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How Secondary Trauma Affects Attorney Mental Health Date: Wednesday April 26, 2023 Time: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Credits: 1.0 EP |
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. Certified Meditation Instructor and Attorney Becky Howlett will teach and lead mindfulness practices throughout this session.
Attendees will learn:
- How to identify situations that may lead to secondary trauma
- Symptoms of vicarious traumatization
- 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 compassion fatigue
- Tips on how to approach a colleague who is exhibiting “the signs”
- Strategies to implement a trauma-informed approach
- How to use mindfulness tools to develop deeper awareness about secondary trauma
Cynthia Sharp, Esq.:
Veteran attorney Cynthia Sharp (CEO of The Sharper Lawyer) works with motivated lawyers seeking to generate additional revenue for their law firms. She practiced law from 1982 - 2009 and then embarked on a professional speaking and writing career. Ever since, she has served solo and small firm attorneys throughout North America. In the spring of 2020, she co-founded legalburnout.com, dedicated to helping those in the legal industry succeed by applying principles of mindfulness to all areas of their lives. As Director of Client Services for The Legal Burnout Solution, Cynthia has helped lead over 500 attorneys in live meditations.
Cindy, author of The Lawyer’s Guide to Financial Planning published by ABA Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division, is also a Contributor to the Division’s books How to Capture and Keep Clients: Marketing Strategies for Lawyers as well as Effectively Staffing Your Law Firm. She has delivered close to 200 live presentations over the past 25 years on behalf of the American Bar Association, 10 state bar associations, the Million Dollar Round Table, Professional Services Marketing Association and numerous other legal, financial and professional groups, as well as private seminars for her clients.
Cindy served as Business Development columnist on behalf of the ABA GP Solo eReport, Social Media Strategist for GP Solo and has served as a regular guest contributor to ALM’s publication Marketing the Law Firm. In addition, she has written well over 120 articles over the past 30 years that have been published in various journals throughout the country.
During 2017/18, Cindy held positions on the GP Solo and eReport Boards of the ABA Solo, Small Firm & General Practice Division, having previously served as Chair of the Publications Board of the Division and on the Division’s Council. She completed her term as President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Speakers Association in June of 2015 and served as Dean of the Speaker Academy the subsequent year. Sharp has also been an active member in the Association of Continuing Legal Education (ACLEA). She continues her service to her colleagues through a podcast featured on Solo Practice University.
Cindy’s most recent accolade is that she has been named Trainer of the Year by the American Bar Association Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division, a national award presented in New York City on May 3, 2019. Cindy lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Mark H. Gallant and their dog Rocky and cat Jackson. She practices yoga, enjoys the arts and loves to bake. www.thesharperlawyer.com, 609-923-1017, cindy@thesharperlawyer.com.
Becky Howlett, Esq.:
Becky Howlett is an attorney, legal educator, and certified meditation instructor committed to promoting well-being in the legal field and beyond. Becky’s attorney-wellness advocacy began after struggling with depression, anxiety, and burnout as a law student and practicing attorney. In the spring of 2020, she co-founded legalburnout.com to help legal advocates effectively manage stress, cultivate healthy work environments, and prevent burnout.
As Director of Attorney Well-Being at The Legal Burnout Solution, Becky has led live meditations for over 500 attorneys in the United States and Canada. Becky’s legal experience and expertise emphasizes aware communication and relationship building, including delivering educational seminars and trainings re: cultural competency and implicit bias. She has worked in national non-profits, “Big Law,” outside counsel to an Indian tribal government, and as a solo practitioner.
Becky began studying to become a meditation instructor in April 2019. Throughout her training, she volunteered as a meditation liaison leading weekly guided mindfulness exercises for law students and attorneys. After a year and a half, Becky received her instructor certification after completing a total of 550 hours of training and study. Becky is formally certified to teach a variety of contemplative practices, including mindfulness meditation, breathwork, qigong, and, many other evidence-based techniques.
Becky lives in Kansas City where she loves staying active, including biking, singing, and spending time in nature. She identifies as queer and non-binary. legalburnout.com, becky@legalburnout.com.
Important information & login instructions:
- This is not eligible as part of the 2023 Annual Pass.
- Minimum attendance requirements must be met. No partial credit available.
- Registration closes the day before the program; registration and payment must be received prior to 10 a.m. MT the day before the event.
- About a day before the webinar, you will receive an email from newmexico-support@clewebinars.com with instructions to join. Please contact us prior to the program if you do not receive this email/link.