The Kinship Law 2023 Webinar Series will provide attendees with an overview of kinship law in New York City. The webinars will be co-hosted by Mobilization for Justice's Kinship Caregiver Law Project and Pro Bono Net's New York Justice Initiatives

General Information 

Who can attend? 

  • Legal aid attorneys and staff from nonprofit legal service organizations
  • Volunteer attorneys and members of www.probono.net/ny/nyc
  • Court-based staff
  • Pro bono coordinators, counsel, and/or directors from law firms and corporations
  • Law school students and faculty
  • Legal professionals interested in learning about kinship law in NYC

Will the webinars be recorded?
Yes. The webinar recordings and materials will be posted here. 

Are the webinars CLE-approved?
No, these webinars are not CLE-approved.


From Filing to Finalization - Steps to Take and Pitfalls to Avoid in Filing an Adoption in Family Court

Materials

Date: Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET

Adoptions allow families to formalize the role that a caregiver provides to a minor child and loved one in their care. Figuring out the necessary steps to take in filing an adoption can seem daunting, but with a solid roadmap, finalization is within reach. This panel will provide a general overview and guidance on how to file an adoption in New York Family Courts. Panelists will also share common mistakes to avoid in the process. This panel is ideal for practicing family law attorneys as well as pro bono counsel and volunteer attorneys.

Panelists:

  • Karla M. Johnson, Senior Staff Attorney, Mobilization for Justice, Inc.
  • Maria-Alana Recine, Assistant Deputy Counsel, New York State Judicial Institute
  • Kelsey M. Dickman, Court Attorney to the Hon. Ronna Gordon-Galchus, Bronx County Family Court

Register here.


Nuts and Bolts of Standby Guardianship - A Substantive Training on Standby Guardianship as a Tool in Future Planning

Materials 

Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET

This panel will present a framework for providing advice and assistance to parents and caregivers on what Standby Guardianship is and when it can be most useful for family planning purposes. Participants will leave this presentation with an understanding of the relevant legal landscape of Standby Guardianship. In addition, they will garner general skills needed to help future clients with assessing whether Standby Guardianship is appropriate for them and how to go about identifying a standby guardian and moving forward with designating a standby guardian for their child or children. This panel is ideal for attorneys, pro bono counsel, volunteer attorneys, and law graduates.

Panelists: 

  • Karla M. Johnson, Senior Staff Attorney, Mobilization for Justice, Inc. (moderator)
  • Randye Retkin, Director and Founder of LegalHealth, New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)
  • Caroline Bersak, Director of Legal Services, The Family Center
  • Lauren Groetch, Assistant Director of Legal Services, The Family Center

Register here