Elder Abuse Task Force Webinar: Representing Clients with Diminished Capacity

August 19, 2025 | 1:00-2:15pm PT | Virtual Zoom | Free

Join attorneys Tony Chicotel and Arabelle Malinis from California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) as they explore the critical legal and ethical considerations involved in representing clients with diminished capacity. This essential training will provide practical frameworks for assessing clients’ legal capacity while examining key ethical and legal implications that arise in these complex cases.

Topics will include:

• Legal and ethical frameworks for assessing client capacity
• Strategies for effective representation of clients with cognitive impairments
• Cultural and language considerations in capacity evaluation
• Case study analysis: Herren v George S and its implications
• Best practices for navigating diminished capacity challenges

The presentation will cover responsible approaches to representation, including how language, cultural, and social factors influence clients’ understanding of legal concepts. Attendees will gain valuable strategies for navigating the unique challenges associated with representing clients who have cognitive impairments, with insights drawn from the pivotal appellate case Herren v George S.

Tony Chicotel attended Shawnee Elementary School in Huron, Ohio and made his mark by taking down all comers in the 50 yard dash. As a boy, his proudest moment was hitting a triple off of Demetrius Brown in a little league all-star game, but, full disclosure, he was thrown out trying to stretch it into a homerun. At age 17, he read a book called The Terrible Truth About Lawyers and immediately wanted to become a lawyer. He has fought for the rights of long term care facility residents for 22 years through litigation, legislation, regulatory policy, and consumer education. Tony’s focus areas include: civil rights, eviction defense, dementia care, incapacity and decision making, conservatorship, and end-of-life care. Tony loves hugs, milkshakes, and sleeping in and hates Costco parking lots and tucking in shirts.

Arabelle Malinis has dedicated her career to advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable people for over 15 years in legal services and private practice. Her expertise in elder law and estate planning is a cornerstone of her work as a staff attorney at California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR). Here, she provides comprehensive advice and training on a range of topics related to older adults, including eviction defense, Medi-Cal, incapacity, and elder financial abuse, among others. Before her tenure at CANHR, Arabelle practiced estate planning, trust, probate administration, and litigation, and served as a day-of-court mediator in unlawful detainer cases. She also gained experience in consumer protection, foreclosure defense, and fair housing at Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA). Arabelle’s diverse interests include trail-running, kickboxing, traveling with her family, and reading a good book.

This webinar is part of the Elder Abuse Task Force webinar series and is free to attend. Registration is required.

Register: https://dub.sh/api-aug19