The presentation discusses actions by Law Enforcement and Prosecutorial teams that have the unintended effect of limiting or denying victims of their rights. Some hurdles are generated by defense counsel actions, but the majority of transgressions against victim's rights come from the inaction by and misunderstandings of Law enforcement and Prosecutors about the rights to which victims are entitled. This presentation is designed to highlight those areas where the victim's rights are overlooked... or considered inconsequential. Recommended strategies will be discussed.

presented by

Alonzo Robertson, Kathleen Callan

In this interactive session, select state and federal cases from the past year will be highlighted, and attendees will cast online “votes” to weigh in on questions.  The presenters will frame the issues within the landscape of victims’ rights, identify trends, articulate areas of celebration (or concern), and provide strategies for the years ahead.

presented by

Meg Garvin, Amy Liu

In this presentation, Assistant Disciplinary Counsel for the Oregon State Bar, Alison Wilkinson, will discuss ethical obligations that are likely to arise when working with victims of crime. Through case examples and hypotheticals, you will leave this presentation with a better understanding of how to satisfy your professional responsibilities while best advocating for victims.

presented by

Alison Wilkinson, Assistant Disciplinary Counsel, Oregon State Bar

Civilian advocates and attorneys can provide valuable victims’ rights support and advocacy for victims in military justice proceedings – yet few non-military members are sufficiently familiar with the military justice system and how civilian-provided advocacy can support victims’ rights in military justice. Join members of the NCVLI legal team in a facilitated discussion with a seasoned military advocate and an experienced military attorney for victims that is designed to familiarize civilian victim service providers with military processes, rights and options for survivors. Participants will gain a better understanding of how civilian advocates and attorneys can work with military-connected victims in ways that help protect and promote their rights.

presented by

Lieutenant Colonel Leah Eccles Watson, Policy Officer, National Guard Special Victims' Counsel Program & Sergeant First Class Freyja E. Eccles, Intern & Victim Advocate, National Crime Victim Law Institute

State rules of professional conduct limit when attorneys and certain non-attorneys with whom they work can communicate directly with crime victims who are represented by counsel. This training explores these limitations in the context of victims’ rights law and practice. NCVLI will provide a brief overview of the scope and application of no-contact rules to communications with represented victims. Two experienced victims’ rights attorneys – Jamie Balson from Legal Services for Crime Victims in Arizona and Mariam El-menshawi from California Victims Legal Resource Center – will then share their experiences with, and practice tips for, navigating no-contact rules while also facilitating victims' access to their rights.

presented by

Susie Cowen, National Crime Victim Law Institute & Jamie Balson, Crime Victims' Rights Attorney, Legal Services for Crime Victims in Arizona

Trauma-Informed awareness is a critically important factor in successful lawyering. This presentation will give participants an overview of how trauma affects both clients and attorneys. It will also provide practical skills for attorneys in their advocacy work for children and adults who have been the victims of violence. In addition, it will address steps attorneys can take in their own self-care while dealing with trauma in their clients.

presented by

Amber Kinney, J.D. Amber Kinney Law & Sheldon Levy, Ph.D., M.P.H