State Bar of Michigan (SBM) Bar Journal
Co-Authored by Alexander S. Rusek

An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Lawyering

  • Quoted by “Paradoxical Pedagogy: Teaching Trauma-Informed Principles Within a System Built on Emotional Detachment.” Sarah McConnell and Leah Lunetta, Roger Williams University Law Review, Volume 30, Issue 2 (Spring 2025).
  • Quoted by “Implementing Trauma-Informed Pedagogy in Legal Education: Operationalizing ABA Resolution 503.” Cayley Balser, University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law Legal Studies Discussion Paper No. 25-29 (2025).
  • Quoted by “Recognizing Signs of Traumatic Stress in Clients.” Bryan R. Welch, Oregon Attorney Assistance Program inSIGHT, Issue No. 127 (Summer 2025).

Being trauma-informed is not just the newest social science buzzword. Rather, it is an important set of research-based guiding principles that attorneys in most practice areas must recognize to provide the most effective representation possible for their clients.

So, what is trauma? What does it mean to be trauma-informed? What is trauma-informed lawyering? And where can you learn more about these concepts?

See the full article in SBM's August issue.

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