Alex Robertson

The Law Society’s trauma-informed lawyer certification programme was developed to equip lawyers with the necessary skills and tools to elevate their approach to client care.

Ms Robertson said: “While trauma-informed expertise is particularly important when acting for those who have suffered serious and life-altering injuries, anyone who has been involved in an accident or suffered an injury can suffer psychological trauma. Going through the litigation process can add further stress for all those involved.

“Undertaking this comprehensive, insightful trauma-informed lawyer certification course has enhanced my knowledge of the impact, both physical and emotional, that a client’s injury has on their life. It has expanded my understanding of how to tailor my approach when acting for clients to take account of the impact of their trauma, as well as made me even more mindful to ensure that the risks of re-traumatisation are minimised, while also doing what I can to encourage and assist with their recovery. Crucially, it has also reminded me to consider my own wellbeing and resilience to avoid vicarious trauma.

“While hard work and challenging at times, the programme has been immensely rewarding for me and will help inform my own and the firm’s personal injury legal practice going forward, re-affirming our well-established compassionate, empathetic approach to client care for those who have suffered an injury and psychological trauma.”