13.7 – Trauma-Informed Practice

On the pages that follow, we’ll look in more detail at each of the different clients described previously, but before we do it is important to acknowledge that:

legal processes can be very unfamiliar and stressful for clients
clients often seek legal advice and solutions at times of vulnerability, e.g., a client may be facing a divorce, bereavement, loss of their home or business, etc.
every client comes with their own history, background, and understandings.

Clients who have experienced trauma may have difficulty trusting others, processing information, communicating, and responding to stressful situations. They may react in ways that appear defensive, angry, withdrawn, disinterested, or uncooperative. If you are experiencing difficulties with a client, it is possible that you are dealing with a client with trauma.

Being trauma-informed may help you recognize when you are working with a traumatized client, as opposed to one who is simply difficult. Implementing trauma-informed practices, which emphasize physical and psychological safety, communication, and client support, may help you in establishing effective working relationships with clients affected by trauma.

It is beyond the scope of this module to examine trauma and trauma-informed practice, but it is important to recognize that a client with whom you are having trouble may have experienced trauma, and their actions and attitudes may be involuntary survival reflexes.

There are many excellent resources and training opportunities for lawyers whose practice areas are likely to bring them into contact with clients with trauma, or for any lawyer who is interested. Some starting points for learning are:

Private: Module 13: Challenging Client Relationships (New Solo – Small Firm)

13.7 – Trauma-Informed Practice