Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse Clients in a Changing Landscape

Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse Clients in a Changing Landscape

November 13, 2025

12:00-1:15 pm

Via Zoom

Description:

Gender identity has become a prominent and evolving topic of discussion, underscoring the need for legal professionals to stay informed and equipped to support transgender and gender diverse clients and colleagues. This seminar, which qualifies for 1 hour of H/D credit, is designed to provide attorneys with up-to-date insights and knowledge on the complexities surrounding gender identity and its legal implications.  It will begin with an overview of what gender identity is and why it holds such immense significance for many individuals, both young and old. It will present some of the bills and legal measures introduced in the US over past year both targeting and supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, as well as a summary of the current rights and challenges facing transgender and gender diverse individuals in Maine.  Finally, it will discuss practical ways for attorneys to support transgender clients and colleagues in their practice.

Speaker:

Parke Burmeister, Esq. Casco Bay Law

Parke is the founder of Casco Bay Law. He first created Casco Bay Law in 2014 with a vision for providing excellent, client-centered legal services in a boutique setting in downtown Portland.

Parke’s legal practice is primarily centered on trusts and estates, probate matters, and working with small businesses. His focus includes comprehensive estate planning, wills and trusts, special needs planning, guardianships, conservatorships and other protective arrangements, estate administration, probate litigation, and business matters.

In 2020, Parke drafted the chapter on guardianships and conservatorships for the 1st Edition 2020 “A Practical Guide to Probate in Maine.” In October 2020, Parke presented on the SECURE Act for the SCORE Maine 2020 Tax Practitioner Institute.  Parke has also completed mediation training through the Harvard Mediation Program at Harvard Law School, and, in 2014 and 2015, served as a volunteer mediator at the Brookline District Court in Massachusetts.

Parke is a graduate of Colby College and the University of Maine School of Law.

This program is pending approval for one hour of H & D credit.  Zoom credentials will be emailed to registrants one day before the program.