The National Center on Law & Elder Rights is hosting a free webinar entitled Civil Legal Strategies: Using Demand Letters and Bench Memos in Elder Abuse Cases on August 22, 2024 from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Eastern.

Representing survivors of elder abuse presents unique challenges and requires  a person-centered approach.

The effects of ageism and perceived diminished capability are two examples of challenges legal practitioners face when navigating these cases. Using bench memos (documents provided to the court that summarize the facts, issues, and arguments of a case) and demand letters (letters sent to the opposing party to ask them to take a specific action) can be effective strategic tools in these cases. Both can be a means of educating the judiciary and parties about the effects of elder abuse and the legal rights of older adults in these cases.

This webinar will help practitioners think through the process of using bench memos and demand letters in their elder abuse civil litigation practice. Presenters will discuss:

• How to address ageism and perceived diminished capability in the course of representation;
• Which cases can benefit from the use of bench memos and demand letters; and
• What to consider when crafting a demand letter.

The information in this training will primarily be applicable to attorneys representing older adults in elder abuse cases. However, other service providers and members of multidisciplinary teams may also find it helpful to better understand the range of services that legal aid can provide.

Presenters:

• Jessica Brock, American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging
• Erica Costello, American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging

Closed captioning will be available. Please be sure to log onto the webinar a few minutes early in order to secure your place for the live presentation on Zoom. 

If you would like to request ASL interpretation or have other accessibility related questions, please email ncler@acl.hhs.gov at least one week in advance.