2019 NLADA Annual Conference-Innovative Justice

Lawyers working with clients who are poor, disabled, underrepresented, experiencing chronic illness or mental health conditions, or victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are likely to find that many of their clients are survivors of trauma, whether as children, in domestic relationships, or from the trauma inherent in long-term poverty. That trauma informs how our clients relate to the world, including their legal representative. For attorneys working with these populations, a trauma-informed approach allows for more competent representation, improved legal outcomes, and increased client engagement and can be an empowering experience for clients. This session will discuss why and how to integrate trauma-informed practices into your representation and use breakout sessions where participants can practice applying trauma-informed skills at different stages of representation.