The objectives of this course are:

1. Understand and define empathy.
2. Appreciate the importance of demonstrating empathy in a lawyer client relationship.
3. Identify the skills used in demonstrating empathy in a lawyer client relationship.
4. Understand what trauma means in criminal or family law practice.
5. Understand and define secondary and vicarious trauma.
6. Appreciate that vicarious trauma may affect any lawyer in criminal or family law practice.
7. Identify the triggers for and symptoms of secondary and vicarious trauma.
8. How to develop “emotional distance” in the lawyer-client relationship to reduce secondary or vicarious trauma and effectively serve clients.
9. Appreciate a few practical tips on how to help a colleague experiencing trauma.