The Mental Health & Wellness of Florida Lawyers Committee is offering a free Continuing Legal Education (CLE) webinar titled “Understanding PTSD and Secondary Trauma for Legal Professionals” on May 30 at noon. This event marks the conclusion of Mental Health Awareness Month and aims to equip legal professionals with knowledge regarding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and secondary trauma, issues prevalent in the legal field.
Presented by Dr. Jennifer Lee, a seasoned clinical psychologist at the Miami VA Medical Center, the one-hour session will cover the signs and symptoms of PTSD and secondary traumatic stress, along with effective strategies for recognition and management. Dr. Lee brings a wealth of experience to the topic, having worked with Broward Veterans Court, the largest Veterans Court in Florida. Her background includes treatment of PTSD at the Veterans Administration in Miami and West Palm Beach, as well as her service as a U.S. Navy Psychologist during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her doctoral research focused on the trauma experienced by homeless women.
This webinar addresses a critical concern in the legal profession. According to data from the Florida Bar’s Mental Health and Wellness Center, lawyers report experiencing depression and alcohol abuse at rates three times higher than the national averages cited by the National Institutes of Health for 2023. By understanding these challenges, participants can better support their clients while also prioritizing their own mental health needs.
The Florida Bar has approved the webinar for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit, including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Registration is available online for those interested in attending.