Breaking the Mold: A Trauma-Informed, Compassionate Approach to Law
In a world where law often feels rigid and impersonal—defined by black suits, briefcases, and mahogany desks—it can be difficult for clients to find someone who sees them as more than just a case. My journey into law didn’t follow the typical route; it began in the trenches of social work, counselling survivors of gender-based violence. It was in that space—supporting women fleeing dangerous situations and navigating trauma—that I discovered the power of listening, empathy, and meeting people where they are. That experience now shapes the way I practice law, bridging the gap between human connection and professional advocacy.
In my counselling work, the priority was to create safety, validation, and empowerment for those facing unimaginable hardships. Many clients came to me after being silenced for too long, needing not just solutions but someone who would walk alongside them through their darkest moments. Those years taught me that the foundation of effective advocacy isn’t just knowing the law—it’s understanding people. It’s about hearing their stories, recognizing trauma, and creating a space where trust can grow.
When I transitioned from front-line counselling into the structured environment of a corporate law firm, I saw how disconnected the legal world could feel for clients. The very people seeking help often faced intimidating processes, rigid formality, and interactions that lacked warmth or personal connection. I knew something had to change. That’s when I decided to build a law practice that reflects my belief: legal services must not only solve problems but also offer compassion, connection, and respect for the human experience behind every case.
A Park Bench, Not a Boardroom
Let me share a story that captures this philosophy. A potential client once reached out to me after nearly giving up their search for a lawyer. They had contacted several firms, only to encounter cold, distant professionalism. The more stern faces they met, the more alienated they felt. But one day, they stumbled upon a video of me online—not in a suit, not behind a desk, but outdoors, strolling through a park. In that video, I wasn’t delivering a rehearsed pitch; I was speaking candidly about legal issues, with the sun shining overhead and sunglasses perched on my nose.
Later, the client told me that what drew them in wasn’t the law I was explaining—it was the warmth in my delivery. The park wasn’t just a backdrop; it was a metaphor for the freedom I aim to provide to my clients—freedom from the rigidity and fear often associated with legal services. That moment of connection was a reminder that my job isn’t only about solving legal puzzles; it’s about being a human advocate, someone who offers real partnership through difficult times.
Bringing a Trauma-Informed Perspective to Law
My experience working with trauma survivors has profoundly influenced my legal practice. I recognize that many clients come to me after experiencing trauma—whether through workplace harassment, discrimination, wrongful dismissal, or systemic injustice. My role is to support them not just legally but emotionally, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and understood throughout the process.
This trauma-informed lens means:
Creating safety: I strive to create a non-judgmental, supportive environment where clients can feel safe sharing their experiences without fear of being dismissed or invalidated.
Understanding the impact of trauma: I know that trauma can affect decision-making, memory, and emotional responses. This awareness shapes the way I communicate and set realistic timelines, ensuring clients have the space they need to process and heal.
Collaboration over hierarchy: I believe in working with my clients, empowering them to be active participants in their legal journeys rather than passive recipients of legal advice.
Flexibility and accommodation: Whether it’s meeting over a phone call instead of an office visit, or providing extra time to review documents, I ensure my practice adapts to my clients’ needs—especially for those coping with the effects of trauma.
From Human Connection to Legal Advocacy
Transitioning into law after working in the gender-based violence sector gave me an understanding that legal solutions are not one-size-fits-all. Just as no two people’s stories are the same, no two legal journeys should follow the same rigid script. This approach requires me to go beyond paperwork and procedures—to listen, to engage, and to guide clients with empathy and understanding.
I’ve seen firsthand how the legal process can either retraumatize or empower, depending on how it’s handled. My commitment is to ensure that it’s always the latter. Whether I’m drafting a demand letter, negotiating a settlement, or filing a human rights application, I carry the lessons I learned from trauma survivors into every interaction. This work isn’t just about reaching legal outcomes; it’s about walking alongside clients as they reclaim their voices and their power.
The Practice I Built: Colourful, Human, and Real
Ultimately, the law practice I built is a reflection of who I am—someone who believes in authenticity, compassion, and connection. I traded in the stiff suits and mahogany desks for something more aligned with my values: a colourful, accessible approach that puts people first. Whether it’s a conversation on a park bench, a phone call from a place of comfort, or an email that meets the client where they are, my goal is to make legal services relatable and empowering.
The journey from counselling to law has taught me that at its core, advocacy is about humanity. My practice is where the lessons of my past work meet the needs of today’s clients—creating a space where the law isn’t just about rules but about relationships, healing, and forward movement.
This is the kind of law I practice: one that values connection over convention, empathy over intimidation, and authenticity over formality. I hope to continue making a difference, one client at a time, painting a vibrant picture of what law can be—one that reflects life, warmth, and the human spirit.