LGBTQ+ Law Section

Event Overview

Thursday, January 14, 2027

5:00 PM— LGBTQ+ Law Section MCLE Program

Conversion Therapy, Professional Regulation, and the First Amendment: Post-Chiles Landscape
In light of emerging First Amendment challenges and recent jurisprudence scrutinizing talk-therapy restrictions, this panel evaluates state authority over licensed mental health professionals. Panelists will analyze the medical, pediatric, and psychological consensus regarding conversion practices, assess New York’s enforcement frameworks under the Mental Hygiene and Education Laws, and discuss the emerging patchwork of state licensing standards nationwide.

Key Takeaway #1: Understand the evolving constitutional challenges to state regulation of licensed mental health professionals, including how recent First Amendment decisions may affect the enforceability of restrictions on conversion therapy practices.

Key Takeaway #2: Analyze New York’s current regulatory and enforcement framework governing conversion practices and compare it with emerging licensing standards and regulatory approaches across other jurisdictions.

Drafting for Non-Traditional Families: Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Defense
While New York statutory law provides strong protections for legally married spouses, substantial gaps remain for unmarried partners, chosen families, blended households, and estranged biological dynamics. When an LGBTQ+ individual dies or becomes incapacitated, default statutory schemes such as EPTL intestacy distribution and SCPA standing rules frequently operate against the decedent’s true intent, inviting bitter probate disputes and will contests from hostile biological next-of-kin. This program delivers an advanced, practical guide to drafting defensive estate plans, securing decision-making authority during life, and structuring wealth transfers that withstand post-mortem litigation.

Key Takeaway #1: Identify the legal vulnerabilities faced by unmarried partners, LGBTQ+ individuals, blended families, and chosen families under New York’s default estate, probate, and incapacity laws.

Key Takeaway #2: Develop advanced drafting strategies that protect client intent, minimize the risk of probate litigation, strengthen fiduciary and healthcare decision-making authority, and safeguard wealth transfers against post-death challenges.

LGBTQ+ Law Section Section Chair:

Eric Wursthorn

LGBTQ+ Law Section Program Chair:

Nicholas Loza