CLE - MATERIALS
VICARIOUS TRAUMA (CAN IT AFFECT CIVILITY?)
BY FAYE FREEMAN-SMITH
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2023 - NOON
THIS IS AN IN-PERSON EVENT ONLY
[1 HOUR PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY - CIVILITY - CLE CREDIT APPROVED]
Trauma is inherent to the work of lawyers. Vicarious trauma and stress are the normal by-products of the profession. Especially for lawyers working in family court and the public sector. As a result, many lawyers have experienced feelings of threats to personal safety, physical or mental health issues or even have developed non- healthy coping mechanisms, choosing to relieve stress through food or substances. Failure to address the causes and symptoms of vicarious trauma can lead to negative outcomes in a person’s life. One particular outcome may include a negative world view which can affect the ability to remain civil when interacting with others. A 2017 report from the ABA National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being concluded that to be a good lawyer, one has to be a healthy lawyer. Recognizing that vicarious trauma exists, and that lawyers and judicial employees need to heal from the effects of experiencing traumatic events in courtrooms, with clients and correctional facilities is a crucial step in the process of ensuring resiliency, integrity and civility at the workplace. This presentation will guide you through neuroscience to discover how to address and vicarious trauma reducing the effect on civility.