From the desk of My Collaborative Team President, Edward S. Sachs, ACP

Most Practice Groups have admission standards. Almost all groups require their members to either have already taken the Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Training or require that it is taken within six months to a year. Some practice groups require case experience. This past week at Happy Hour we learned that a Practice Group in Florida has now added required advanced training to their existing members in order to renew their membership.

Is this type of requirement good for the Collaborative movement?

Some might argue it is not inclusive. It limits the number of professionals practicing Collaborative law. Some might argue that it is necessary to keep up high standards for practitioners.

IACP Minimum Standards for Collaborative Professionals require fifteen hours of advanced training beyond the initial introductory training. Lawyers, mental health professionals and financial neutrals have continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses. Why shouldn’t Collaborative Practitioners be required to maintain their knowledge and skill through advanced training.

What are your thoughts? Write us or join us on Friday at 4:30 p.m. Eastern for our Happy Hour discussion on this and other matters.

Also join us next Thursday, August 24th at 1 p.m. Eastern for our Advanced Training Series. This month’s topic is Understanding Your Executive Function presented by Thabatta Mizrahi.