Legal Aid Alberta is wrapping up our three-part webinar series exploring the intersection of mental health and criminal law, offering practical knowledge, insights and real‑world experience from seasoned LAA staff and roster lawyers.
Titled Working with (and against) experts, part three on June 25 features LAA staff lawyer Katie Clackson and roster lawyer Tania Shapka. They will discuss qualifying expert witnesses, understanding and challenging risk assessments, and obtaining useful reports.
Please note that due to a scheduling conflict, Part Three has been postponed. The session will no longer take place on Wednesday, June 10 and has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 25, from noon to 1:15 p.m.
- Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
- Noon - 1:15 p.m.
- Watch recording
Topics covered:
- Understanding the line between mentally ill and unfit
- Difference between fitness and NCRMD
- The role of patience in interviewing
- Ethical issues unique to mental health scenarios
Part Two: Understanding ancillary proceedings
- Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026
- Noon - 1:15 p.m.
- Watch recording
Topics covered:
- Fitness hearings
- NCRMD
- Mental Health Act reviews
- Designated Offender proceedings
Part Three: Working with (and against) experts
- Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Noon - 1:15 p.m.
- Register
Topics covered:
- Qualifications of expert witnesses
- Understanding and challenging risk assessments
- Obtaining helpful reports (FASD assessments, neuropsychic reports, etc)