Trying Differently: A Relationship-Centered Approach to Representing Clients With Cognitive Challenges

International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 2010

Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law Research Paper No. 2010-A-17

64 Pages Posted: 14 Nov 2010

See all articles by David Michael Boulding

David Michael Boulding

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Susan L. Brooks

Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law

Date Written: November 11, 2010

Abstract

This article demonstrates the usefulness of an innovative framework called "Relationship-Centered Lawyering" to enhancing real world legal practice. It uses the example of lawyers, particularly criminal defense lawyers, who often deal with clients with cognitive challenges. The article developed out of a series of workshops conducted jointly by the co-authors, an American law professor with a social work background, and a Canadian criminal defense lawyer and family mediator who is an international expert on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other Neuro-Behavioral Disorders (FA/NB). The paper describes the relational theory Brooks developed (along with Robert Madden), along with the science of cognitive impairments, with a specific focus on FA/NB. The paper provides two illustrations of the relational framework by explaining Boulding's strategy of creating what is called the “external brain” and his techniques of relational interviewing.

Keywords: Therapeutic Jurisprudence, Fetal Alcohol, Relational Interviewing

Suggested Citation

Boulding, David Michael and Brooks, Susan L., Trying Differently: A Relationship-Centered Approach to Representing Clients With Cognitive Challenges (November 11, 2010). International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 2010, Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law Research Paper No. 2010-A-17, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1707618

David Michael Boulding

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

Susan L. Brooks (Contact Author)

Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law ( email )

3320 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.drexel.edu/law/susan-brooks.asp

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