Australian lawyers’ experience of exposure to traumatic material: a qualitative study

Weir, Patricia L.; Jones, Liz; Sheeran, Nicola

doi:10.1080/13218719.2020.1776650

Cited by 16 publications

(53 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…Likewise, only two qualitative studies were identified that investigated the experiences of criminal lawyers working with PTM (e.g. Gomme & Hall, 1995;Weir et al, 2020). However, the small number of studies that do exist suggest that criminal lawyers are occupationally at risk of being affected as a result of working with PTM and report negative symptoms (e.g.…”

Section: Vicarious Traumamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the small number of studies that do exist suggest that criminal lawyers are occupationally at risk of being affected as a result of working with PTM and report negative symptoms (e.g. Levin & Griesberg, 2003;Maguire & Byrne, 2017;Vrklevski & Franklin, 2008;Weir et al, 2020).…”

Section: Vicarious Traumamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Using thematic analysis, the authors identified participants experienced a range of emotional and physical responses, as well as intrusive imagery as a result of their exposure to PTM, although the frequency of such responses varied between participants. Avoidant-based coping was prevalent amongst participants, including the use of detachment strategies to try and shield themselves from the negative impacts of trauma work (Weir et al, 2020).…”

Section: Vicarious Traumamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, considering the sensitivity of the topic and potential career implications, self-report measures may lead to bias in the data due to under-reporting of symptoms. Lastly, the emphasis placed on structured surveys to measure symptomology in the general literature means there are very limited qualitative examinations of the lived experiences of lawyers that are exposed to PTM (Weir et al, 2020). Quantitative studies in isolation do not address the underlying mechanisms of VT development and cannot identify the ways in which lawyers experience exposure, how they respond to that exposure, as well as the role of contextual factors -e.g.…”

Section: Vicarious Traumamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Quantitative studies in isolation do not address the underlying mechanisms of VT development and cannot identify the ways in which lawyers experience exposure, how they respond to that exposure, as well as the role of contextual factors -e.g. organisational and professional contexts (Gomme & Hall, 1995;Weir et al, 2020).…”

Section: Vicarious Traumamentioning

confidence: 99%

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An Exploration of New Zealand Crown Prosecutors' Experiences of Working with Potentially Traumatic Material and Emotions in the Courtroom

Kim¹

2021

Preprint

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<p>The occupational exposure to trauma and its potential impacts among legal professionals working in the criminal justice system is an area that has historically been neglected and has only gained traction in recent years. Crown prosecutors, as a subset of practising criminal lawyers in New Zealand working with potentially traumatic material (PTM), are arguably at heightened risk of vicarious trauma (VT) and the need to engage in emotional labour (EL). The current study qualitatively investigated New Zealand Crown prosecutors’ experiences of working with PTM and emotions in their role through three key research questions: 1) What are New Zealand Crown prosecutors’ experiences of working with PTM? 2) What sort of EL do Crown prosecutors experience, if any, through working in the criminal courts? 3) What factors in their personal and professional lives might exacerbate or alleviate VT symptoms? Nineteen Crown prosecutors from four Crown Solicitor firms across New Zealand participated in the study. The data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes across datasets. Crown prosecutors outlined the various negative symptoms they experienced from their work-related exposure to trauma (VT), as well as the different workplace and personal factors that both protected and exacerbated such symptoms. Further, they described routinely and mandatorily engaging in EL to mask their emotions as a function of their professional duties. EL also doubled as a protective measure for Crown prosecutors in the difficulties they faced in their role. These findings add to the growing body of literature on legal professionals which has preliminarily indicated they are an at-risk population for the negative impacts of VT and EL, which can be significant and enduring. More research must be dedicated to this population to understand the unique etiological pathways for both consequences of working with PTM and ultimately, provide empirically-sound recommendations that proactively address these occupational risks.</p>

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Section: Vicarious Traumamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Vicarious Traumamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Vicarious Traumamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Vicarious Traumamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Vicarious Traumamentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

An Exploration of New Zealand Crown Prosecutors' Experiences of Working with Potentially Traumatic Material and Emotions in the Courtroom

Kim¹

2021

Preprint

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Traumatic stress in Canadian lawyers: A longitudinal study.

Léonard

Vasiliadis

Leclerc

et al. 2023

Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy

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Objective: Numerous professions are considered at risk of developing work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as per DSM-5. This study sought to identify the prevalence of PTSD among lawyers and its associated work and non-work-related risk and moderating factors. Method: A cross-national sample of Canadian lawyers (N = 169) completed two online surveys 8 months apart. Results: Seven percent of lawyers working with trauma-related cases met the criteria for probable PTSD at study entry only, 7.0% met them at study endpoint only, and an additional 3.5% of the sample met the criteria at both time points, yielding a current (past-month) prevalence of 10.4% and an 8-month cumulative prevalence of 17.5%. Beyond a past diagnosis of PTSD, the most important risk factor was the number of years on the job. Parenthood represented a mitigating factor. Ultimately, the more time spent working on trauma-related cases, the more severe were the PTSD symptoms, although this relationship was moderated by perceived quality of life and work-family balance. Conclusions: Lawyers exposed to traumarelated cases represent an at-risk group for PTSD. The findings highlight the powerful impacts that interpersonal relationships and self-care may have in buffering this health hazard. Clinical Impact StatementThis longitudinal study suggests that lawyers working with trauma-related cases are at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A past diagnosis of PTSD and more years on the job are risk factors, while parenthood is a mitigating factor. Law firms should consider investing resources to improve the work culture and provide an environment that makes the promotion of a good quality of life and an adequate work-family balance.

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The case for implementing legal clinical supervision within legal practice, and recommendations for best practice

Rose,

Maylea

2023

Griffith Law Review

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Australian lawyers’ experience of exposure to traumatic material: a qualitative study

Cited by 16 publications

References 43 publications

An Exploration of New Zealand Crown Prosecutors' Experiences of Working with Potentially Traumatic Material and Emotions in the Courtroom

An Exploration of New Zealand Crown Prosecutors' Experiences of Working with Potentially Traumatic Material and Emotions in the Courtroom

Traumatic stress in Canadian lawyers: A longitudinal study.

The case for implementing legal clinical supervision within legal practice, and recommendations for best practice

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