Legal practice places heavy demands on the cognitive skills that support planning, focus, time management, and follow-through—often collectively described as executive functioning. This two-part presentation brings together mental health and practice management professionals to offer complementary perspectives on these challenges. Participants will hear first from the Oregon Attorney Assistance Program about the human and cognitive experience of working under pressure, followed by a presentation from the Practice Management
Assistance Program about practical, systems-based approaches that reduce cognitive load and support a sustainable practice.
The seminar will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 425 SW Bluff Drive, Bend, Oregon. The cost is $15.00 and includes lunch.
Part I: Executive Functioning for Legal Professionals: Supporting Productivity, Well-Being, and Sustainable Practice – Kyra Hazilla and Bryan Welch, OAAP Attorney Counselors
Practicing law requires much of legal professionals. This presentation invites lawyers to take a compassionate look at executive functioning — the skills that help us plan, focus, manage time, regulate emotions, and follow through in demanding work. The stress and cognitive demands of legal practice are well-documented, and legal professionals experience high rates of cognitive overload and burnout. Grounded in the idea that executive functioning exists on a spectrum, the program normalizes common struggles without questioning competence, commitment, or professionalism. Participants will explore how the structure and pace of legal practice place real strain on these skills—even for capable and experienced legal professionals—and will leave feeling less alone, better understood, and equipped with tools they can use right away in their day-to-day practice.
Part II: Practical Ways to Lower Risk and Sustain Performance – Rachel Edwards, PLF Practice Management Attorney
Building on the foundation set forth in the first hour, the second hour shifts to practical, systems-based solutions. This session focuses on practical, thoughtfully designed office systems, workflows, and habits that can reduce cognitive load, support consistency, and lower malpractice risk. Attendees will leave with concrete tools they can adapt to their own practices to support performance, sustainability, and risk reduction.
This seminar has been approved for 1 MHSU and 1 Practical Skills MCLE credits.
Registration deadline is Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: The PLF and OAAP are committed to providing accessible events. For accessibility or accommodation requests or other questions, please call 503.639.6911 or toll-free 800.452.1639 or email access@osbplf.org at least 72 hours before the date of the seminar.
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OAAP Workshop: Strengths, Structure, and Success: Supporting Neurodiverse Legal Professionals
In conjunction with the OAAP/PMAP joint CLE seminar in Bend, the OAAP is offering a 4-hour free and confidential in-person workshop on Saturday, April 25, 2026, for legal professionals identifying as neurodivergent. This will be a supportive place to connect with colleagues, develop strategies, and identify strengths and supports. Space is limited. For more information and to register, click here.
You are welcome to register for either the CLE or the workshop or both.
PLEASE NOTE: The OAAP is committed to providing accessible events. For accessibility or accommodation requests or other questions, please call the OAAP at 503.226.1057 or toll-free 800.321.6227, ext. 19, or email Bryan Welch at bryanw@oaap.org.