MHLA Education and Training Courses 2015

The MHLA is running the following courses during 2015. To register, and for further information, see All scheduled courses.

Foundation course – 1 day
This course is aimed at new practitioners and those intending to attend the panel course in the near future. The foundation course takes an interactive approach. It covers the basics of mental health law, Legal Aid, and running a mental health file.

Panel (accreditation scheme) course – 2 days
The MHLA is an accredited provider of the two-day course which must be attended by prospective members of the Law Society’s Mental Health accreditation scheme (formerly called the Panel). New practitioners are strongly encouraged also to attend the one-day foundation course (although this is not compulsory) in order to benefit fully from this course.

Refresher/re-accreditation course – 1 day
This new course will be suitable for those seeking to fulfil the re-accreditation requirement to obtain six mental health CPD points during each year of membership. The morning session will broaden delegates’ knowledge of selected areas of law. The afternoon session will include a comprehensive update on law, practice, and the current re-accreditation procedure.

Introduction to the Court of Protection – 2 days
An intensive introduction to practice in the Court of Protection. This course is primarily aimed at practitioners with little or no experience in conducting matters before the Court and those seeking a practical foundation to undertaking proceedings in the Court The course will cover health and welfare matters, deprivation of liberty, funding and, to a lesser extent, issues relating to property and affairs.

Legal Aid in mental health cases and peer review compliance – 1 day
This course provides guidance on the Legal Aid provisions in mental health cases, including escape-fee cases and requirements for means testing. It will also broaden practitioners’ knowledge of the peer review process and the peer review ‘Improving your Quality’ guidance. Training is provided by a current LAA independent costs assessor and a peer reviewer.

Case law for tribunal preparation and Advocacy – 1 day
The morning session will cover the essential case law required for case preparation. The afternoon session will provide practical guidance on effective tribunal advocacy skills. It is an interactive course, suitable for new and experienced representatives.

Cross-examination of medical witnesses – 1 day
A course covering: understanding mental disorder, nature and degree; psychiatric medications; consent to treatment provisions; understanding and addressing the ‘risks’ and challenging this evidence; instructing independent psychiatrists appropriately and using their evidence at tribunal. This course will be delivered by two consultant forensic psychiatrists and an experienced mental health solicitor, and will have an interactive element. It is suitable for both new and experienced representatives.

Pricing and CPD
Half-day: MHLA members £75, non-members £150. 3 hours CPD.
Full day: MHLA members £150, non-members £195. 6 hours CPD.
Two days: MHLA members £300, non-members £390. 12 hours CPD.
(Group bookings: 10% discount for groups of three or more members.)

We are an accredited provider of the Law Society’s panel course. Our courses are suitable for solicitors under both the ‘hours’ and ‘competence’ CPD regimes.