Uploaded September 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
BOOK REVIEW
VICARIOUS TRAUMA IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION
A practical guide to trauma, burnout and collective care
By JOANNA FLECK AND RACHEL FRANCIS
ISBN 978 1 91364 810 7
Legal Action Group
The access to justice charity
lag.org.uk
THE PROBLEMS OF ‘A LEGAL PROFESSION THAT IS ON ITS KNEES’ AND THE PRACTITIONERS WHO MUST COPE
An appreciation by Elizabeth Robson Taylor MA of Richmond Green Chambers and Phillip Taylor MBE, Head of Chambers, Reviews Editor, “The Barrister” and Mediator
It is sad to contemplate that it is no coincidence and no accident that this book bearing this title is -- and must -- be referred to as essential reading for anyone involved in any aspect of the legal profession, whether solicitor, barrister, or ancillary staff.
Yes, it offers a wealth of advice -- and often consolation -- on a broad spectrum of mental health issues which have become commonplace in the legal profession, primarily (as the title indicates) vicarious trauma, burnout, and collective care. And yes, these problems are developing in the profession with increasing regularity, causing increasing concern.
Baroness Helena Kennedy QC summarizes this quite unacceptable situation in her brilliant Forward to this new publication from the Legal Action Group. ‘The legal landscape has changed beyond imagining,’ she writes, adding that she is ‘now sitting as a member of a Cross Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Legal Aid, looking into the desperate situation in our courts where there is a huge backlog of cases and a legal profession that is on its knees.’
She refers, in particular, to younger lawyers who ‘even though they have studied and trained for 5/6 years, then cannot afford a mortgage, or a reasonable place to live.’ In short, they are adversely affected by ‘long hours... last minute cases... inadequate time to research and prepare... and an inability to make a decent living or afford a family.’
With these and so many other factors emerging from this unsatisfactory situation (apologies for the understatement) it is no wonder that the problems of trauma, burnout -- and other ills with incomprehensible names -- have now come to the fore.
The publication of this new book from LAG -- expertly researched and written by Joanna Fleck and Rachel Francis -- is therefore timely. Not unexpectedly they comment, for example, about ‘shifting from this mentality that is weak to speak out if you are not coping.’
It is reassuring that this book contains any number of helpful suggestions designed to facilitate sensible solutions to such problems -- mentioning especially, a number of organisations which can offer help, including LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal profession.
Not for nothing is this book in handy paperback format, referred to as ‘essential reading for lawyers across most areas of law.' Ideally it should occupy pride of place in any well stocked law library. Or -- you can order your own copy from the LAG. It is a brilliant guide to helping you cope.
The date of publication of this paperback is cited as at 12th February 2021.
Do visit the publisher's website for latest editions and new titles.
BOOK REVIEW
VICARIOUS TRAUMA IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION
A practical guide to trauma, burnout and collective care
By JOANNA FLECK AND RACHEL FRANCIS
ISBN 978 1 91364 810 7
Legal Action Group
The access to justice charity
lag.org.uk
THE PROBLEMS OF ‘A LEGAL PROFESSION THAT IS ON ITS KNEES’ AND THE PRACTITIONERS WHO MUST COPE
An appreciation by Elizabeth Robson Taylor MA of Richmond Green Chambers and Phillip Taylor MBE, Head of Chambers, Reviews Editor, “The Barrister” and Mediator
It is sad to contemplate that it is no coincidence and no accident that this book bearing this title is -- and must -- be referred to as essential reading for anyone involved in any aspect of the legal profession, whether solicitor, barrister, or ancillary staff.
Yes, it offers a wealth of advice -- and often consolation -- on a broad spectrum of mental health issues which have become commonplace in the legal profession, primarily (as the title indicates) vicarious trauma, burnout, and collective care. And yes, these problems are developing in the profession with increasing regularity, causing increasing concern.
Baroness Helena Kennedy QC summarizes this quite unacceptable situation in her brilliant Forward to this new publication from the Legal Action Group. ‘The legal landscape has changed beyond imagining,’ she writes, adding that she is ‘now sitting as a member of a Cross Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Legal Aid, looking into the desperate situation in our courts where there is a huge backlog of cases and a legal profession that is on its knees.’
She refers, in particular, to younger lawyers who ‘even though they have studied and trained for 5/6 years, then cannot afford a mortgage, or a reasonable place to live.’ In short, they are adversely affected by ‘long hours... last minute cases... inadequate time to research and prepare... and an inability to make a decent living or afford a family.’
With these and so many other factors emerging from this unsatisfactory situation (apologies for the understatement) it is no wonder that the problems of trauma, burnout -- and other ills with incomprehensible names -- have now come to the fore.
The publication of this new book from LAG -- expertly researched and written by Joanna Fleck and Rachel Francis -- is therefore timely. Not unexpectedly they comment, for example, about ‘shifting from this mentality that is weak to speak out if you are not coping.’
It is reassuring that this book contains any number of helpful suggestions designed to facilitate sensible solutions to such problems -- mentioning especially, a number of organisations which can offer help, including LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal profession.
Not for nothing is this book in handy paperback format, referred to as ‘essential reading for lawyers across most areas of law.' Ideally it should occupy pride of place in any well stocked law library. Or -- you can order your own copy from the LAG. It is a brilliant guide to helping you cope.
The date of publication of this paperback is cited as at 12th February 2021.
Do visit the publisher's website for latest editions and new titles.
