This workshop will discuss how to make your school/district’s BTAM process more legally defensible. The most current research and recommendations will be discussed with an emphasis on the critical importance of establishing multi-disciplinary threat assessment teams and how to address the systemic barriers that complicate information sharing, documentation, and follow-up planning and supports. Knowledge gained in serving as an expert witness in court cases involving threat assessment, targeted violence and suicidal ideation will be highlighted. Specific recommendations for improving the fidelity of implementation of best practice threat assessment protocols will also be provided.