OT Legal Essentials: Reports, Requests and Court Appearances

Are you an Occupational Therapist unsure how to respond to legal requests from solicitors, participants or families?

Do you feel underprepared for court appearances or tribunal involvement?

This workshop will guide you through common scenarios, clarify your rights and responsibilities and help you respond with confidence and professionalism. Learn what to expect, how to prepare effectively and how to maintain composure in high-pressure legal settings.

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What will we explore?

Part 1: Navigating Legal Requests and Preparing for Tribunal Appearances

How to navigate legal requests in OT practice, including common scenarios and key considerations
Your rights and responsibilities when accepting or declining legal work
Strategies for negotiating fees, understanding timelines, duties and obligations
How to handle and clarify the brief to ensure you collect necessary information and documentation
Steps to prepare thorough, evidence-based reports and craft clear, focused responses

Part 2: Giving Evidence in Court Settings

Understanding court processes, professional conduct and protocols
Preparing for court appearances including pre-appearance briefings and reviewing case materials
Techniques to manage stress and maintain professionalism in court settings
How to invoice for fees related to legal work and court appearances

Who is this workshop for?

Occupational Therapists asked to engage in legal work or court appearances
OTs working in private practice, community settings or organisations where legal requests arise
Clinicians seeking to understand their legal rights and responsibilities
OTs wanting practical skills for report writing and giving evidence in tribunal or court
Supervisors supporting OTs preparing for legal tasks or court testimony

Why attend?

Gain clear, practical knowledge to confidently navigate legal requests and tribunal appearances
Understand your professional rights and how to manage legal briefs effectively
Improve your report writing skills with an emphasis on evidence-based practice
Prepare effectively for court appearances to maintain professionalism and reduce stress
Learn to set appropriate fees and negotiate charges for legal work
Benefit from guidance on when and how to seek supervision and support

Workshop Duration: 3 hours total (1.5 hour per workshop)

Cost: $180.00

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What's Included

Gain online access to the workshop – live workshops are delivered via Zoom, while self-paced options include access to recorded sessions
Download workshop slides and any resources provided by the presenter
Enjoy six months of access to the recording and resources via your Verve OT Learning Library
Receive a certificate of completion for your CPD records, available through your Verve OT Learning Library

About the Presenter

Michelle French is a highly skilled occupational therapist of almost 30 years experience.

She is regarded as one of Australia’s top Occupational Therapy medicolegal experts, having provided expert opinion in some of the biggest cases in Australia and internationally.

Michelle approaches every client by looking at the person themselves, the activities they are interested in, their environment, their family and how they interact, to provide tailor-made reports and packages that meet their needs.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

This was an outstanding workshop. Michelle has so much wealth of information to share, which she does in such a warm manner. I learnt so much that I have already implemented into practice.

- Janet M

I found the workshop easy to follow, open and relaxed but informative with just the right balance between full on serious 'bogging down' information and general discussion - good for my learning style.