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.
Access workshop now
Date: 2 July 2025 & 16 July 2025
Time: 5.00pm - 6.30pm AEST
Duration: 1.5 hours per workshop (3 hours total)
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
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.
