From Assessment to Testimony -

Neuropsychology in Legal Practice

Speaker: Dr. Janya Mercado

Dr. Janyna Mercado is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Mercado’s career includes training doctoral interns, residents, and neuropsychology fellows, as well as consulting for retired professional athletes with traumatic brain injuries. She has been a professor at Trinity University for 19 years, teaching graduate courses in Neuropsychological Assessment.

In her private practice, established in 2005, she specializes in comprehensive assessments for a range of neurological disorders, following the Guidelines Regarding Competency in Clinical Neuropsychology from the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the Houston Conference Guidelines.

As an expert witness, Dr. Mercado is adept at evaluating cognitive and psychological impairments and differentiating genuine deficits from exaggerated claims. Her consultative work on forensic cases is marked by her commitment to building clear, evidence-based arguments.

This event qualifies for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit through DAPA.

For additional questions regarding this event, please contact Executive Director, Laura Kehoe at ed@dallasparalegals.org. 

This event qualifies for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit through DAPA.

For additional questions regarding this event, please contact IP Section Chair, Liz Mendoza at ip@dallasparalegals.org. 

Intellectual Property Section Meeting + CLE

The Role of an Intellectual Property Damages Expert

On November 19, 2025 at - 12:00 p.m. CST

This presentation explores the role of intellectual property (IP) damages experts in translating innovation into economic value within litigation. Attendees will gain an understanding of what IP is and why it matters, how damages experts contribute throughout the course of a case, and why collaboration among paralegals, counsel, and experts is critical to ensuring successful IP litigation outcomes.

Brynna Carswell Smith is a Manager at Analysis Group, one of the largest international economics consulting firms. Ms. Carswell Smith specializes in applying financial and economic analysis to complex litigation involving intellectual property (IP) infringement, breach of contract, and other business disputes. Ms. Carswell Smith's work spans a broad range of industries including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, computer software and hardware, telecommunications, and banking, among others. Prior to joining Analysis Group, Ms. Carswell Smith spent more than a decade providing financial and economics consulting services in the areas of IP infringement, licensing, and valuation. She also previously held positions at an investment management firm and a patent law firm. She earned a B.A. in history from Princeton University in 2007 and a master’s degree in finance from Harvard University in 2017. 

This event qualifies for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit through DAPA.

For additional questions regarding this event, please contact IP Section Chair, Liz Mendoza at ip@dallasparalegals.org. 

Sponsorships are on a first come first served bases.

After you sign up for a sponsorship, you will be contacted by the Events Committee to confirm the sponsorship and next steps.

Thank you for your support! 

DAPA would not be successful without your support!

***For additional questions regarding the sponsorships for the End of Year Event, please contact Sustaining Member Liaison at sustaining@dallasparalegals.org.

Join us as we celebrate the close of 2025 with an evening of recognition and renewal! We’ll honor our Stars of 2025, present end-of-year awards, toast our recipients, and install the 2026 Board of Directors. Together, we’ll pass the gavel to a new year, a new era—and raise a glass to celebrate 50 years strong! 

Student Members - $30.00

Voting and Non-Voting Members - $40.00

Non-Members and Guests - $50.00

All attendees will be treated to a plated two course dinner with your choice of chicken breast, beef short rib, or vegetarian entree. In addition, there will be a mini dessert trio and Hot Chocolate Bar. A cash bar will be available to purchase drinks other than tea and water. 

Parking: Self-Park Garage included with the cost of registration.

**DAPA members may register up to 5 guests. 

Guests must be included at the time of initial DAPA member registration!

Please register your guests at the same time you register yourself.**

NOTE: Due to limited availability, all registrations are final.

There are no cancellations or refunds.

**DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025

2026 FOCUS CHARITY OF THE YEAR 

DAPA has selected Hope's Door New Beginning Center as its 2026 Charity Focus of the Year! Hope’s Door exists to offer safety, healing, and hope to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and family violence. Our mission is to provide comprehensive intervention and prevention services while equipping the community with the knowledge and tools to recognize, respond to, and ultimately break the cycle of abuse.

As part of our year-end celebration, we are supporting our 2026 Charity Focus of the Year Hope's Door New Beginning Center by collecting personal care kits for those in need. Registration includes giving back: please bring a personal care kit to check‑in. Please see the additional information below.

Hope’s Door provides a full continuum of free, trauma‑informed services to survivors of domestic abuse and their children. With two emergency shelters in the Dallas area, we offer safe housing, food, clothing, and daily essentials for those fleeing life‑threatening situations. Our programs include 24/7 crisis hotlines, counseling for adults and children, legal advocacy, case management, and supportive housing to help survivors rebuild stability. In addition, our Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP) works with individuals who have exhibited abusive behaviors to foster accountability and teach healthy, non‑violent relationship skills. Through community education initiatives, school programs, and outreach partnerships, Hope’s Door strengthens the capacity of North Texas to prevent violence before it begins.

Attendees are also welcome to make a monetary donation to help further the organization’s mission by submitting a donation using the QR link or click the link below or providing donations at the event. Together, we can end the year by making a meaningful impact in our community.

HOPE'S DOOR DONATIONS

This event qualifies for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit through DAPA.

For additional questions regarding this event, please contact IP Section Chair, Liz Mendoza at ip@dallasparalegals.org.