How Burnout Led Me to Trauma Informed Representation

Representing victims of trauma, whether sexual assault, domestic violence, or domestic abuse, requires a different skill set. In fact, competently doing so requires an entirely different mindset. Victims of sexual assault and domestic violence often have memory impairment, hypervigilance, and cognitive deficiencies (temporarily). Lawyers may get frustrated with them or assume improper motives or lack of honesty if they are not properly informed about the effects of trauma on their clients. This program will provide explanations of victim behaviors, why they engage in such behaviors, and how to address them as their lawyer.