USC LAW FAMILY: SCHOOL OF JUSTICE
Legal Rights … USC Gould alumni have played a key role at Mental Health Advocacy Services for the past 40 years and will continue to lead it into the future. By Julie Riggott
In 1977, at a time when it was not only uncommon but also unpopular to consider the legal rights of people with mental disabilities, Mental Health Advocacy Services was founded to protect and advance those rights. In 1979, a
USC Gould student who had volunteered during those early years became executive director of the nonprofit immediately after earning his juris doctor. That alumnus was Jim Preis ( JD 1979). With Preis at the helm, MHAS helped turn the tide for those with mental disabilities, working to
Preis’ legacy is a guiding light for Farrell as she leads MHAS through this transition. Former director of external relations at the L.A. Center for Law and Justice, another legal aid agency, Farrell worked with pro bono attorneys, raised the profile of legal aid in L.A. and fundraised — all things she will do at MHAS. “I see MHAS as remaining that beacon organization that’s committed to those core values that Jim stood for,” she says. “We have unique training and expertise around mental health law and the rights and benefits to which those dealing with severe mental illness are
Mental illness “is something that affects all of us.... So it’s great to have a place like MHAS looking out for people.” — Prof. Elyn Saks, director of the Saks Institute for Mental Health Law, Policy and Ethics at USC Gould challenge the associated stigma and establishing MHAS as the go-to legal resource for those with mental health disabilities. For four decades, MHAS achieved milestone after milestone with advocacy, education and impact legislation. In October, after a seven-month battle with cancer, Preis passed away. But another USC Gould graduate was hired to carry on the mission. Jenny Farrell ( JD 2011) began as executive director on Jan. 2. “Jim leaves quite a legacy to follow,” Farrell says. “Jim was a larger-than-life figure in the mental health advocacy world. He stood for some core fundamental values — for respecting everyone’s right, regardless of their mental ability, to make their own legal and health choices.”
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entitled. We know how to best work with those clients in a trauma-informed and holistic way to get them those rights and benefits and how to best work with the agencies that provide those services and benefits.” MHAS has advocated for children and adults, gaining access to mental health services, government benefits, special education and fair housing, while fighting discrimination. It has championed the rights of underrepresented groups such as foster children, abused and neglected children, minors in juvenile hall, low-income individuals, individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans and immigrants in detention facilities. MHAS also serves as a resource to the community by providing training and technical assistance to attorneys, mental health professionals, nonprofit
