Lindsay believes everyone deserves to have their story heard.
In addition to working in a Social Work capacity for the Public Defenders Office, Lindsay has years of experience as an intensive, hands-on clinical case manager through community mental health centers. Ms. Bendell can find placements and long-term treatment options for many clients that have fallen into the legal system to satisfy bond requirements or assist in getting better legal outcomes.
Lindsay believes that individuals in the Justice system deserve support. Because of this, Ms. Bendell has helped create a non-profit geared explicitly toward assisting individuals involved in the criminal justice system in Colorado that connects clients with bridge housing while they await trial. Lindsay is dedicated to working with individuals in the Justice system.
Recently, Lindsay relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to focus on supporting the areas of greatest need on the East Coast.
Lindsay is the owner and operator of Community Justice Services and Mitigation Mentor, The first and only on-demand education program for forensic social work and mitigation.
Defense But Deeper
Lindsay Bendell, LCSW
Why a Forensic Social Worker?
The National Organization for Forensic Social Work said it best:
"In the 21st century the complex social issues such as mass incarceration, necessitate that we use an integrated approach that incorporates clinical, policy and community organizational skills to build the capacities of individuals, families, and communities to address them.”
As a certified Forensic Social Worker, Lindsay has specialized training pertaining to assessment, diagnosis, community connection, treatment, and ongoing evaluation for individuals experiencing legal issues and litigation- both civil and criminal.
Why is Mitigation important?
There is always a reason behind an individual’s actions. Understanding a client’s motivations and background is crucial in defense representation. Mitigation is paramount in understanding the human experience and what has happened in an individual’s life to bring them where they are today. The goal of mitigation is to view the person as a whole rather than by their worst moment, and a Clinician is specifically skilled in eliciting a more profound response from a defendant through their clinical training.
Qualifications
Certified Mitigation Specialist
2020
National Alliance for Sentencing Advocacy and Mitigation Specialists
Certified Forensic Social Worker
2020
National Organization of Forensic Social Work
Master’s Degree in Social Work
2018
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
2020
State of Colorado
Bachelors Degree in Psychology
2014
University of Central Florida
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
NLADA-National Legal Aid and Defender Association
NASAMS - National Alliance for Sentencing Advocacy and Mitigation Specialists
NACDL - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
CBA - Colorado Bar Association
NAPD - National Association for Public Defense