by Karen Sawatzky | Jun 6, 2019 | Law Society of Manitoba, Mental Health
We recently wrote about the declaration of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week. Lawyers as a group are notorious for ignoring mental wellness and self care. I came across this opinion piece titled “A more inclusive discussion on the impact of trauma on lawyers’ mental health is needed“, published in Canadian Lawyer Magazine, and thought it was a good way to continue the conversation. It was written by Crystal Tomasiuk, Crown counsel with B.C. Prosecution Services, and discusses the vicarious trauma lawyers deal with in their practice. Having sat in on a couple of criminal trials, I have wondered how lawyers deal with the sometimes horrific facts and scenes they are exposed to.
Vicarious trauma can affect those of any background. As important as it is to recognize our collective vulnerability in this way, more is needed for a truly inclusive and trauma-informed approach. In particular, we need to face the prevalence of trauma in our society and explicitly address the fact that many of us come to the practice of law having already experienced significant trauma that may shape how our mental health is impacted by the pressures of the profession.
If you feel you’re suffering from vicarious trauma, or just the stress of the profession, the Law Society of Manitoba’s Health and Wellness program offers a free and confidential service for you and your family.
by Allyssa McFadyen | May 22, 2019 | Articling, Continuing Professional Development, Law Society of Manitoba
Are you a current articling student, new lawyer, principal, firm recruiter or mentor of articling students?
Together with the Law Societies in Alberta and Saskatchewan, the Law Society of Manitoba is launching two surveys: one directed at articling students and new lawyers (articled in the last five years); the other directed at principals, recruiters and mentors. The surveys are designed to help the law societies better understand the experiences and supports that articling students are getting during their articling term in order to critically assess whether our existing systems are appropriately preparing lawyers for the future.
The surveys take approximately 15 minutes to complete and all responses will be analyzed in aggregate form only. Nothing shared by you will be linked to you in any way. As an incentive, you will have the option of submitting your name at the end of the survey for a chance to win a complimentary registration to any Law Society of Manitoba CPD of your choice (prize must be redeemed within the next year).
Surveys:
Articling Students and New Lawyers
Principles, Recruiters and Mentors
The surveys will remain open until June 17, 2019.
For more information visit the Articling Survey FAQ
If you have any questions, please contact Richard Porcher, Director of Admissions & Membership, at rporcher@lawsociety.mb.ca or Kris Dangerfield at kdangerfield@lawsociety.mb.ca
Thank you in advance for your participation.
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