Prioritizing Cognitive Health and Rightsizing Your Practice
Date: Sep 16, 2025 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick, and Online
Member Price: $143.00
Non-Member Price: $179.00
Section Price: $0.00
Areas of Law: Ethics
Earn up to 2.4 credits, including 2.4 in Ethics! (More Information)
Keynote
Moderator
- Dr. Defne Ekin
- Team Clinician, New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program, New Brunswick
Presenters
- Dr. Robert Trobliger
- Director of Clinical Neuropsychology, Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group
- Rachael Weeks, Esq.
- Chief of Readmission, Motions and Monitoring
New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics - Alicia F. Williams, Esq.
- Acting Director and Counsel, New Jersey Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection, Trenton
- Miles S. Winder, III, Esq., (Ret.)
- Former President, New Jersey State Bar Association
Expert in Attorney and Law Office Succession, Tacoma
Presented In Cooperation with NJSBA-NJLAP
Just as the solo practitioner should not be left to self-assess their practice, a member of a law firm should not be left to commit errors due to undiagnosed cognitive deficits. Come to this crucial seminar as an esteemed panel shares the recognizable signs of cognitive decline and the steps to take to maintain professional accountability and responsibilities as a lawyer. Learn about the path to finding the appropriate diagnostic and treatment tools for cognitive deficits. Discover tips to preserve and optimize brain health. Learn ways to continue a positive and productive role in the practice of law while upholding ethical and professional responsibilities as an attorney. This seminar will inspire you to be proactive about your cognitive health while navigating the fundamental demands of the legal profession. Register today!
Program Agenda:
- 1:30 | Overview - Dr. Defne Ekin
- 1:40 | Cognitive Impairment vs. Normal Age Decline - Dr. Defne Ekin; Dr. Robert Trobliger; Rachael Weeks, Esq.; Panel
A. Non-Age-Related Cognitive Impairment - Dr. Defne Ekin; Dr. Robert Trobliger
- Illness induced (strokes, brain injuries, cancer, multiple sclerosis, etc.
- Drug Induced (Treatments for cancer and other illnesses, medications for chronic illness, allergic reactions to medications)
- Depression
- Substance abuse
B. Normal Age-Related Cognitive Decline - Dr. Defne Ekin; Dr. Robert Trobliger
C. Hypothetical #1 - Rachael Weeks, Esq.
D. Rules of Professional Conduct - Rachael Weeks, Esq. - 2:05 | When another attorney has cognitive health issues - Dr. Defne Ekin; Dr. Robert Trobliger; Rachael Weeks, Esq.; Panel
A. How to respond? A practical “how to.” - Dr. Defne Ekin; Dr. Robert Trobliger
B. What are your ethical obligations? - Rachael Weeks, Esq.
C. Hypothetical #2 - Rachael Weeks, Esq. - 2:30 | Your Cognitive Concerns - Dr. Defne Ekin; Dr. Robert Trobliger; Rachael Weeks, Esq.; Panel
A. Cognitive Evaluations Summary - Dr. Defne Ekin; Dr. Robert Trobliger
B. Rules of Professional Conduct /Ethical Obligations
- Disability, Inactive Status, when, why and how.
- Representative Hypothetical #3 - Rachael Weeks, Esq.
C. Hypothetical #3 - Rachael Weeks, Esq. - 2:55 | How to Right-Size your practice at all ages - Miles S. Winder, III, Esq., (Ret.); Alicia F. Williams, Esq.; Panel
A. Scenarios:
- Sudden Illness
- Terminal illness
- Retirement
- Family obligations
B. Representative Hypothetical #4 - Rachael Weeks, Esq.
- Succession Planning
- Lawyers Fund for Client Protection - 3:20 | Summary of Resources With Q+A response time
- 3:30 | Adjourn
Important Information About Our Events, Meetings, and More:
To secure your spot and receive important updates about our events, meetings, and other gatherings, such as schedule changes, remember to register in advance.
Digital Materials & Environmental Commitment: As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, unless otherwise noted, all seminar materials are provided as digital downloads. You can access these materials through:
- The “My Links” section at the top of our website for in-person or online events
- Or, for online programs, the event access link included in your joining instructions
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
If you need to cancel your registration and are not transferring to another program or date, please submit a written request to us at least three business days before the event, meeting, or gathering. You will receive a refund minus a $20.00 cancellation fee. No refunds or registration changes will be issued within three business days of the event, meeting, or gathering.
Stay Informed:
Registered participants will be notified of any schedule changes. For updates regarding inclement weather, please check your email or visit NJSBA.com.
Media Consent:
By participating in our events, meetings, or other gatherings, you agree to be photographed and/or recorded. Additionally, all media content captured during these gatherings will become the property of NJSBA. This content, including your image and name, may be used in our future promotional materials without additional consent or compensation.
Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy:
Read our Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy and submit an Application here: https://njsba.com/njicle/cle-programs/scholarship/