Sabrina DolsonUpcoming CLEs
Upcoming CLEs
CLE programs are generally available at no cost to Nevada-licensed or emeritus-certified attorneys who take a pro bono case or volunteer for two Ask-A-Lawyer programs.
“Intro to Representing Children in Abuse & Neglect Cases”
Learn how to effectively represent abused and neglected foster care children
Date & Time: Friday, April 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. PT; Thursday, June 20, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. PT; Friday, August 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT; and Thursday, October 10, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. PT
Location: Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Engelstad Family Classroom AND via Google Meet
In this course, attorneys will learn how to effectively represent children in foster care. In Nevada, children are parties to an abuse/neglect case brought by a child welfare agency. Under Nevada law, those children have a right to be represented by an attorney. Attorneys from the Children’s Attorneys Project (CAP) will teach attendees how to establish an attorney/client relationship with clients of all ages. The class will also provide an overview of the child welfare system and the life of an abuse/neglect case. Lastly, the class will touch upon common issues, including sibling connections, mental health, and delayed permanency.
“Introduction to Tenants’ Rights”
The life of a tenancy from beginning to end and the tools renters need to protect themselves
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 27, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. PT
Location: Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Engelstad Family Classroom AND via Google Meet
The Pro Bono Project presents a free CLE course: Introduction to Tenants’ Rights.
In the last few years, landlord-tenant law in Nevada has changed dramatically. Join us for lunch and learn what’s new. This CLE course will give you the confidence to participate in Ask-A-Lawyer sessions, or just answer your friends and family members’ questions at your next gathering. To volunteer for our Landlord-Tenant AAL sessions, no experience is necessary. This course will provide you with the training needed to volunteer. Use your legal training to empower clients.
The Consumer Rights Project at Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada will teach this CLE. You may attend in person or via zoom. Plus, we will provide free lunch to in-person attendees!
Nevada-licensed or emeritus-certified attorneys can earn 1 CLE general credit by attending. To receive CLE credit, attorneys must be an active volunteer with the Pro Bono Project.
On-Demand CLEs
Nevada-licensed and emeritus-certified attorneys who request access to view a CLE on-demand will get CLE credit for watching the recording, verifying viewing with the Pro Bono Project, and satisfying the requirement listed for the particular CLE. Please contact the Pro Bono Project for more information.
“View from the Bench: Best Practices for Family Law Cases”
A rare in-person opportunity to hear from family law court judges
Learn from Family Court Judge Gordon and Judge McConnell about best practices for family law cases. This CLE included a Q&A section. This is a 1.0 hour general CLE credit available to those who take a new pro bono case. This CLE is a great opportunity to hear from two of our newest Clark County District Court Judges.
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A Conversation with Barbara Buckley
Cost: FREE to attorneys who take a new pro bono case! 1.0 Ethics CLE credit
Summary: For the first time, and in an intimate setting, Barbara will share stories of her pre-lawyer days as a legal assistant, how she was the first person in her family to go to college, and why she chose law school. Barbara will also discuss how she became the first female Speaker of the Assembly in Nevada’s history, why she dedicated her entire legal career to public service, and many more inspirational stories. Don’t miss this special event, including a kick-off celebration of Barbara entering her 35th year at the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada in 2024!
Available Soon!
Frontline Indian Child Welfare Act Training
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
Cost: FREE! 2.0 General CLE credits available to attorneys who take a new pro bono CAP case
Location: Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Engelstad Family Classroom AND via RingCentral
Presenters: Representatives from the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, Osage Nation, Ho-Chunk Nation; Nevada State Assembly Representative Shea Backus, Esq.; the Clark County District Attorney’s Office; and Patrick Hirsch, Esq., Children’s Attorneys Project Staff Attorney.
Summary: Like many critical landmark civil rights achievements, the Indian Child Welfare Act is currently under a coordinated attack by opposing interests. Although Nevada has taken great strides to protect the rights of Native American children, ensuring those rights are respected requires the informed participation of every attorney who handles child welfare cases…especially those who don’t think they handle ICWA cases! This CLE will address three primary topics. First, we will briefly cover the history and ongoing need for ICWA. We will then focus on how attorneys who do not usually handle ICWA cases still have a critical role to play in protecting the rights of native children and their tribes. Finally, we will turn to the practical aspects of handling ICWA cases and highlight some of the newly enacted provisions of Nevada’s State ICWA as well as how to incorporate them into your practice. For inspiration and background information, attendees are strongly encouraged to listen to both seasons of the This Land podcast presented by Crooked Media (contact Patrick Hirsch at phirsch@lacsn.org for technical assistance).
Available Soon!
2023 Legislative Overview with Speaker Yeager and Majority Leader Cannizzaro
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 10/3/2023
1.0 CLE credits available to attorneys who take a new pro bono case
Location: Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, Engelstad Family Classroom
Presenters: Nevada Senate Majority Leader Nicole J. Cannizzaro & Nevada Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager
This CLE will highlight the work of the 2023 Legislative Session from the perspective of Nevada Senate Majority Leader Nicole J. Cannizzaro and Nevada Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager.
Available Soon!
Compassion Recharge: Workplace Stress and DEI
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 9/20/2023
1.0 AAMH CLE credits available to attorneys who take a new pro bono case
Presenters: Dr. M. Alexis Kennedy, PhD/JD, a trauma researcher at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Professor – Department of Criminal Justice; Community Faculty – Department of Psychiatry, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine.
This 60-minute CLE will cover workplace stress related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Embracing diversity in the workplace is crucial for creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Equity means providing everyone with fair and equal access to resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Inclusion reflects a workplace that acknowledges and embraces the differences in people. The key to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) starts with education about cultural competence. Improving competence improves communication, conflict management, and productivity. A lack of DEI leads increase stress for individuals and the workplace. Stress can be contagious and recognizing how that stress is passed between people can support earlier interventions. Education and accommodations benefit both the individual and the group as a whole. Organizational change can be an effective way to reduce compassion fatigue due to stress.
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Not All Guardianships are Created Equally: NRS 159A v. NRS 432B
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 9/12/2023
1.0 General CLE credits available to attorneys who take a new pro bono CAP or guardianship case
Presenters: Janice Wolf, Legal Aid Center Children’s Attorneys Project Directing Attorney; Marina Dalia-Hunt, Legal Aid Center Team Lead, Minor Guardianship Advocacy Project
Did you know that, in Nevada, there are two statutory paths to guardianship? Family members can initiate a guardianship case under NRS 159A, but youth in foster care can find permanency in a guardianship under NRS 432B. This CLE will discuss the difference between these two pathways, the procedural law behind each guardianship, and the pros and cons to each.
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Independent Living: The Road to Self-Sufficiency
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 8/23/2023
1.5 General CLE credits available to attorneys who take a new pro bono CAP case
Presenters: Shuuanndy Alvarez, M.S. Social Work, Family Services Supervisor, Clark County Department of Family Services, Independent Living LIFESET Program; Vanessa Monroe Geurin, Senior Family Services Specialist, Clark County Social Service Step Up Program; Isabel Iraheta, Supervisor, Family Services Independent Living Program; Samantha Zabo, Esq., Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Children’s Attorneys Project Staff Attorney; Dewey Fowler, Jr., Esq., Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Children’s Attorneys Project Team Chief; Jaymie Junsay, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Children’s Attorneys Project Advocate.
When a youth in foster care reaches the age of 14, Federal and Nevada law provide for additional services to that youth to assist them in becoming independent. The youth’s 18th birthday marks the end of their minority, and foster youth are faced with a number of choices about housing, education and financial assistance. This CLE will provide an overview of the law covering services for teens in foster care, applicable programming, and support. Attendees will hear from panelists involved with youth both before and after they reach the age of majority, and will leave better prepared to advocate for those youth to become self-sufficient.
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The Power Act: Panel Discussion on Domestic Violence and Custody
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and the Federal Court | Originally recorded on 7/20/2023
1.5 General CLE credit available to attorneys with an active pro bono case or who take a new pro bono case. Acceptance of a NEW pro bono CAP case is appreciated.
Presenters: Honorable 8th Judicial Court Judge Mastin, Marshal Willick, Esq., Jim Jimmerson, Esq., and Jan Bouriche, SafeNest. Moderated by Legal Aid Center Attorney, Madeline La Forgia, Esq.
Join Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and the Federal Court for a panel discussion exploring domestic violence in a custody case.
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Pathways to Success: Helping Foster Children and Youth Succeed in School
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 7/18/2023
1.0 General CLE credit available to attorneys with an active pro bono CAP case or who take a new pro bono CAP case. Acceptance of a NEW pro bono CAP case is appreciated.
Presenters: Gillian Barjon, Esq., Education Advocacy Program Team Chief in the Children’s Attorneys Project at Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
It is standard knowledge that education outcomes for kids in foster care lag behind their peers in grade performance, attendance, graduation rates, and opportunities for post-secondary education. From covering laws that directly impact our kids in school to identifying kids with disabilities, this training will present concrete tips to improve practice and help ensure foster children get the support they need to be successful in school and beyond.
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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Basics
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 3/28/2023
2.0 General CLE credits available to attorneys who take a new pro bono bankruptcy case
Presenter: Dr. Richard Hawkins, Esq. of The Hawkins Law Firm
This 2 hour CLE will cover what to expect in handling an uncomplicated Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It will start with an overview of bankruptcy law, then delve into preparing the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy petition, the debtor’s duties and deadline, and the 314 Meeting of Creditors.
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Mindful Meditation Practice for Lawyers to Enhance Efficiency and Wellness
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 3/1/2023
1.0 AAMH CLE credit available to attorneys who take a new pro bono case
Presenter: Professor Kathryn M. Stanchi, E.L.Cord Professor of Law, UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law
This program will start by summarizing the key points of the science of distraction. In particular, it will describe and document the problem with multitasking and distraction: most people think they can multitask well, but they cannot. Instead, multitasking leads to inefficiency and anxiety, which creates a circular pattern of more inefficiency and anxiety. The program will then offer mindfulness practice as a solution, describe what a mindfulness practice can look like, and give an overview of the studies that show how even a short but consistent mindful work practice can help lawyers focus and concentrate, all while reducing anxiety and stress. The program will end with a demonstration of a few short steps lawyers can take to adopt a mindful approach to accomplishing tasks. We will then do a short mindfulness exercise after which attendees will spend some time working in silent and focused concentration. Attendees should come to the session with a project on which they would like to make some progress.
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Protecting a Client’s Benefits in Guardianship
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 2/23/2023
1.0 General CLE credit available to attorneys with an active pro bono guardianship case or who take a new pro bono guardianship case
Presenter: Patrick Clifford, Esq. of Clifford Senior Law
In this CLE, you will learn that protecting a client’s benefits using a trust or other strategies can be critically important in the guardianship realm. You will learn the difference between means tested benefits (SSI, Medicaid, VA pension, etc.) and non-means tested benefits (SSDI, Medicare), and how different trusts and other programs can be used to protect those benefits, including ABLE accounts, first and third party special needs trusts, pooled special needs trusts, qualified income trusts, and if time allows, Medicaid asset protection trusts.
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Education Advocacy and School Discipline
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 9/13/2022
1.0 General CLE credit available to attorneys with an active pro bono CAP case or who take a new pro bono CAP case
It is no secret that children can get in trouble at school for many reasons. The return to in-person education last school year revealed many concerns with discipline and behaviors. Few know that children with eligible disabilities and special education rights are supposed to be disciplined with different considerations and procedures. The same is true for children in foster care who have experienced trauma–extra protections apply whether they have a disability or not. This CLE will highlight discipline in the context of these two populations and provide insight into how advocates can seek just outcomes for their clients. It will also explore discipline inequity and efforts to curb those outcomes through best practices and policies here in Clark County.
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How to Avoid Disputes in Discovery
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 6/6/2022
1.5 General CLE credits available to attorneys with an active pro bono case or who take a new pro bono case
Eighth District Court Discovery Commissioners Jay Young and Erin Truman will offer a discussion of common pitfalls in discovery and how to avoid them. Bring your discovery questions for an opportunity to learn from the Commissioners and improve your discovery practice.
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Family Law Ask-A-Lawyer Boot Camp
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 6/1/2022
1.0 General CLE credit available to attorneys who take a new pro bono family law case or volunteer for 2 future Family Law Ask-A-Lawyer sessions
This training will provide substantive knowledge of the most common family law issues that participants in the Family Law Ask-A-Lawyer events have. After an overview of the law, the remaining time will be a review of hypotheticals with a panel of experienced Family Law Ask-A-Lawyer volunteers to practice providing advice on different scenarios that may come up during an Ask-A-Lawyer.
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Coffee with CAP: Independent Living
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 4/26/2022
1.0 General CLE credit available to attorneys with an active pro bono CAP case or who take a new pro bono CAP case
Joseph Taylor, Step Up Supervisor at Clark County Social Service, Lisa Martinez, Manager at Clark County Department of Family Services, Dewey Fowler, CAP Staff Attorney, and Jaymie Junsay, CAP Legal Advocate, review independent living in the context of CAP cases.
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Section 1983 Basics and 8th Amendment Deliberate Indifference
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada in Partnership with the Federal Pro Bono Program | Originally recorded on 4/13/2022
1.5 General CLE credits available to attorneys who take a new Federal Pro Bono Program case
This training will provide the tools, strategies, and resources to effectively represent pro bono clients in civil rights lawsuits. Professor Karen Blum, JD, LLM, will present the CLE and has over 40 years of litigation and reaching experience in the areas of civil rights, civil procedure, federal courts, and police misconduct litigation. She will review the basics of 1983 claims, with a focus on 8th Amendment Deliberate Indifference claims.
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Presumptions in Cases with Domestic Violence and Child Abuse: NRS §432.157 and §432B.555 Hearings
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 3/25/2022
1.0 General CLE credit available to attorneys with an active pro bono CAP case or who take a new pro bono CAP case
This CLE will cover Nevada Revised Statutes §432.157 and §432B.555 dealing with presumptions including; what triggers presumptions, how presumptions can be overcome, and what the burden of proof is in overcoming the presumptions.
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Introduction to Representing Children in Abuse and Neglect Cases
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 2/17/2022
2.0 General CLE credits available to attorneys who take a new pro bono CAP case
In Nevada, children are parties to an abuse/neglect case brought by a child welfare agency; under Nevada law, those children have a right to representation by an attorney. This class is an introduction to effectively representing children in foster care. Attendees will learn how to establish an attorney/client relationship with clients of all ages. The class will also provide an overview of the child welfare system and the life of an abuse/neglect case. Last, the class will touch upon common issues, including sibling connections, mental health and delayed permanency.
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To Represent or Not To Represent: Evaluating Conflicts in Child Welfare Cases
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 1/21/2022
1.0 Ethics CLE credit available to attorneys with an active pro bono CAP case or who take a new pro bono CAP case
Evaluating conflicts in a child welfare case can be tricky and time consuming, especially when the child’s story is compelling. Even though the potential/current/former client is a minor, the Nevada Rules of Professional Conduct governing conflicts still apply. This class will provide an overview of evaluating conflicts of interest, using a few scenarios commonly arising in abuse/neglect cases.
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Responding to The Needs of Afghan Evacuees: Introduction to Asylum
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 1/18/2022
2.5 General CLE credits available to attorneys who take a new pro bono immigration case
In the wake of the Afghanistan evacuation in August 2021, over 200 Afghan families will be settling into life in Nevada and are in need of representation in their asylum cases. This training gives pro bono attorneys the tools to represent Afghan evacuees in asylum cases. It covers asylum law and procedure, cultural competency, and the practical aspects of an asylum case. After the training, pro bono attorneys will have access to sample pleadings, a mentor, and additional trainings as they work through the case(s).
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Giving Children a Voice: Representing Minors in Guardianship Proceedings
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 11/18/2021
1.0 General CLE credit available to attorneys who take a new pro bono guardianship case or volunteer for 2 future Family Law Ask-A-Lawyer sessions
Thousands of children in Clark County are cared for by someone other than their parent due to their parents’ death, incarceration, or unsuitability. These children, who are outside the supervision of Children’s Protective Services, have largely gone without advocacy, despite facing many of the same issues as children in the dependency system. This seminar is for attorneys who would like to represent children in guardianship. You will learn the role of the children’s attorney and an overview of the court proceedings and processes involved in guardianship cases for both guardianships of the person and estate.
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Basics of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Cases
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 11/5/2021
2.0 General CLE credits available to attorneys who take a new pro bono immigration case
The CLE will cover what Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”) is and who is eligible to apply for SIJS. It will also provide an overview of the process of how to apply for SIJS and useful practice pointers.
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Representing High-Risk Victims/Survivors in Family Court
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 10/28/2021
1.0 General CLE credit available to attorneys who take a new pro bono family law case or volunteer for 2 future Family Law Ask-A-Lawyer sessions
This training provides the tools, strategies, and resource information for effective representation of domestic violence victims and survivors who are at high risk of serious physical injury or fatality. Topics include drafting pleadings in high-risk cases, application and extension of protection orders, safety planning within litigation, immigration-related relief for victims of violence and crimes, supporting prosecution of adverse parties, and safety options for custodial exchanges and visitation.
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Not A Slave 4 U: #FreeBritney and Ending Guardianship Overreach in Nevada
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 10/20/2021
1.0 General CLE credit available to attorneys who take a new pro bono guardianship case or volunteer for 2 future Family Law Ask-A-Lawyer sessions
While the recently released details of Britney Spears’ conservatorship in California were a shock to many, could something similar happen in Nevada? This CLE will provide an overview of the Nevada guardianship system, including the ways in which guardianships can be excessively restrictive, and review alternative options for people who need assistance. It will also highlight the tools needed to represent a protected person in a Nevada guardianship case.
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Basics of Family Law
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 9/29/2021
2.5 General CLE credits available for attorneys who take a new pro bono family law case or volunteer for 2 future Family Law Ask-A-Lawyer sessions
Many people in our community cannot afford legal assistance in family law matters. They are denied access to their children or property and have extreme difficulty navigating the legal system on their own. This seminar will teach you the basics of handling a divorce or custody case and prepare you to help someone in need.
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Fundamental Techniques in Advanced Representation in CAP
Sponsored by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada | Originally recorded on 9/17/2021
1.0 General CLE credit available to attorneys with an active pro bono CAP case or who take a new pro bono CAP case
This presentation is designed to help improve the quality of representation provided by practicing child welfare attorneys in the State of Nevada. The presentation focuses on reemphasizing the supremacy of the law as an authority in child welfare cases and illustrates a method that has demonstrated success in harnessing that authority to provide improved client outcomes. Additionally, a significant portion of the presentation is devoted to an in-depth examination of the statutory rights of children in foster care and how those rights can be claimed. Although newer child welfare attorneys will benefit from this training, the target audience is attorneys who have been representing children for at least two years.
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