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CBA Atlantic Provinces presents a two-part professional development series focused on the impact of trauma exposure in legal practice and practical strategies for building resilience.
Lawyers regularly work with clients experiencing some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable – abuse, violence, death, family breakdown, financial hardship and other traumatic events. While lawyers are trained to advocate for and support their clients through these experiences, they are often left to navigate the impact of repeated exposure to this material on their own.
This series will provide valuable insights into the mind-body impacts of legal practice and practical tools you can incorporate into your professional and personal life.
Part 1: Vicarious Trauma and the Mind-Body Impact of Legal Practice
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 12-2 pm (Atlantic)
The first session will examine what happens when lawyers are repeatedly exposed to the traumatic experiences of their clients and the difficult evidence that comes with those cases. Participants will explore vicarious trauma, how trauma can affect the mind and body, and the ways that legal practice can contribute to cumulative stress and burnout.
Part 2: Building Skills to Manage Trauma Exposure and Sustain Well-Being in Legal Practice
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 12-2 pm (Atlantic)
The second session will build on Part 1 by focusing on practical skills and strategies for managing exposure to difficult material and maintaining well-being throughout a legal career. Participants will leave with tools they can incorporate into their professional and personal routines.
About our speakers:
Gail Thornhill, BSW, MSW, RSW
Gail is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland and has worked with diverse populations in rural and urban settings, primarily supporting adults experiencing addiction, mental illness, trauma, and violence. This includes supervising teams serving these individuals. Her specialized training includes Internal Family Systems (IFS Level 1), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting (Phase 1), and Critical Incident Stress Management, among others.
Denise Hillier, BSW, MSW, RSW
Denise is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Memorial University of Newfoundland and has extensive experience supporting people with complex mental health needs, as well as guiding and supervising teams serving individuals experiencing mental health and addiction challenges. Her specialized training includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), including the Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP), Brainspotting (Phase 1), and Critical Incident Stress Management, among others.
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