As family law attorneys, we regularly rely on expert testimony to help courts understand complex issues involving children, finances, and mental health. Yet too often, attorneys are expected to navigate expert evidence without meaningful guidance on how judges evaluate it or how experts experience the legal process themselves.
That gap is exactly why I chose to help organize the Boulder Interdisciplinary Committee’s January CLE Workshop, Strengthening the Foundation of Expert Testimony.
Why This Education Matters
In my practice, I see firsthand how powerful expert testimony can be when it is used thoughtfully and how damaging it can be when it is not. Expert opinions often shape outcomes in domestic relations cases, impacting families long after litigation ends. Attorneys owe it to their clients, the court, and the professionals involved to understand not just how to present expert testimony, but how it is received.
I believe strongly that better legal outcomes come from education, preparation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. When attorneys understand the perspectives of judges, CFIs, and mental health professionals, we are better equipped to advocate effectively and ethically.
About the Workshop
On January 23, 2025, the Boulder Interdisciplinary Committee will host a 4-credit, in-person CLE workshop at the Boulder County Courthouse, running from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This program is designed to give attorneys practical, real-world insight into expert testimony in domestic relations cases.
Following the workshop, attendees are invited to a Networking Event at the Rayback Collective, offering a chance to continue discussions and build professional relationships across disciplines.
What Attendees Can Expect
This workshop focuses on practical guidance attorneys can immediately apply, including:
- How judges and magistrates evaluate expert testimony
- What courts find helpful or unhelpful when experts are involved
- Best practices for working with CFIs and mental health professionals
- Ethical considerations and common pitfalls in expert evidence
- How interdisciplinary understanding strengthens advocacy
My goal in organizing this program was to ensure that attorneys walk away with clarity, confidence, and perspective, not just CLE credits.
Our Panel of Speakers
One of the most important aspects of this workshop is the diversity of voices represented. The panel includes:
- Judges and Magistrates from the Boulder County Domestic Relations Bench
- Two experienced family law attorneys- Anna Bond & Gregg Greenstein
- An attorney/CFI and a mental health CFI- Laurence Gendelman
- A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)- Julianna Bellipanni
Each speaker brings a unique viewpoint, creating a well-rounded discussion about expert testimony from every side of the courtroom.
A Commitment to Ongoing Education
I helped organize this workshop because I believe continuing legal education should be thoughtful, relevant, and grounded in real practice. When attorneys are better educated, the entire system functions more effectively—and families ultimately benefit.
I hope you’ll consider joining us for what I truly believe will be a valuable and engaging program.
Registration Information
Boulder Interdisciplinary Committee – BIDC Workshop Details
Strengthening the Foundation of Expert Testimony – A Comprehensive Workshop
https://www.thebidc.org/program/expert-testimony-guidance-from-legal-and-judicial-professionals/
About the Author
Jolyn Noel Belk is a Senior Associate at The Harris Law Firm, focusing her practice on divorce and family law. Her commitment to families was shaped early in her career through extensive work with the University of Wyoming Domestic Violence Assistance Program. Jolyn is deeply invested in strengthening the legal community by mentoring attorneys transitioning into family law and co-counseling with colleagues.
