Attorneys may represent clients whose mental health challenges affect how they communicate, respond to legal advice, make decisions, or interact with counsel. These situations can create difficult professional and ethical questions, particularly when a client becomes unusually demanding, unresponsive, distrustful, or inconsistent.

This CLE program focuses on practical ways attorneys can navigate these challenges while maintaining an effective attorney-client relationship. The discussion will cover recognizing concerning changes in client behavior, adapting communication strategies, setting clear boundaries, addressing unreasonable demands and expectations, documenting interactions, and determining when outside assistance may be appropriate.

The program will also examine how attorneys can protect their professional judgment and avoid becoming overwhelmed by difficult client relationships. Rather than attempting to diagnose or treat mental health conditions, the program provides attorneys with practical tools for responding to challenging situations while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and continuing to provide competent representation.