Online Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Courses
Transgender and Intersex Issues
Highlighted videos are not available for continuing legal |
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education (CLE) credit. |
Legal Notice & Disclaimer
The materials, including audio and video recordings, as well as printable written materials, available on this web site are for informational purposes only. These materials are NOT legal advice and may not be used as legal advice. Transmission of the information in this web site is not intended to create, and receipt of the transmission does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only.
| Junior Scholars Forum | The objective of this panel is to encourage the development of the next generation of sexual orientation and gender identity scholarship by fostering cross-generational support and feedback from experts in the field. Topics from papers selected include the intersection of race, gender, and sexual orientation discrimination; the treatment of transsexual and intersexed prisoners; and the effect of marriage rules on children conceived via assisted reproductive technology. | Speakers: Taylor Flynn James McGrath Clifford J. Rosky Erin Buzuvis Russell Robinson |
| Social Science Research and LGBT Litigation & Legislation |
This workshop will bring together social scientists discussing new findings relevant to LGBT policy issues and attorneys discussing how they have used empirical data in both legislative work and litigation on LGBT rights. Panelists will examine anti-discrimination law, family law, and military policy. Participants will learn how best to incorporate the latest research into their advocacy. | Moderator: Brad Sears Speakers: Aaron Belkin Gary Gates Kathi Westcott Sharon McGowan |
| New Directions in Queer Legal Scholarship | This panel aims to showcase the work of junior scholars who are all working in areas of sexual orientation and the law but who have an interdisciplinary approach to their work that draws from the humanities, psychology, public health, or other areas of the law that are normally not associated with sexual orientation jurisprudence. | Speakers: Bennett Capers Elizabeth Glazer Darren Rosenblum Dean Spade Gowri Ramachandran |
| Dukeminier Awards | This panel aims to showcase the work of junior scholars who are all working in areas of sexual orientation and the law but who have an interdisciplinary approach to their work that draws from the humanities, psychology, public health, or other areas of the law that are normally not associated with sexual orientation jurisprudence. | Speakers: Nan Hunter Sonja Shield Douglas NeJaime Sylvia A. Law |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
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| LGBT Youth OUT and in the Schools | LGBT advocates have been working to develop leaders and make schools safer by supporting Gay/Straight Alliances (GSAs) in schools. However, strategic and coordinated efforts are being employed by the radical right to circumvent the Equal Access Act's Protections and make Gay/Straight Alliances less accessible in schools. Meanwhile, legal advocates are working hard to prevent anti-gay harassing speech while protecting LGBT-affirming speech. Come to this workshop to get the latest on these complex Constitutional issues and learn how best to advocate, and when to litigate, on behalf of LGBT students. | Speakers: Kara Suffredini Carolyn Laub Brian Chase |
| From Massachusetts to California to Your State: Achieving Federal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships |
Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act ("DOMA") defines marriage as between a man and a woman for purposes of the entire U.S. Code, effectively precluding same-sex couples from qualifying for the more than 1,100 federal rights, benefits and responsibilities that come with marriage. Now with same-sex couples marrying in Massachusetts and California, the broad impact of federal discrimination against same-sex couples is finally being felt. What are possible litigation strategies for dismantling this discriminatory law? What work is being done now to prepare to challenge Section 3, and what can you do to help in that effort? | Speakers: Shannon Minter Jenny Pizer Janson Wu Nima Eshghi Taylor Flynn |
| Tax Issues through a Prism: From the Big Picture to the Particulars of the States | The laws impacting LGBT people across the United States could hardly be more diverse. Same-sex couples in Massachusetts can get married, while Virginia's legislature passed a law that purports to ban even "partnership contracts" for gay and lesbian couples. The panel will survey the tax implications of the many forms of government recognition offered to same-sex couples across the nation. | Moderator: Brian Chase Speakers: Kate Fletcher Patricia Cain Karen Stogdill Steve Sims Nima Eshghi Paul DiSango |
| Bias in the Legal Profession: Intersections of Gender, Race, Nationality & Sexual Orientation | A diverse group of scholars and practitioners, including ones from opposite sides in the recent, historic California marriage litigation, will examine some of the constitutional and personal dimensions of the intersections of gender, race, nationality, and sexual orientation as they are reflected in U.S. legal systems and those systems' varying responses to bias and discrimination. | Moderator: Larry Levine Speakers: Kim Forde-Mazrui Mia F. Yamamoto Chris Krueger Therese Stewart David Cruz |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
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| Beyond ENDA, Capitol Hill and the 110th Congress: Current Issues for Practitioners in LGBT/HIV Employment Law | Beyond the political debate in our community over an inclusive ENDA, an interesting legal debate arose concerning what a non-inclusive ENDA means to the whole LGBT community. This workshop will address that and other breaking employment issues, including those related to HIV. As the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been narrowed by court decisions, proving HIV discrimination in the employment context has become more difficult. Some of the major challenges in those cases and the impact if Congress passes the pending ADA Restoration Act will be discussed. | Speakers: Gregory R. Nevins Bebe Anderson Laura Maechtlen |
| The Right and its Efforts to Unravel the Weave of Nondiscrimination Policies | This general attendance session provides the foundation to four detailed workshops on the First Amendment. The radical right is working on several fronts to undermine the foundations of non discrimination policies in various fora across the country. Christian law student groups have filed a series of eight lawsuits against public universities claiming exemptions from non-discrimination rules that include sexual orientation provisions. What are the commonalities between religious belief and sexual orientation identity issues and what is the analysis when these liberties conflict? What is the right’s strategy and is it winning? What is the LGBT-inclusive “side” of the issue and how do we explain it? | Speakers: |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Intersex Infants and Elective Genitoplasty: Issues of Consent |
This panel discussion will explore legal and ethical issues of consent surrounding genital-normalizing surgeries on children born with intersex conditions. Panelists will give an update on current medical practices and examine how these practices fit within existing legal frameworks for parental decision-making, informed consent, sexual autonomy, genital cutting and sterilization. We will touch on international legal responses and recent cases in which doctors have been sanctioned for failing to adequately protect the rights of intersex patients. | Speakers: Anne Tamar-Mattis Julie Greenberg Hazel Glenn Beh Nancy Ehrenreich Suegee Tamar-Mattis |
| Ethics in Immigration Law | This panel will focus on the unique issues faced in the practice of LGBT immigration law. Issues will include "green card marriages;" an attorney's duties to disclose negative information in an immigration application such as a client's HIV status or transgender identity when it's relevant to the applicant's eligibility for a benefit; unique ethics issue which arise in asylum cases; and possible responses if the individual has nothing to lose with a particular argument but the argument might hurt the larger LGBT rights cause. The panel will include a private practitioner, a clinical professor, and a public interest attorney. | Speakers: Victoria Neilson William Schiller |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Scholars Forum | The objective of this panel is to encourage the development of the next generation of sexual orientation and gender identity scholarship by fostering cross-generational support and feedback from experts in the field. Topics from papers selected include the intersection of race, gender, and sexual orientation discrimination; the treatment of transsexual and intersexed prisoners; and the effect of marriage rules on children conceived via assisted reproductive technology. | Speakers: Taylor Flynn James McGrath Clifford J. Rosky Erin Buzuvis Russell Robinson |
| Family Law Practice Group: Family Formation |
This workshop will focus on assessing the needs of the LGBT community. Participants will learn about the various demands of transactional practice: donor agreements, co-parenting agreements, guardianship, adoption, parentage, surrogacy agreements, court orders, and problem management, including the emerging needs and demands within children's and elder law. |
Moderator: Speakers: |
| Family Law Practice Group: Dissolution | Come to this workshop to learn about the state of the law and get practice tips on marriage, dissolution of relationships (including divorce), life planning, and property ownership for LGBT clients. Not only will this panel include the standard issues about breaking up, but also feature collaborative law, a CPA to discuss tax issues, and how Massachusetts practitioners are dealing with divorce in the real world without the benefit of federal laws like QDRO's. |
Moderator: Allison Mendel Speakers: Richard Wilson Joyce Kauffman Deborah Wald Marge Kaiser |
| Family Law Practice Group: New Approaches to Family Law | What is on the cutting edge of LGBT family law? Among the topics to be addressed are how do we define "family" and protect same-sex couples and their children who are not in a recognized relationship? Are you familiar with collaborative practice? It offers LGBT clients a way to resolve family formation and dissolution issues without litigation to help them arrive at solutions uniquely suited to their circumstances. | Moderator: William Singer Speakers: Nancy Polikoff Mariette Geldenhuys Danny Yu |
| Advanced Trust, Estate and Probate Planning |
Estate Planning in a world of limited relationship recognition poses serious and complicated legal questions. Sometimes having a will is not enough, particularly when your client's asset portfolio is substantial. Couples with disparate wealth may be protected by marriage at the state level, but the lack of relationship recognition and attendant tax benefits at the Federal level make it necessary for many LGBT couples to avail themselves of certain trust and gifting strategies that many practitioners are not familiar with. | Speakers: Anthony Brown Tamara Kolz |
| From Massachusetts to California to Your State: Achieving Federal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships |
Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act ("DOMA") defines marriage as between a man and a woman for purposes of the entire U.S. Code, effectively precluding same-sex couples from qualifying for the more than 1,100 federal rights, benefits and responsibilities that come with marriage. Now with same-sex couples marrying in Massachusetts and California, the broad impact of federal discrimination against same-sex couples is finally being felt. What are possible litigation strategies for dismantling this discriminatory law? What work is being done now to prepare to challenge Section 3, and what can you do to help in that effort? | Speakers: Shannon Minter Jenny Pizer Janson Wu Nima Eshghi Taylor Flynn |
| Family Law Practice Group: Estate Planning and Elder Law | Join experienced family law practitioners as they guide you through the critically important and challenging practice areasof estate planning and elder law for the LGBT community and hear the details of recent LGBT family law decisions and statutes by the chief legal counsel for the National center for Lesbian Rights. | Moderator: Suzanne Bryant Speakers: Deb Kinney Jane Bassett Elizabeth Schwartz |
| Tax Issues through a Prism: From the Big Picture to the Particulars of the States | The laws impacting LGBT people across the United States could hardly be more diverse. Same-sex couples in Massachusetts can get married, while Virginia's legislature passed a law that purports to ban even "partnership contracts" for gay and lesbian couples. The panel will survey the tax implications of the many forms of government recognition offered to same-sex couples across the nation. | Moderator: Brian Chase Speakers: Kate Fletcher Patricia Cain Karen Stogdill Steve Sims Nima Eshghi Paul DiSango |
| Same Sex Relationships | This workshop will examine the national patchwork of protections available to those in same-sex relationships, including marriage, civil unions, registered domestic partnerships, reciprocal beneficiary statuses, and the protections available through legal instruments and under common law and equitable theories. The workshop will present an overview of impact litigation and legislative measures to secure greater protections for same-sex couples and their children and discuss the interstate problems that are arising when couples with protections available in one state move or travel to states that do not provide comparable protections. | Speakers: Jon Davidson David Codell Jennifer Levi |
| Beyond Marriage: A Legal Vision Statement (2006) | In 2006, a group of lawyers, academics and activists developed a legal assessment and strategy designed to recognize the important benefits and values of non-marriage, non-traditional family forms. | Speakers: Julie Shapiro |
| Becoming a Successful Family Law Practicioner for the LGBT Community | Assess the needs of the LGBT community and hear about the various demands of transactional and litigation practice: agreements, court orders, and problem management, including the emerging needs and demands within children's and elder law. | Speakers: Allison Mendel Lynn Perls Michele Zavos |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Beyond ENDA, Capitol Hill and the 110th Congress: Current Issues for Practitioners in LGBT/HIV Employment Law | Beyond the political debate in our community over an inclusive ENDA, an interesting legal debate arose concerning what a non-inclusive ENDA means to the whole LGBT community. This workshop will address that and other breaking employment issues, including those related to HIV. As the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been narrowed by court decisions, proving HIV discrimination in the employment context has become more difficult. Some of the major challenges in those cases and the impact if Congress passes the pending ADA Restoration Act will be discussed. | Speakers: Gregory R. Nevins Bebe Anderson Laura Maechtlen |
| Who Gets to Judge Us?: The Impact of Judicial Appointments and Elections on LGBT Litigation | This panel will examine state judicial elections and the federal judicial selection process as they relate to LGBT litigation. At the state level, panelists will discuss the recent extremist trend toward “voter questionnaires” for judges running for office. At the federal level, experts on the panel will discuss how appointed judges voted in crucial LGBT decisions, and how individuals and nonprofits can affect the congressional politics that will determine the future composition of the courts, and, potentially, the outcome of future LGBT litigation. The panel will also discuss tools in the courtroom for attorneys seeking to ensure unbiased treatment of their LGBT clients by judicial officers and opposing counsel. | Speakers: Hilary Meyer Doug Lakey Marybeth Herald Tara Borelli |
| From Massachusetts to California to Your State: Achieving Federal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships |
Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act ("DOMA") defines marriage as between a man and a woman for purposes of the entire U.S. Code, effectively precluding same-sex couples from qualifying for the more than 1,100 federal rights, benefits and responsibilities that come with marriage. Now with same-sex couples marrying in Massachusetts and California, the broad impact of federal discrimination against same-sex couples is finally being felt. What are possible litigation strategies for dismantling this discriminatory law? What work is being done now to prepare to challenge Section 3, and what can you do to help in that effort? | Speakers: Shannon Minter Jenny Pizer Janson Wu Nima Eshghi Taylor Flynn |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| The Way We Were: Legal Issues in Our Community, A History | The National LGBT Bar Association's Annual Career Fair and Conference celebrates its 20th Anniversary by featuring the wealth of people who were instrumental in starting the LGBT legal movement. This plenary consists of the foremothers and forefathers of the movement, who will provide an inspirational and historical perspective on the LGBT movement in general, and also on 20 years of Annual Career Fair and Conference history. | Moderator: Bill Eskridge Speakers: Phyllis Frye Abby Rubenfeld Bridget Wilson |
| Legal Issues Facing Our Community in 2008-2012 - Where We're Going and How We Will Keep Winning! | Key leaders of major LGBT advocacy organizations share how they, and their advocacy groups, are working to achieve equality and to identify critical legal issues facing the community in the years ahead. This plenary will look at the future, from 2008 to 2012, to comport with LGBT Bar’s new strategic plan. | Moderator: Julie Greenberg Speakers: Matthew Coles Kenneth Upton Kate Kendell Victoria Neilsen Kathi Westcott Shannon Minter |
| Examining "Backlash" and Attacks on Landmark Decisions from Goodridge, Brown, and Roe | This panel will address the argument, heard lately with increasing frequency, that progressive goals have been undermined by over-reliance on the courts, and that the Goodridge decision on marriage equality in Massachusetts was counter-productive because it short-circuited the political process, polarized debate, and fueled the right. While focusing on Goodridge, the panel will look at how this view is mirrored by similar criticism of Roe v. Wade and Brown v. Board of Education. Are the factual premises of this backlash thesis correct? Are progressive setbacks attributable to excessive reliance on the courts? Where would we be without the landmark rights-based decisions of the last several decades? Should we approach the courts differently at this time in history? Is there a particular sensitivity to using the courts for advancing same-sex relationship recognition? | Moderator: Praveen Fernandes Speakers: Carlos Ball Jennifer Brown Matthew McTighe |
| Are We There Yet? Defining "Winning" in the Legal Arena | A candid conversation on the impact of the LGBT civil rights movement, the law and the legal tools of our trade. This plenary will ask how our practice of law can help the LGBT legal movement stem the legal ascendancy of the Right. What is the difference between pursuing equality and pursuing liberty? What is the movement’s balance between the two? How do we learn from older civil rights movements? How can we overcome the obstacles -- e.g., the sense of stalling; an aging leadership cadre; the numbing impact of success; and the demoralizing impact of setbacks. What are the limit of relying on remedies from the Court? This final plenary will be both provocative and inspirational for all attendees. | Speakers: Urvashi Vaid Kenji Yoshino Kevin Cathcart |
| Marriage and Other Family Structures: How Did We Get Here and - By the Way, Where Are We? | Discussion of the Goodridge and Hernandez decisions vis-a-vis the largest decisions and/or pending cases from New Jersey and Washington State. | Speakers: Blenda Cossman |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Beyond ENDA, Capitol Hill and the 110th Congress: Current Issues for Practitioners in LGBT/HIV Employment Law | Beyond the political debate in our community over an inclusive ENDA, an interesting legal debate arose concerning what a non-inclusive ENDA means to the whole LGBT community. This workshop will address that and other breaking employment issues, including those related to HIV. As the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been narrowed by court decisions, proving HIV discrimination in the employment context has become more difficult. Some of the major challenges in those cases and the impact if Congress passes the pending ADA Restoration Act will be discussed. | Speakers: Gregory R. Nevins Bebe Anderson Laura Maechtlen |
| HIV/AIDS Law: Past, Present, and Future | HIV/AIDS receives strong attention in Congress but public awareness has decreased. The presenters will discuss recent versions of the Ryan White CARE Act (domestic HIV treatment), efforts on global HIV treatment, and the prospects for getting Congress to re-examine issues such as syringe exchange; a strong HIV/AIDS prevention bill; the Americans with Disabilities Restoration Act; and a national HIV/AIDS strategy. How have state, or even local, governments acted (or not) to address these issues? Join us to answer these questions, share ideas and learn more about laws and litigation concerning HIV/AIDS at the federal, state and local levels. | Speakers: William McColl Phil Curtis Bebe Anderson Ernest Hopkins |
| Hot Issues in LGBT/HIV Immigration and a Mock Interview |
LGBT and/or HIV+ immigrants face the dual discrimination of being LGBT/H and being non-citizens. This panel will lay out the legal landscape for LGBT/H immigrants, including: a discussion of the hurdles faced by binational same-sex couples and a possible legislative solution; the unique challenges transgender immigrants face in correcting their identity documents and having their marriages recognized under immigration law; the HIV ban under immigration law and pending legislation on the issue; and asylum based on LGBT identity and HIV status. The workshop will conclude with a “mock asylum interview” featuring a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Asylum Officer from the San Francisco Asylum Office. | Speakers: Linda Tam Victoria Neilson Ben Lunine |
| Ethics in Immigration Law | This panel will focus on the unique issues faced in the practice of LGBT immigration law. Issues will include "green card marriages;" an attorney's duties to disclose negative information in an immigration application such as a client's HIV status or transgender identity when it's relevant to the applicant's eligibility for a benefit; unique ethics issue which arise in asylum cases; and possible responses if the individual has nothing to lose with a particular argument but the argument might hurt the larger LGBT rights cause. The panel will include a private practitioner, a clinical professor, and a public interest attorney. | Speakers: Victoria Neilson William Schiller |
| Asylum Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: Discussion & Mock Asylum Interview | LGBT people around the world have been persecuted or live in fear of persecution in their home countries because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Many have sought, and have received, asylum and other protections in the United States as a result of the persecution they experienced in their homeland. In the U.S., identifying as LGBT has been recognized as a valid basis for asylum. Through the use of an hypothetical asylum-seeker fleeing persecution from her homeland, and a mock interview with an asylum officer, participants will also learn some of the issues involved in representing an LGBT individual seeking asylum in the U.S. | Speakers: Jonathan Eoloff Candace Beck Amy Stern |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Toward a More Inclusive Movement: Addressing the Needs of Low Income LGBT People of Color | This workshop will highlight the legal issues faced by low-income LGBT people of color and how LGBT organizations, practitioners, and law students can better serve these communities. Panelists will discuss their experiences addressing the intersection of race, poverty, sexual orientation, and gender identity in their legal work, including areas such as prisoners' rights, youth in out-of-home care, and immigration. We will discuss issues and barriers that low-income LGBT people of color face, as well as specific solutions for addressing these needs through direct services; coalition building; and partnerships among LGBT, legal services, and people of color organizations. | Speakers: Cathy Sakimura Natalie Chin Jody Marksamer Lisa Cisneros |
| Hot Issues in LGBT/HIV Immigration and a Mock Interview |
LGBT and/or HIV+ immigrants face the dual discrimination of being LGBT/H and being non-citizens. This panel will lay out the legal landscape for LGBT/H immigrants, including: a discussion of the hurdles faced by binational same-sex couples and a possible legislative solution; the unique challenges transgender immigrants face in correcting their identity documents and having their marriages recognized under immigration law; the HIV ban under immigration law and pending legislation on the issue; and asylum based on LGBT identity and HIV status. The workshop will conclude with a “mock asylum interview” featuring a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Asylum Officer from the San Francisco Asylum Office. | Speakers: Linda Tam Victoria Neilson Ben Lunine |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Who Gets to Judge Us?: The Impact of Judicial Appointments and Elections on LGBT Litigation | This panel will examine state judicial elections and the federal judicial selection process as they relate to LGBT litigation. At the state level, panelists will discuss the recent extremist trend toward “voter questionnaires” for judges running for office. At the federal level, experts on the panel will discuss how appointed judges voted in crucial LGBT decisions, and how individuals and nonprofits can affect the congressional politics that will determine the future composition of the courts, and, potentially, the outcome of future LGBT litigation. The panel will also discuss tools in the courtroom for attorneys seeking to ensure unbiased treatment of their LGBT clients by judicial officers and opposing counsel. | Speakers: Hilary Meyer Doug Lakey Marybeth Herald Tara Borelli |
| So you want to be a judge? | This program will bring together judges, lawyers and others who are interested in increasing diversity within the judiciary. The program will address the difficult and complex issues confronted by gays and lesbians who aspire to become judges at all levels of the judiciary through the elected, appointed, and nominations process. | Speakers: Judge Gary Cohen Judge Jodi Levine Judge George Silver Judge Linda Giles Judge D. Zeke Zeidler Judge Theodore Weathers Judge Larnzell Martin Judge James L. Warren |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Scholars Forum | The objective of this panel is to encourage the development of the next generation of sexual orientation and gender identity scholarship by fostering cross-generational support and feedback from experts in the field. Topics from papers selected include the intersection of race, gender, and sexual orientation discrimination; the treatment of transsexual and intersexed prisoners; and the effect of marriage rules on children conceived via assisted reproductive technology. | Speakers: Taylor Flynn James McGrath Clifford J. Rosky Erin Buzuvis Russell Robinson |
| Toward a More Inclusive Movement: Addressing the Needs of Low Income LGBT People of Color | This workshop will highlight the legal issues faced by low-income LGBT people of color and how LGBT organizations, practitioners, and law students can better serve these communities. Panelists will discuss their experiences addressing the intersection of race, poverty, sexual orientation, and gender identity in their legal work, including areas such as prisoners' rights, youth in out-of-home care, and immigration. We will discuss issues and barriers that low-income LGBT people of color face, as well as specific solutions for addressing these needs through direct services; coalition building; and partnerships among LGBT, legal services, and people of color organizations. | Speakers: Cathy Sakimura Natalie Chin Jody Marksamer Lisa Cisneros |
| LGBT & Law Enforcement: Issues & Strategies From Arrest to Incarceration | The panel workshop will discuss unique issues that arise in the interaction between LGBT individuals and law-enforcement and corrections systems. The workshop will pay particular attention to issues specific to transgender individuals that arise at all stages, from arrest to incarceration. At the incarceration stage, the workshop will highlight important aspects of human-rights laws relevant to LGBT inmates and review the basic requirements of the Prison Litigation Reform Act and how its provisions impact LGBT clients. | Speakers: Shannon Minter Matt Dos Santos Kristina Wertz Deborah Golden Brett A. Parson |
| The Last Thing Hanging in the Closet: Domestic Violence in LGBT Relationships (Legal Issues and Remedies) |
This workshop will address domestic violence in lesbian, gay and transgender relationships, specifically focusing on legal issues and remedies. Presentation will include the ABA's recent efforts around creating national training and education for attorneys representing victims. | Speakers: Amanda Kloer Wayne Thomas Terra Slavin Kylar Broadus |
| Innovative Legal Strategies to Protect LGBTQ Youth in Juvenile Justice, Foster Care, and on the Streets | Key leaders of major LGBT advocacy organizations share how they, and their advocacy groups, are working to achieve equality and to identify critical legal issues facing the community in the years ahead. This plenary will look at the future, from 2008 to 2012, to comport with LGBT Bar’s new strategic plan. | Speakers: Andrea Khoury Jody Marksamer Katie Stewart |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Who Gets to Judge Us?: The Impact of Judicial Appointments and Elections on LGBT Litigation | This panel will examine state judicial elections and the federal judicial selection process as they relate to LGBT litigation. At the state level, panelists will discuss the recent extremist trend toward “voter questionnaires” for judges running for office. At the federal level, experts on the panel will discuss how appointed judges voted in crucial LGBT decisions, and how individuals and nonprofits can affect the congressional politics that will determine the future composition of the courts, and, potentially, the outcome of future LGBT litigation. The panel will also discuss tools in the courtroom for attorneys seeking to ensure unbiased treatment of their LGBT clients by judicial officers and opposing counsel. | Speakers: Hilary Meyer Doug Lakey Marybeth Herald Tara Borelli |
| Social Science Research and LGBT Litigation & Legislation |
This workshop will bring together social scientists discussing new findings relevant to LGBT policy issues and attorneys discussing how they have used empirical data in both legislative work and litigation on LGBT rights. Panelists will examine anti-discrimination law, family law, and military policy. Participants will learn how best to incorporate the latest research into their advocacy. | Moderator: Brad Sears Speakers: Aaron Belkin Gary Gates Kathi Westcott Sharon McGowan |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Beyond Asking & Telling: From Consensual Conduct to Violent Crime, the Risks Service Members Face & How to Protect Them |
The path of military service is littered with many pitfalls for lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. Although most violations of the Homosexual Conduct Policy are dealt with administratively, criminal prosecutions still exist despite "Don't Ask, Don't Tell's" existence. This presentation will provide a brief overview of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and a much more detailed discussion of how "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" overlaps and interacts with the criminal justice system. | Speakers: Emily Hecht Aaron Tax Bridget Wilson Elizabeth Hillman |
| From FAIR (v. Rumsfeld) to Equal: The Top Five things Law Students Can Do to Address the Discrimination Inherent in the Solomon Amendment | Law students will return home from this practical workshop with concrete tools to advocate for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," using traditional methods, such as face-to-face lobbying and letter-writing campaigns, and more creative vehicles. Students will also leave understanding how to integrate these efforts into broader law school ameliorative efforts. | Speakers: James Leipold Kara Suffredini Aaron Tax Diane Mazur Elizabeth Hillman |
| Rum, Sodomy and the Lash (2006) | FAIR v. Rumsfeld examined and next steps considered. | Speakers: |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Leveraging To Your Professional Advantage Through Diversity | This workshop will present practical tips that you need to learn how to use your diversity to advance your professional agenda through internal and external networks, appropriate self-promotion and pro bono opportunities. Learn how to act as a liaison to external diversity organizations while increasing your organization's visibility in the community. You will find that you can create your own buzz while impressing decision makers favorably. | Speakers: C. Elaine Arabatzis James D. Nguyen Marla R. Butler Lisa J. Damon Jeff Becherer |
| A Candid Conversation: LGBT Issues in the Profession from the Straight Perspective | This workshop will engage both distinguished panelists and audience members to discuss the needs of LGBT lawyers and LGBT Diversity initiatives from the perspective of our straight allies. The panel will focus on the importance of creating an inclusive work environment, the importance of individuality in the workplace, successes and failures in LGBT diversity initiatives, and marketing LGBT diversity. | Speakers: Carlos Felipe Uriarte Monica G. Parham Brandon Waggoner Madeleine McDonough Lisa Dickinson |
| LGBT Pro Bono in Private Practice | Motivations for engaging in pro bono vary as much as the benefits lawyers receive when participating in such work. Historically pro bono was an ad hoc activity, now firms centralize and streamline their complimentary legal services. The LGBT community represents a huge unmet need for legal services. This workshop will focus on pro bono models that work for the LGBT community. Presenters will include both representatives of nonprofits that have received the bounty of millions of dollars worth of top-quality legal services and the firms -- AND solo practitioners -- that love them! Come and find out how your nonprofit or firm or solo shop can make a match! | Speakers: David Codell Thomas Gaynor Sharra Greer Meg McCarthy Jack Lord |
| Leveraging to your Professional Advantage through Diversity (2007) | How to distinguish oneself through diversity. Legal employers are focused on increasing diversity in the profession. Clients demand it and diverse attorneys are uniquely positioned to distinguish themselves and leverage for professional advancement opportunities. This workshop will present practical tips that you need to learn how to use your diversity to advance your profession agenda through internal and external networks, appropriate self-promotion and pro bono opportunities. Learn how to act as a liaison to external diversity organization while increasing your organization's visibility in the community. You will find that you can create your own buzz while impressing decision makers favorably. |
Jeffrey P. Becherer |
| Career Services & Job Search Strategies for Law Students | A panel of legal practitioners with experience working in government, non-profit, small and large firms guided by a law career services professional will discuss the tools, considerations and critical aspects to find, research and evaluate gay-friendly employers in each of these legal arenas. | Moderator: Eric Stern Speakers: Lisa Damon David Nathan-Allen Sims Matthew Coles Susan Belinda Christian |
| Behind the Studies: How to Recruit, Retain & Develop Best Practices for LGBT Lawyers | This workshop will present a concise roadmap and discussion of best practices in LGBT employment. You will leave the workshop with a checklist of best practices, strategies, and resources for implementation in your workplace. | Moderator: Kelly McCown Speakers: Julius Turman Jamison Green Vincent Cheng |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Scholars Forum | The objective of this panel is to encourage the development of the next generation of sexual orientation and gender identity scholarship by fostering cross-generational support and feedback from experts in the field. Topics from papers selected include the intersection of race, gender, and sexual orientation discrimination; the treatment of transsexual and intersexed prisoners; and the effect of marriage rules on children conceived via assisted reproductive technology. | Speakers: Taylor Flynn James McGrath Clifford J. Rosky Erin Buzuvis Russell Robinson |
| Toward a More Inclusive Movement: Addressing the Needs of Low Income LGBT People of Color | This workshop will highlight the legal issues faced by low-income LGBT people of color and how LGBT organizations, practitioners, and law students can better serve these communities. Panelists will discuss their experiences addressing the intersection of race, poverty, sexual orientation, and gender identity in their legal work, including areas such as prisoners' rights, youth in out-of-home care, and immigration. We will discuss issues and barriers that low-income LGBT people of color face, as well as specific solutions for addressing these needs through direct services; coalition building; and partnerships among LGBT, legal services, and people of color organizations. | Speakers: Cathy Sakimura Natalie Chin Jody Marksamer Lisa Cisneros |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| LGBT Youth OUT and in the Schools | LGBT advocates have been working to develop leaders and make schools safer by supporting Gay/Straight Alliances (GSAs) in schools. However, strategic and coordinated efforts are being employed by the radical right to circumvent the Equal Access Act's Protections and make Gay/Straight Alliances less accessible in schools. Meanwhile, legal advocates are working hard to prevent anti-gay harassing speech while protecting LGBT-affirming speech. Come to this workshop to get the latest on these complex Constitutional issues and learn how best to advocate, and when to litigate, on behalf of LGBT students. | Speakers: Kara Suffredini Carolyn Laub Brian Chase |
| Making Law Schools a Welcoming Place for LGBT Students | The Law School Admissions Council has undertaken several efforts to measure LGBT student satisfaction in law school. The panel will discuss those findings and discuss ways that law schools can provide a positive environment for their LGBT students. | Speakers: Brietta Clark J. Kelly Strader Lawrence Levine |
| From FAIR (v. Rumsfeld) to Equal: The Top Five things Law Students Can Do to Address the Discrimination Inherent in the Solomon Amendment | Law students will return home from this practical workshop with concrete tools to advocate for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," using traditional methods, such as face-to-face lobbying and letter-writing campaigns, and more creative vehicles. Students will also leave understanding how to integrate these efforts into broader law school ameliorative efforts. | Speakers: James Leipold Kara Suffredini Aaron Tax Diane Mazur Elizabeth Hillman |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 20th Anniversary Celebration Creative Black Tie Dinner/Dance | Presentation of the 2008 Dan Bradley Award to Shannon Minter, the Legal Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Therese Stewart, the Chief Deputy City Attorney for San Francisco. | Presentation: The Dan Bradley Award |
| Transgender Luncheon | Transgender Lunch sponsored by Morrison Foerster at the 2008 Annual Career Fair and Conference in San Francisco, CA. | Speakers: Calpernia Addams Jody Huckaby |
| Annual Career Fair and Conference Welcome (2006) | Welcoming remarks by DC Bar President Bob Spangoletti at the 2006 Annual Career Fair and Conference in Washington, DC | Speakers: Bob Spangoletti |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Family Law Practice Group: Dissolution | Come to this workshop to learn about the state of the law and get practice tips on marriage, dissolution of relationships (including divorce), life planning, and property ownership for LGBT clients. Not only will this panel include the standard issues about breaking up, but also feature collaborative law, a CPA to discuss tax issues, and how Massachusetts practitioners are dealing with divorce in the real world without the benefit of federal laws like QDRO's. |
Moderator: Allison Mendel Speakers: Richard Wilson Joyce Kauffman Deborah Wald Marge Kaiser |
| Advanced Trust, Estate and Probate Planning |
Estate Planning in a world of limited relationship recognition poses serious and complicated legal questions. Sometimes having a will is not enough, particularly when your client's asset portfolio is substantial. Couples with disparate wealth may be protected by marriage at the state level, but the lack of relationship recognition and attendant tax benefits at the Federal level make it necessary for many LGBT couples to avail themselves of certain trust and gifting strategies that many practitioners are not familiar with. | Speakers: Anthony Brown Tamara Kolz |
| Family Law Practice Group: Estate Planning and Elder Law | Join experienced family law practitioners as they guide you through the critically important and challenging practice areasof estate planning and elder law for the LGBT community and hear the details of recent LGBT family law decisions and statutes by the chief legal counsel for the National center for Lesbian Rights. | Moderator: Suzanne Bryant Speakers: Deb Kinney Jane Bassett Elizabeth Schwartz |
| Tax Issues through a Prism: From the Big Picture to the Particulars of the States | The laws impacting LGBT people across the United States could hardly be more diverse. Same-sex couples in Massachusetts can get married, while Virginia's legislature passed a law that purports to ban even "partnership contracts" for gay and lesbian couples. The panel will survey the tax implications of the many forms of government recognition offered to same-sex couples across the nation. | Moderator: Brian Chase Speakers: Kate Fletcher Patricia Cain Karen Stogdill Steve Sims Nima Eshghi Paul DiSango |
| Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples | The workshop will review the critical need for same sex couples to not only have certain estate planning documents such as living wills, declarations as to remains, health care agent designations, powers of attorney, wills and trusts, but also specific provisions which should be included in such documents to address the special concerns of same-sex couples. The presenter will also review some potential pitfalls of joint ownership and highlight some opportunities for same sex couples to minimize gift and estate taxes by taking advantage of certain opportunities available under the current gift and estate tax system. | Speakers: |
Transgender and Intersex Issues
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Scholars Forum | The objective of this panel is to encourage the development of the next generation of sexual orientation and gender identity scholarship by fostering cross-generational support and feedback from experts in the field. Topics from papers selected include the intersection of race, gender, and sexual orientation discrimination; the treatment of transsexual and intersexed prisoners; and the effect of marriage rules on children conceived via assisted reproductive technology. | Speakers: Taylor Flynn James McGrath Clifford J. Rosky Erin Buzuvis Russell Robinson |
| ID, Please? A Trans Advocate's Guide | For many, showing a drivers license is a common, everyday matter. However, for many transgender people, having the wrong sex designation on an identification card can expose them to discrimination, harassment and harm. At the same time, it is becoming harder for transgender people to accurately amend their sex designations on drivers licenses, birth certificates, etc. due to unreasonable state regulations and policies. Learn more about what each of us can do to help change these policies. | Speakers: |
| LGBT & Law Enforcement: Issues & Strategies From Arrest to Incarceration | The panel workshop will discuss unique issues that arise in the interaction between LGBT individuals and law-enforcement and corrections systems. The workshop will pay particular attention to issues specific to transgender individuals that arise at all stages, from arrest to incarceration. At the incarceration stage, the workshop will highlight important aspects of human-rights laws relevant to LGBT inmates and review the basic requirements of the Prison Litigation Reform Act and how its provisions impact LGBT clients. | Speakers: Shannon Minter Matt Dos Santos Kristina Wertz Deborah Golden Brett A. Parson |
| Representing Your Trans Clients in a Transphobic World |
While transgender clients may face unique legal concerns, in many ways, transgender clients are no different from other clients who walk in your door. They have the same need for resolution, respect, and effective representation. For those lawyers who are interested in working with transgender clients, anxiety about doing or saying the wrong thing may prevent you from expanding your legal practice or being a sensitive and effective advocate. This panel is designed to provide some tips on working with transgender clients, and to identify the resources that are available to lawyers who may be tackling for the first time issues facing transgender clients. | Moderator: Sharon McGowan Speakers: Kristina Wertz Jody Marksamer Alex Lee Denise Brogan-Kator Spencer Bergstedt |
| Intersex Infants and Elective Genitoplasty: Issues of Consent |
This panel discussion will explore legal and ethical issues of consent surrounding genital-normalizing surgeries on children born with intersex conditions. Panelists will give an update on current medical practices and examine how these practices fit within existing legal frameworks for parental decision-making, informed consent, sexual autonomy, genital cutting and sterilization. We will touch on international legal responses and recent cases in which doctors have been sanctioned for failing to adequately protect the rights of intersex patients. | Speakers: Anne Tamar-Mattis Julie Greenberg Hazel Glenn Beh Nancy Ehrenreich Suegee Tamar-Mattis |
| Dismantling or De-emphasizing Gender?: The Radical (or Not) Agenda of the Transgender Rights Movement | Sex matters. In our society, it is a distinction with a difference one that affects our use of bathrooms, locker rooms, health care facilities, shelters, dormitories, sports teams, dress codes, prisons, marriage, and identification documents. Should transgender rights advocates focus their short and long-term efforts at diminishing the number of contexts in which sex is a relevant consideration? If so, what are those contexts? What factors should drive the decision to challenge the legal relevance of sex? What legal arguments should -- and shouldn't -- we advance or avoid? | Speakers: Cole Thaler |
| Transgender Luncheon | Transgender Lunch sponsored by Morrison Foerster at the 2008 Annual Career Fair and Conference in San Francisco, CA. | Speakers: Calpernia Addams Jody Huckaby |
| Video | Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| LGBT Youth OUT and in the Schools | LGBT advocates have been working to develop leaders and make schools safer by supporting Gay/Straight Alliances (GSAs) in schools. However, strategic and coordinated efforts are being employed by the radical right to circumvent the Equal Access Act's Protections and make Gay/Straight Alliances less accessible in schools. Meanwhile, legal advocates are working hard to prevent anti-gay harassing speech while protecting LGBT-affirming speech. Come to this workshop to get the latest on these complex Constitutional issues and learn how best to advocate, and when to litigate, on behalf of LGBT students. | Speakers: Kara Suffredini Carolyn Laub Brian Chase |
| Innovative Legal Strategies to Protect LGBTQ Youth in Juvenile Justice, Foster Care, and on the Streets | Key leaders of major LGBT advocacy organizations share how they, and their advocacy groups, are working to achieve equality and to identify critical legal issues facing the community in the years ahead. This plenary will look at the future, from 2008 to 2012, to comport with LGBT Bar’s new strategic plan. | Speakers: Andrea Khoury Jody Marksamer Katie Stewart |