Originally Held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Program Co-Chair: | Program Co-Chair: | Program Co-Chair: |
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James Bergamo Principal Court Attorney to the Hon. Kevin B. McGrath, Jr., Criminal Court of the City of New York |
Eric Fieldman Principal Court Attorney to the Hon. Toko Serita, Queens County Criminal Court and OCA Office for Justice Initiatives Division of Policy and Planning |
Kacie A. Lally Principal Court Attorney to the Hon. Anne J. Swern, NYS Supreme Court |
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This course offers an introduction to the operational framework of New York City’s expanded Mental Health Courts (MHC) and is designed to equip lawyers with essential skills for effective practice. MHC were established to address the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, recognizing the unique needs faced by individuals with mental health challenges who become involved in legal proceedings. We will have welcoming remarks by the Hon. Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, New York State. Participants will gain insight into the unique dynamics of MHC. Key topics covered include:
- How to identify clients experiencing mental health challenges
- How to effectively communicate to clients with mental illness
- Understanding who is eligible to participate in Mental Health Courts
- Learn Mental Health Court procedures from the initial stages of acceptance into judicial diversion to plea negotiations and final disposition
- The role of community mental health providers in treatment for participants
Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical guidance, this introductory course provides lawyers with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to navigate MHCs successfully and engage in proficient legal practice within this specialized area.
Program Fee:
$29 for Members | $50 for Nonmembers
This program is free to Members who are Recent Law Graduates, Newly Admitted Lawyers (admitted for the first time in 2022-2024), In-House Counsel, Judges, or Attorneys in Government, Academic or Not-for-Profit sectors. -
Introduction:
Hon. Rowan D. Wilson
Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, State of New YorkPanelists:
Katherine Bajuk
New York County Defender ServicesToni Mardirossian
New York County District AttorneyRosemary Vassalo Vellucci
Legal Aid SocietyHon. John Z. Wang
Midtown Community Justice CenterPanel Leaders/Moderators:
Kacie A. Lally
Principal Court Attorney to the Hon. Anne J. Swern, NYS Supreme CourtJames Bergamo
Principal Court Attorney to the Hon. Kevin B. McGrath, Jr., Criminal Court of the City of New York -
1:00 pm – 1:05 pm
Welcome and Speaker Introductions1:05 pm – 1:15 pm
Introduction by Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson, NYS Court of Appeals1:15 pm – 1:25 pm
Hon. John Wang – Creation, eligibility, operation and goals of the New York County misdemeanor mental health court. Importance of procedural justice for mentally ill participants.1:25 pm – 2:15 pm
Panel Discussion on Following Topics:- Identification of justice-involved persons in need of mental health care;
- How to communicate to persons with mental illness in a court setting;
- Eligibility for mental health court;
- Treatment options and providers;
- Procedure to get a client into mental health court;
- Procedural justice: Role of the court staff in creating a courtroom that supports participants with mental illness.
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New York: 1.0 Skills
New Jersey: 1.4 General
California: 1.0 General
Pennsylvania: 1.0 General -
Sponsoring Association Committees:
Criminal Courts, Anna G. Cominsky and Carola Beeney, Co-Chairs
Small Law Firm, Adam N. Weissman, ChairCo-sponsoring Organization:
Small Law Firm CenterSponsorship Opportunities are Available! Please Contact:
Yelena Balashchenko, Manager, Business Development & Sponsorships | (212) 382-6608 | ybalashchenko@nycbar.org