Changing Family Court Culture

All participants in Family Court proceedings can benefit from a culture that values respect and dignity for all. What factors detract from or strengthen a positive Family Court culture? The panel will look at the culture of family court from an anti-bias and strength-based approach. What can we do differently to acknowledge the history of racism and other biases in our work? How can we reduce trauma to ourselves and litigants through our actions?  How can we litigate from a strength-based approach? Our panel of experts will address these questions and discuss how attorneys and family court personnel, including judges and court officers, can change Family Court culture.

Speakers

Moderator: Lauren Shapiro, Esq., Managing Director, Family Defense Practice, Brooklyn Defender Services

Moderator: Linda Gehron, Esq., Chair, NYSBA Committee on Families and the Law

Dawne Mitchell, Esq., Chief Attorney, The Legal Aid Society

Nila Natarajan, Esq., Brooklyn Defenders

Jim Hinman, Esq., Monroe County Public Defenders

Karen Callanan, Esq., Monroe County Conflict Defenders

Amanda McHenry, Esq., Hiscock Legal Aid Society – Onondaga County