CLE Program - Putting People at the Center of Representation

This one-hour online CLE program examines the practice of holistic legal representation. Holistic legal representation thrives where clients face intersectional issues with housing instability, family systems, economic insecurity, health concerns, immigration fears, and systemic barriers that traditional legal models are not designed to address in isolation. This practice enables lawyers and legal staff to more effectively respond to the challenges faced by individuals and communities historically underrepresented in and underserved by the legal profession. 

This session begins with a short history and definition of holistic legal representation and then explores one public interest organization currently using this interdisciplinary, client-centered model. The session concludes with how one local law firm uses elements of holistic legal representation with clients who face immigration concerns. Panelists will highlight how integrating legal advocacy with community-based supports, client-centered communication, and trauma-aware approaches can improve outcomes and strengthen trust in the legal system. The program offers practical insights for attorneys and law office professionals seeking to adapt their practice to better serve clients whose needs extend beyond the courtroom, with a focus on collaboration, service, and dignity.

4:00 - 5:00 PM EST

Check back for registration details.

Meet the Speakers

Hans J. Bremer, Esq.
Bremer Law & Associates, LLC

Sarah McConnell Dubois
Professor of Legal Practice, Roger Williams University School of Law

Professor Sarah McConnell teaches Legal Practice I, II, and III; Civil Procedure; Professional Responsibility; and a seminar on Judicial Clerkships.

Professor McConnell joined Roger Williams University School of Law bringing extensive experience in legal research and writing. She has served as both an attorney and a law clerk in the Rhode Island state and federal courts, at the trial and appellate levels. 

As a practicing attorney, she focused on transactional work and litigation, primarily in the areas of business, construction, and real estate law. She worked with clients who were educators, injured workers, small business owners, and families seeking redress for property disputes.  Professor McConnell served as an attorney for the Rhode Island Judiciary from 2009 through 2022, as the Rhode Island Supreme Court Opinion Analyst, Staff Attorney for the Court’s Appellate Screening Unit, and as Interim Staff Attorney for the Trial Court Law Clerk Department. 

Professor McConnell has been involved in sports and fitness her entire life and is a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer.  Her academic research focuses on student and faculty wellbeing, trauma-informed legal education, and using coaching principles to bring excellence to the law school classroom.

Yulyana Torres, Esq.
Staff Attorney, Sojourner House

Meet the Moderator

Nicole P. Dyszlewski 
Assistant Dean of Academic Innovation, Roger Williams University School of Law

Nicole’s work centers on building a more inclusive and equitable legal system. Her areas of focus include DEIB pedagogy in law schools, mass incarceration, and access to information— topics where she brings both a lawyer’s insightful analysis and a librarian’s relentless curiosity. Nicole is the co-editor of the Integrating Doctrine & Diversity book series, the host of the Integrating Doctrine and Diversity webinar series, and a co-author of the recently published casebook, Race and the Foundations of American Law.

Rhode Island MCLE Credit
This program is pending approval for one DEI Rhode Island MCLE Credit.

CLE Program Registration
$40                              Registration/One RI MCLE DEI Credit

$25                              RWU Law Alumni

$25                              Non-profit/Government

Complimentary           RWU Law Students

Complimentary           RWU Law Faculty & Administration

Cancellation & Refund Policy
RWU Law CLE Program cancellations received by Thursday, February 19, 2026 are eligible to receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee. Cancellations received after the stated deadline will not be eligible for a refund. Cancellations are accepted via email at lawevents@rwu.edu