A party’s trauma response, which can impact their ability to think clearly, flexibly, and with purpose, is often elevated during times of stress. This can interfere
with the mediation process, as mediators could feel pulled to protect or defend one party over another or discover a power imbalance mid-mediation. In this presentation, we will discuss trauma responses that can be expected to show up in the mediation process
and explore practical strategies mediators can utilize to increase effectiveness while staying firmly within the guidelines of the code of ethics.
Lawyers experience anxiety at higher rates than many other professionals, with 67% indicating experiences with stress, tension, and worry. It is no wonder, given the weight of the profession, the stress of interacting with clients overwhelmed by emotion, the pressure of upholding the rules of professional conduct, and the never-ending deadlines that, if missed, could have severe ramifications for the case. In this training, we will identify symptoms that could indicate a lawyer is experiencing anxiety, explore challenges unique to lawyers that contribute to this experience, and discuss strategies to combat professional anxiety.
Trauma, or the psychological response to stressors that is beyond one’s ability to cope, is a part of most clients’ lives and can interfere with their ability to understand concepts, retain information, and process experiences. This can significantly impact a lawyer's ability to effectively communicate and advocate for clients.
