Episode 13: Legal Defenders and Advocacy for Clients with Mental Disabilities

In this riveting interview on “The Insurance Lawyer” podcast, host Evan Schwartz dives deep into the world of criminal defense with a special focus on mental disability cases.

Guest Elizabeth Kelley, an accomplished criminal defense lawyer, highlights her unique journey to this specific law practice and the essential role of expert teams in these cases. Kelley emphasizes the need for broader understanding and support for mentally disabled individuals within our criminal justice system, illustrating her points with impactful case studies.

The discussion underscores the importance of alternative sentencing options for individuals with mental disabilities, such as diversionary programs, and the ongoing work needed to ensure fairness and appropriate treatment.

Takeaway:

Lower verdicts in personal injury cases are leading to a greater emphasis on mediation and arbitration instead of court trials. This makes it crucial to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer, skilled in trial proceedings and capable of handling coverage issues to secure justice for clients. Especially in cases involving mental and intellectual disabilities, a collaborative approach with defense lawyers and experts like forensic psychologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychologists is key.