Dr. Karin Huffer's ADA advocacy essentially saved my life

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 Dr. Karin Huffer is best known for coining the term legal abuse syndrome emanating from her observations in private practice in marriage and family therapy over a 40-year period. She observed through the years that patients involved in the legal system (litigation in particular) suffered from a traumatic stress preventing them from benefiting from therapy. Symptoms would allay for a short time and then recycle relating to their experiences in court.

Dr. Karin Huffer was a pioneering marriage and family therapist and an adjunct professor known for her groundbreaking work in identifying and treating Legal Abuse Syndrome (LAS), a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by prolonged exposure to the legal system. This report will detail Dr. Huffer's contributions, her diagnosis of Legal Abuse Syndrome, and the implications of such a diagnosis in the context of legal malpractice and fraud, particularly in cases involving violations of ethical standards by lawyers.

Dr. Karin Huffer was born on October 18, 1941, in Pocatello, Idaho. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Idaho and her Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She later obtained her Doctorate in Counseling and Forensic Psychology from Kings International University, Delaware.Dr. Huffer's career spanned over 40 years, during which she focused on the intersection of mental health and the legal system. She served as an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City and was a recognized expert in the field of forensic disability. Her work primarily revolved around the psychological impact of legal proceedings on individuals, particularly those with disabilities.

Legal Abuse Syndrome is a term coined by Dr. Huffer to describe a subtype of PTSD that arises from the stress and trauma associated with legal battles. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, and emotional exhaustion, which are exacerbated by unethical legal practices and prolonged litigation.Dr. Huffer developed an 8-step protocol to help individuals cope with and recover from LAS. These steps include:

1. Debriefing: Allowing the individual to express their experiences and feelings.
2. Grieving: Acknowledging and processing the losses incurred.
3. Obsession: Understanding and managing obsessive thoughts about the legal battle.
4. Blaming: Identifying and addressing feelings of blame.
5. Deshaming: Reducing feelings of shame and guilt.
6. Reframing: Changing the perspective on the legal experience.
7. Empowerment: Regaining a sense of control and power.
8. Recovery: Achieving a state of emotional and psychological well-being.

 Dr. Huffer's diagnosis of Legal Abuse Syndrome involves a thorough assessment of the individual's experiences with the legal system. This includes evaluating the psychological impact of unethical legal practices, such as those potentially committed by lawyer Michael A. Lew, as mentioned in my case. Violations of ethical standards, such as those outlined by the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (IARDC), can significantly contribute to the development of LAS.

The IARDC investigates complaints against lawyers for illegal, unethical, and dishonest conduct. Violations of these rules can lead to severe consequences for the lawyer, including censure, suspension, or disbarment. In my case, the alleged rule violations by lawyer Michael A. Lew exacerbated the stress and trauma associated with my divorce proceedings, contributing to the development of LAS.

Description: This book outlines the 8-step protocol for helping individuals cope with the psychological impact of legal abuse.

Where to Buy:

Learn More: Dr. Karin Huffer's Website, Equal Access Advocates - Please visit our shop for books or consultations 

Description: A practical guide for mental health professionals, legal practitioners, and clients navigating the court system. It emphasizes the importance of ADA accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Where to Buy:

Learn More: Dr. Karin Huffer's Website:  Equal Access Advocates - Please visit our shop for books or consultations 

Dr. Karin Huffer's work has been instrumental in recognizing and addressing the psychological impact of legal proceedings on individuals. Her diagnosis of Legal Abuse Syndrome provides a framework for understanding the trauma associated with unethical legal practices and prolonged litigation. By following her 8-step protocol, individuals can find a path to recovery and regain control over their lives.For more information on Dr. Huffer's work and resources, you can visit Equal Access Advocates.

• https://equalaccessadvocates.com/dr-karin-huffer/
• https://www.shrineofremembrance.com/dr-karin-d-huffer/
• https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38794717-legal-abuse-syndrome
• https://lovefraud.com/legal-abuse-syndrome-the-result-of-facing-sociopaths-in-court/
• https://www.diylaw.co/articles/2017/12/1/legal-abuse-syndrome
• https://www.iardc.org/Home/FileComplaint
• https://www.isba.org/ibj/2018/11/thefeared14dayletter

 Dr. Karin Huffer is best known for coining the term legal abuse syndrome emanating from her observations in private practice in marriage and family therapy over a 40-year period. She observed through the years that patients involved in the legal system (litigation in particular) suffered from a traumatic stress preventing them from benefiting from therapy. Symptoms would allay for a short time and then recycle relating to their experiences in court.

It is with extraordinary sorrow that – the family of Karin D. Huffer, PhD – announces her passing Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at her home in Colorado after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.  She was 77.  She was surrounded by her two sons, Jason and Jordan, her longtime personal assistant, Jorge “George” Medina, and other loved ones.

There is a poem, by Linda Ellis, called “The Dash,” which refers to the dates on a tombstone from the beginning to the end, and explains that what matters most is how one lives and loves, and how one spends their “Dash.”  

Dr. Huffer spent her “Dash” tirelessly helping those with mental and physical disabilities attain equal footing in life, and more specifically in the civil and criminal legal systems.  As an innovator in her field, she was personally responsible for creating the concept of “Legal Abuse Syndrome” (LAS) for victims who suffered psychological consequences and trauma from prolonged exposure to litigation.  As a clinical psychologist and forensic disability expert, Dr. Huffer wrote and lectured extensively on the lingering and long-term psychological effects of dealing with court systems which she observed in her family therapy practice.  She personally helped countless numbers of clients during their courtroom struggles, by testifying for equal access, through education and awareness.  In this way, Dr. Huffer ensured that the justice system truly captured the ideals for which it should stand: equality and fairness for all. 

Her clients often became her good friends even after the work was done.  Dr. Huffer could not work with clients on a “professional” basis only.  Her heart was too big and her compassion toward others during life’s sometimes cruel turns of betrayal, unfairness, and uphill battles was never exhausted.  She was the one who would still listen, comfort and offer help when all other avenues seemed to be hopelessly closed for her clients.  Many of her friends and former clients attest that they came back from looking into the abyss because of her gentle encouragement and training.  

Her legacy, Equal Access Advocates, was established to develop and provide the training and certification programs and CLE/CEU courses to educate and prepare ADA advocates to help individuals with disabilities negotiate and survive the legal system and the day-to-day challenges of dealing with disability.  She published two books, which serve as a foundation for the training.  Overcoming the Devastation of Legal Abuse Syndrome, which included an 8-step protocol for helping those undergoing court abuses is still implemented during the training and certification process.  Her second book, Unlocking Justice, is a helpful educational and practical textbook guide for mental health professionals, legal practitioners, judges, social workers and clients alike, who are navigating the court system.

Born October 18, 1941 in Pocatello, Idaho to the late Adolph (“Rags”) and Jane Pearson and raised in Shoshone County between the towns of Wallace and Mullan, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Idaho, Moscow.  She moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  Dr. Huffer next earned her Doctorate of Counseling and Forensic Psychology from Kings International University, Delaware, and she taught at Clark County School District, Chapman College, La Salle University, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  She served as an Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) liaison for special education.  She maintained her marriage and family therapy practice with an emphasis on post-traumatic stress, litigation stress, and EMDR treatments.  She most recently served as an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York City.  Dr. Huffer was most proud of her advocacy work which drew upon her forty years of experience as a counselor in Clark County, Nevada’s behavioral schools along with her private practice which focused on the recognition of post-traumatic stress and the use of ADA accommodations as a means to access and meaningfully participate in litigation.  She identified and created the processes and ethical standards by which disabled litigants are able to meaningfully participate in the civil and criminal justice systems pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Dr. Karin Huffer’s life is a testament that you can achieve professional success by pursuing your passion and truly sharing your gifts, talents and love with others.  During her long struggle with cancer, Dr. Huffer demonstrated benevolence, resilience, courage, and grace.  Countless lives have been touched and transformed by her compassion.  She will not only be profoundly missed by her family and many friends, but the entire world.

Karin was the beloved wife of the late James (“JD”) Huffer.  She was also preceded in death by her grandmother, Karin Ingeborg Johnson; grandfather, Peter Adolph Pearson; uncle, Conrad Pearson (“Uncle Con”); and dearly beloved dog, Hudson.  Karin is survived by her sons, Jason Huffer and Jordan Huffer; cousins, Trudi Brown, Roger Pearson, Debby Niehus; dear friends, Wilene Gremain, Jorge (“George”) Medina, Dr. Corky Strandberg, Meryl Lanson, Susan Breidenbach, Fred Bardelli, Enid McFarland, Lucy James, Jena Larrabee, Danielle Duperret, Grant, Bond, Dior, Duke and Clive Van Der Jagt, Heather Stark, Marc Browne, Gary Tanin, Gordon Hale, Mike Shaffner, Lindsay and Jon Vinnik, Bill and Hannah; and esteemed colleagues, Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD, Philip Zimbardo, PhD, Robert Geffner, PhD, Dagna Van Der Jagt, Esq., Ian Hicks, Esq., Wendy Murphy, Esq., Naureen Shaikh, MD, Barbara Parrett, MS, RN, CNS, Dr. Zena Crenshaw, Dr. Mo Therese Hannah, Donna Andersen, Evan Stark, Lundy Bancroft, Rose Colombo, Shu Bartholomew and Dennis Grover.

A Celebration of Life luncheon is being planned in January 2019 at the Olympian Plaza Reception & Event Center in Colorado Springs, CO.  An interment service will be held at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL.  All who wish to attend these future events are cordially invited to do so. 

In lieu of flowers, an appropriate memorial fund is being established for those who wish to contribute to continue Karin’s life legacy at www.EqualAccessAdvocates.com.

See future, updated versions of obituary at www.shrineofremembrance.com

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