid event – in person, at the Legal Aid Society Training Facility at 199 Water Street – and virtually.

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SOON

Part 1: 9am – 12pm: Working with clients with Mental Health Challenges
Presenter: Dr. Virginia Barber-Rioja, Center for Justice Innovation, CUNY John Jay College

Dr. Barber will discuss the presentation of symptoms of clients with psychiatric diagnoses,  educate about the diagnoses we see most frequently in the criminal legal system, and offer best practices for communication and working with justice-involved people with mental illness and cognitive concerns.

Part 2: 12pm- 1pm: Best Practices in Legal Representation, Trauma-Informed Advocacy for Treatment-Focused Outcomes
Presenters:  Aubrey Rose, Esq.,Mental Health Attorney Team Leader, Family Defense Practice, Brooklyn Defender Services; Jeff Berman, Esq., MICA/Mental Health Attorney Specialist, The Legal Aid Society- Criminal Defense Division; Katherine LeGeros Bajuk, Esq., Mental Health & Veteran’s Treatment Court Attorney Specialist, New York County Defender Services.

Criminal and family practice mental health attorneys will present on trauma informed advocacy for treatment-focused outcomes,  disrupting stigma and ensuring justice-involved individuals’ health and safety in both criminal and family law settings.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this CLE,  attendees will be able to:

1. Develop a foundational understanding of common mental health diagnoses and their potential impact on clients’ experiences within legal systems.
2. Build skills to communicate effectively and empathetically with clients who have mental health challenges, using approaches that are non‑stigmatizing and trauma‑informed.
3.   Incorporate best practices for navigating both the criminal legal system and family court on behalf of clients with mental health needs when seeking a treatment focused outcome.
4. Learn about current innovations and practices designed to support clients with mental health challenges throughout legal processes.

**Light breakfast will be provided for in-person attendees