On Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Dechert LLP, AABANY’s Immigration Law Committee kicked off its first FY 2018 event with a CLE titled, “Secondary Traumatic Stress – Working with Clients with Trauma.” The program was very timely and well-received given May’s designation as Mental Health Awareness Month and APA Heritage Month. The CLE panel speakers included two former immigration judges, Carol King and Jeffrey Chase, two non-profit immigration attorneys, Amy Hsieh of Sanctuary for Families and Rebecca Press of Central American Legal Assistance, and Susan Akina, Co-Chair of the Immigration Law Committee. Amanda Bernardo, Co-Chair of the Immigration Law Committee, moderated the discussion. 

The event focused on bringing greater attention to the sometimes taboo topic of mental health, especially for practitioners and adjudicators who work with clients with trauma. The speakers shared their own experiences working with clients or applicants. The speakers also provided helpful strategies and stress-relieving tips to attendees so they can continue being great advocates for their clients. Attorneys in attendance received 2.0 CLE credits in the Skills category for free.

Thanks to the speakers for an informative, compelling and helpful discussion. Thanks to all who attended, and thanks to Dechert for hosting.

To learn more about the Immigration Law Committee and to get in contact with its co-chairs visit http://www.aabany.org/?page=129