Preventing and Responding to Vicarious Trauma in Law School Clinics

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Session Type: Concurrent Sessions

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Many law school clinics work directly with individuals and communities experiencing high levels of trauma. As a result, clinic students are often at risk for vicarious trauma and burnout during a time when they are already exposed to high levels of stress through law school. The Covid-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these risks. Clinic students who experienced trauma similar to that experienced by their clients may be at an even greater risk. Even law clinicians who address vicarious trauma with students through specific seminars or individual meetings may not fully incorporate it into their curriculums. The identification of vicarious trauma and the development of a plan to respond to vicarious trauma and burnout by increasing resiliency is an important lawyering skill for any student who intends to represent clients experiencing trauma. This session seeks to provide attendees with concrete activities for helping students develop these skills