3 short courses every lawyer should take to build a dementia-capable practice
As Australia’s population ages, legal practitioners across many fields – from wills and estates to family and health law – are increasingly working with clients who have dementia or who seek to plan ahead for future risks of dementia.
But are you fully equipped to advise and support these clients effectively and ethically?
UTS Law’s Professor Nola Ries has developed a suite of three self-paced, online short courses to help lawyers build the skills and knowledge needed to become dementia-capable practitioners.
Each course focuses on practical knowledge and strategies you can immediately implement into your practice.
Understanding Dementia: Facts and Foundations
Why it matters
Dementia is common, but often misunderstood. Without accurate knowledge, lawyers risk providing advice that may not meet their clients' needs or safeguard their rights.
What you'll learn
- up-to-date facts about dementia – and how to dispel myths
- how dementia affects clients’ legal rights and risks
- principles for ethical communication
- practical strategies to support client autonomy
Who should enrol
Any lawyer looking to better understand the realities of dementia and how it impacts legal practice.
Planning Ahead: Focus on Advance Care Planning
Why it matters
Advance care planning allows clients to express their future wishes – but poorly drafted documents or missed capacity issues can cause serious legal and personal challenges later.
What you'll learn
- legal and practical aspects of advance care planning
- how to strengthen ACP documents to reflect client values
- how to assess and respond to concerns around decision-making capacity
- strategies to support client-centred decision-making
Who should enrol
Lawyers working with older adults or clients managing life-limiting conditions.
Elder Abuse: Strategies for Prevention
Why it matters
Clients with dementia face an increased risk of financial exploitation and other forms of abuse. Lawyers play a crucial role in recognising warning signs and preventing harm.
What you'll learn
- how dementia can increase vulnerability to abuse
- risk factors to watch for in power of attorney and financial arrangements
- recent developments in legislation and legal service responses
- practical prevention strategies you can apply in your practice
Who should enrol
Practitioners working in elder law, estates, financial matters, or family law.
I have completed previous courses online and this has been my best experience. Easy to follow, and can easily access materials. I think the ability to download your own toolkit is fantastic because you can tailor it to your own needs.
Why build dementia-specific skills?
Being a dementia-capable legal practitioner isn’t about specialising in health care – it’s about delivering legal services that are ethical, effective and fit for purpose in a changing society. These practical courses provide resources, frameworks, and skills you can immediately implement into your practice.
Law and ageing researcher
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As a Year 12 student, Naomi McKeown missed out on undergraduate law by just a few marks.
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Get(ting) Up! close and personal with Zaahir Edries, UTS Law graduate and General Counsel for GetUp!.
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During her search for a law degree, Luisa Vumbaca discovered the UTS Juris Doctor. Unlike many of its competitors, the UTS course was designed with working professionals in mind.
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Emmanuel Georgouras left his telecommunications career to pursue his passion for law. Find out how he navigated his studies and secured a coveted position at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
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As a Year 12 student, Naomi McKeown missed out on undergraduate law by just a few marks.
Webpage
Get(ting) Up! close and personal with Zaahir Edries, UTS Law graduate and General Counsel for GetUp!.
Webpage
During her search for a law degree, Luisa Vumbaca discovered the UTS Juris Doctor. Unlike many of its competitors, the UTS course was designed with working professionals in mind.
Webpage
Emmanuel Georgouras left his telecommunications career to pursue his passion for law. Find out how he navigated his studies and secured a coveted position at Corrs Chambers Westgarth.