Sustainability Practices for Public Interest Legal Staff: Beyond Self-Care

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Staff working in public interest settings, including civil legal service and public defender organizations, are significantly impacted by the tolls of this work. Burnout and vicarious trauma impact their ability to zealously represent the clients they serve. Typically, conversations revolve around the concept of "self-care," which often does not provide individuals with enough support to navigate these challenges. This presentation will not only explore the unique challenges that the staff of these organizations face but also provide skills and strategies to sustain public interest legal staff while doing this critical work.

Upon completion, participants will identify the warning signs of vicarious trauma.
Upon completion, participants can differentiate between self-care and sustainability practices.
Upon completion, participants will have strategies to address the impact of burnout and vicarious trauma.

Rachel Goldsmith, LCSW-R

Director of Social Work

The Legal Aid Society

Rachel Goldsmith LCSW-R is the Director of Social Work for the Civil Practice of The Legal Aid Society. In this role, she oversees all social work services within the Civil Practice with a particular focus on immigration, housing, and education practice. Throughout her career, she has worked collaboratively with attorneys on various court matters, including immigration, housing, domestic violence, and custody. Rachel regularly provides training on trauma-informed practice, vicarious trauma, and sustainability to both legal and non-legal professionals. She is committed to helping professionals find ways to cope with the challenges of their work by developing meaningful strategies to address burnout and vicarious trauma. Rachel obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University and holds an Advanced Certificate in Trauma Studies from The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy. In addition to her work at The Legal Aid Society, Rachel is a senior adjunct professor at the Columbia University School of Social Work.