The Law Society will shortly host Working with Complex Clients, a first-of its-kind summit to address vicarious trauma in the solicitors’ profession, on Thursday 5 May from 10am-2.45pm.

Development of the summit was led by Dr Geoffrey Shannon SC (Law Society deputy director of education) and Antoinette Moriarty (psychotherapist and head of psychological services at Law Society).

This summit is part of the Law Society’s ongoing programme of actions to protect mental health, physical health and wellbeing in the solicitors’ profession. 

Trusted advisors

Solicitors are trusted advisors who work in their clients’ best interests at all times. Working with clients who are experiencing trauma is increasingly recognised as highly complex work that requires specialist skills, the Law Society has said.

Solicitors in such cases are exposed to complex, sensitive and disturbing information and visuals. Without the right supports, exposure to these cases over a prolonged period of time can be incredibly challenging.

Participants of the summit will develop skills to protect against vicarious trauma while providing access to justice for clients.

International and national experts in the field will present at the summit on human, psychological and legal aspects of trauma.

Speakers

President of the Law Society Michelle Ní Longáin will be joined on the day by a panel of international and national experts including:

• Senator Lynn Ruane,
• Professor Gordon Harold (University of Cambridge),
• Siobhan Greene (Barnardos),
• Nandipha Jola (poet),
• Aisling Byrne (solicitor and course executive, Law Society),
• Melissa Rutherford (director, Rutherford Sheridan Solicitors).

Those who wish to attend may register online.