Expertise and Expert Services
Legal case expert services
As a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and researcher, I sometimes serve as an expert in legal cases, whether to educate courts or help an attorney navigate psycho-legal issues in a case. My areas of expertise bridge clinical and forensic practice with insights from scientific research, including child welfare and custody issues, trauma assessment, sexual violence cases, as well as release planning, reintegration, and least-restrictive alternatives. I also consult on cases requiring research-based insights into legal processes and decision-making under pressure, and provide training to legal teams and clinicians on clinical record keeping, ethical issues, and forensic topics.
Areas of expertise
Child Welfare & Custody
Guidance and expert input on cases involving child protection services safety or custody evaluations on parents with disabilities.
Release Planning and Reintegration
Support for legal teams developing practical least-restrictive alternatives for individuals returning to the community, with attention to mental health, social, and systemic factors.
Sexual Violence Cases
Expert consultation on trauma-informed approaches, victim and offender dynamics, and best practices in forensic interviewing and evaluation.
Psycho-Legal Decision-Making
Insights into how stress, trauma, systemic pressures, and individual factors influence decisions by defendants, witnesses, and professionals in legal contexts.
Trauma Assessment
Evaluation of trauma’s impact on memory, behavior, and functioning in teens and adults, with follow up recommendations for care.
Clinical / Forensic Best Practices
Standards and best practices for clinical record keeping, documentation, therapist ethics, and forensic mental health care in community settings. Record review, consultation, and training.
Specialized Skills
In addition to the expected skills provided by my clinical background and scientific training, I have several unique skills that can be helpful in some cases. First and foremost, I speak four languages (English, Russian, Hebrew, and Spanish) with sufficient fluency to navigate family and individual assessment interviews. I also have extensive experience and recent training in a host of immigration issues affecting individuals and families, and broad experience with civil legal issues including civil commitment, guardianship / conservatorship, and contentious divorce. I maintain an independent license to practice in both Mississippi and Massachusetts, and am familiar with the legal and social-service realities of both regions.
How I can help
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Court-ready, confidential expert reports (and testimony, if needed):
Clear, well-researched analysis with actionable recommendations, tailored to questions posed by the hiring attorney. -
Case consultation:
Support for attorneys in understanding complex clinical or psycho-legal issues, including review of records and research. -
Education, in and out of court:
Objective, accessible explanations of clinical and scientific concepts for judges, juries, and legal professionals. -
Customizable training and workshops:
Engaging, evidence-informed presentations for legal and clinical audiences.
I am committed to increasing access to justice and am willing to consider pro-bono or reduced-fee involvement in cases that align with my areas of expertise and availability. If you represent a client or cause that may benefit from this support, please reach out to discuss your needs.
Please note: I never work with unrepresented individuals, or agree to help on a legal case without an attorney's direction. Hiring an expert is a legal strategy decision.
Recent training titles
Trauma 101 for CCS: Traumatic experiences and their impact on decision-making in legal system contexts.
Wisconsin Statewide Public Defender Agency Conference, Lake Geneva WI
April 2025
1.5hrs
A look at the 'Victim-Offender Overlap': Science, practice, and common pitfalls in cases involving sexual and interpersonal violence.
Wisconsin Statewide Public Defender Agency Conference, Lake Geneva WI