Competency: How Secondary Trauma Affects Attorney Mental Health (On-Demand)

Attorneys often represent people who have been traumatized as victims of abuse, crime or other adversity. As the matter unfolds, lawyers, staff and judges alike may be exposed to emotional stories, highly charged situations, as well as gruesome and disturbing evidence, which can lead to secondary or vicarious trauma. Symptoms include burnout, PTSD, irritability, difficulties with sleep and concentration as well as diminished pleasure and interest in activities.

Join Cindy Sharp and Becky Howlett for this timely educational webinar as they explore secondary trauma. Case studies of legal professionals who have experienced the adverse effects of vicarious trauma are included throughout the presentation.

Principles

• How to identify situations that may lead to secondary trauma
• Symptoms of vicarious trauma
• Ethical Implications of secondary trauma: Analysis of MRPC 1.1 – Competence, MRPC 1.3 – Diligence, MRPC 1.4 – Communication, MRPC 8.4 – Misconduct
• Specific steps you can take IMMEDIATELY to manage and avoid the ill effects of secondary trauma
• Special considerations for marginalized populations
• Tips on how to approach a colleague who is exhibiting “the signs”
• How to use mindfulness tools to develop deeper awareness about secondary trauma

Syllabus

1. What is secondary/vicarious trauma?
2. How to identify situations that may lead to secondary trauma
3. Symptoms of vicarious trauma
4. Ethical Implications of secondary trauma: Analysis of MRPC 1.1 Competence, MRPC 1.3 – Diligence, MRPC 1.4 – Communication, MRPC 8.4 – Misconduct.
5. Includes discussion of pertinent advisory opinions and case law.
6. Specific steps you can take IMMEDIATELY to manage and avoid the ill effects of secondary trauma
7. Special considerations for marginalized populations
8. Review of MRPC 5.3 in the context of duty in the event attorney under your supervision commits ethical infractions attributable to mental health issues. Includes review of recent case law developments
9. Tips on how to approach a colleague who is exhibiting “the signs”

Instructors

Cynthia Sharp, Esq.

Becky Howlett, Esq.