Mental Health & 46B
A Program For The Defense
Plano, Texas, USA
Grant Staff: +1.972.244.3428
Registrar: +1.972.244.3404
E-Mail: mhooper@cailaw.org
Overview
Registration is required to attend. Details, including the agenda, presenters and approved CLE credit, will be posted here once confirmed.
Join us for an in-depth CLE program focused on the critical intersection of mental health issues and Article 46b in defense cases. This session is designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to:
- Navigate competency challenges effectively.
- Advocate for clients with mental health or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Address the complexities of mental health within the legal system.
This course isfunded by a grant from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Who Should Attend?
With the exception of invited faculty, this program is specifically tailored for Texas criminal defense lawyers and their support staff. Whether you’re an experienced attorney or new to mental health advocacy, this event offers invaluable insights and practical tools to enhance your practice.
Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills and deepen your understanding of mental health representation in the legal system.
Why Attend?
- Gain CLE credit while learning from leading mental health law and defense advocacy experts.
- Explore real-world case studies and practical strategies for addressing competency challenges.
- Network with peers and share insights on best practices for client representation.
Topics and Presenters
Chaired by Robert Sullivan

Robert Sullivan has over a decade of experience practicing law in Lubbock County, where he has represented nearly 1,000 clients. His practice primarily focuses on advocating for individuals with mental illnesses as well as those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This specialization has established him as a leading voice in this critical area of law.
MCLE Credit
This course is pending approval for 6 hours (360 minutes) of CLE accreditation.
In addition to Texas, after the program (if requested) CAIL will directly apply for course accreditation in the following states, as long as course materials and evaluations are not required: California, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Attorneys may be eligible to receive CLE credit through attorney self-submission in other states, as long as course materials and evaluations are not required to be submitted.
Scholarship Policy
Attendees may qualify for funds based on two criteria:
- The attendee is in their first two years of practice in the field.
- A 150-word-or-less response qualifying their need for funds (must be sent 4 weeks before a program via this form).
- A response may be substituted with a letter from a sponsor, mentor, or other qualifying reference for consideration for the scholarship. Priority may be given to applicants with a letter of recommendation.
Scholarships will be awarded 3 weeks before a program and must be accepted within 24 hours. Funds will be offered to the next qualifying candidate if they are not accepted within that time.
We will evaluate entries based on need and merit to award scholarships. Scholarship funds are subject to approval from CAIL staff, and applications will be competitive for limited scholarship opportunities. The program Director will evaluate these applications based on needs and merit.
Once selected, we will contact you to confirm the award of funds (with the award winner being reimbursed after the program, not before). Reimbursements will be only granted for travel expenses that conform to our grant standards—CAIL will not provide reimbursements outside of what our policy allows.
The scholarship may include funds for the following:
- Transportation (airfare, bus, and/or mileage)
- Lodging
- Meals purchased while traveling to and from our facility (lunches to be provided during the program)
- A full tuition waiver
Please email mhooper@cailaw.org if you have any questions.
Tuition Waiver Policy
- A 100-word-or-less response qualifying their need for funds (must be sent 4 weeks prior to a program via this form).
- A response may be substituted with a letter from a sponsor, mentor, or other qualifying reference for consideration for the scholarship. Priority may be given to applicants with a letter of recommendation.
These applications will be evaluated by the Program Manager. Apply for the tuition waiver via our form.
Once selected, we will be in contact to confirm the tuition waiver.
We have a scholarship policy for anyone wanting to attend an in-person program but may lack the means to travel, lodge, and purchase meals along the way. Please follow this link if you are interested in applying for the scholarship.
Please email Melissa Hooper if you have any questions.
Other Information
Photo/Audio/Video Release
Registration for or attendance at this event acknowledges consent to be recorded or photographed. We reserve the right to use any photograph/video taken at our events, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. We may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, annual reports, newsletters, etc. To ensure the privacy of individuals, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject.
Cancellation Policy
Written cancellation must be received 5 business days prior to a program to receive a refund (Email: lgaspar@cailaw.org). After this date, no refunds, but substitution of attendees for this program will be permitted with prior approval. Registrants not entitled to a refund will receive the course materials. Note: Free registrants must attend the program to receive materials at no cost.
Nondiscriminatory Policy
The Center for American and International Law does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status in educational activities, scholarship programs or admissions.
Privacy Policy
We do not sell or rent information to any outside parties. By providing your information, you will receive postal and electronic communications from The Center for American and International Law (CAIL) in accordance with CAIL's Privacy Policy. If we co-sponsor a program with another organization, information may be shared between the parties. All such co-sponsors will be identified on the event details and registration page. At any point, you can opt-out or unsubscribe by selecting either link at the bottom of each email or call us at 972.244.3400.