2 CPD Units in Professional Skills
Understanding & Dealing with Antisocial Personalities (Sociopaths), The Con Artists in Legal Disputes
Presenter: Megan Hunter - High Conflict Institute
Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2020
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location; Zoom Webinar
For the programme click here
Those with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) – also known as sociopaths – can be some of the most dangerous, deceitful, and manipulative clients in the practice of law. Their patterns of behavior are often dedicated to tricking lawyers, judges, mediators, and mental health professionals, and many are very skilled at this. From violence and abuse, to blatant false statements, such people appear to be significantly increasing in legal cases. Their ability to present themselves as victims can be astonishingly effective, as they manipulate legal professionals into attacking and blaming the true victims of their antisocial behavior.
Cases in and out of court that don’t seem to make sense often involve this personality, without being sufficiently recognized. When professionals find themselves attacking each other, it is often in cases involving one or more parties – and sometimes professionals – with such a personality. They frequently have a drive to dominate, humiliate or destroy their opponents, and may use the legal system in this process. This personality is the most likely to be involved in cases of violence against professionals. They can be abusive in family and business relationships, yet they are also good at denying their own private behavior and gaining advocates.
Our trainings include understanding ASPD based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and their common conflict behavior. We teach identifying them quickly, being prepared for their tendency to manipulate or attack their professionals, and being cautious in dealing with them as clients and opposing parties. Connecting with such clients and managing their cases is essential, which includes maintaining a healthy skepticism and firm boundaries. The need for corroborating evidence is important when dealing with these clients and knowing what evidence to look for with opposing parties can be helpful. The training includes ways to avoid becoming a negative advocate for them, and the importance of physically protecting yourself throughout the case.
About Megan Hunter:
Megan Hunter, MBA, is an expert on high conflict disputes, complicated relationships. She is co-founder and CEO of the High Conflict Institute along with author and speaker, Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq. who developed the high-conflict personality theory. Megan developed the concept of the Institute after 13 years in family law as the Family Law Specialist with the Arizona Supreme Court, and Child Support Manager of the Dawes County Attorney’s Office in Nebraska. She is CEO of Unhooked Media, a U.S.-based media company focused on relationship and conflict revolution through print, digital and the spoken word.
Megan has trained legal, mental health, business, leadership groups, universities and other professionals across Australia, the U.S., Canada, Scotland, Israel, Italy, and South Africa. She also has strong policy and judicial training experience gained during her tenure at the Arizona Supreme Court as Child Support Specialist and Family Law Specialist.
Megan holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Business and Economics degree from Chadron State College, Chadron, Nebraska. She has served as President of the Arizona Chapter of the Association of Family & Conciliation Courts, the Arizona Family Support Council and Nebraska Child Support Enforcement Association. More recently, she served 5 years on the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners.