Events

From September 17-21, the Mental Health America (MHA) organization will host its annual conference in Washington, DC. The event draws thousands of providers, government officials, media, and mental health advocates to discuss the current mental health care landscape and how to create equitable access for those in need.

During the Affiliate Day on September 18, Partner D. Brian Hufford will participate in the panel, “Making Health Coverage Work for Us: Encouraging News on the Road to Full Access to Care,” alongside Joe Feldman, President of Cover My Mental Health; Lisa M. Gomez, Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; and Tim Snyder, Vice President of Federal Affairs for MHA. Moderated by Invisible Threads journalist, Kate Woodsome, these panelists will discuss innovative ways communities are advocating and implementing policy changes to support equitable access to mental health care and services.

Attendees will:

• Learn how federal regulation, litigation and health plans are evolving to improve people’s access to mental health care so they have the knowledge, language, and resources to shift the conversation on a local, state, and federal level.
• Walk away with practical, proven tools and tactics they can use to advocate for coverage of mental health and substance use disorder treatment on an individual, organizational and policy level.

Lawyers have always played a crucial role in preserving democracy in the United States. In recent years, that role has been increasingly questioned, threatened, and manipulated. At this Fall’s Freedman Institute Symposium, leading practitioners and experts will convene to examine multiple aspects of lawyers’ responsibilities to preserve democracy.

Sara Lawson will be speaking on a panel focused on recent threats to independent prosecutorial decision-making, particularly in the context of enforcement of post-Dobbs state laws regarding the right to an abortion.

Caroline Reynolds and Brian Hufford will be presenting "A Pivotal Moment in the Legal and Policy Fight for Behavioral Health Equity" on Sunday, 10/20 from 2:00-3:30 pm.

More than just a legal event, General Counsel Conference East empowers today’s legal leaders for growth, innovation, and excellence. Designed specifically for general counsel, legal executives, and industry professionals, General Counsel Conference East is the premier gathering that offers unique opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development.

On Tuesday, November 19 from 2:30-3:30 PM EST, Shawn Naunton will be presenting on the panel, "Creating a United Front: Collaborating Effectively with Your Organization During and After Internal Investigations."