why trauma-informed legal services?

Our group consists of Chicago-based expert attorneys, researchers, and clinicians who recognize the profound effects trauma has on client health and interactions with social, medical, and legal systems. We believe the legal system is potentially traumatizing for all individuals, from petitioners to clerks to judges. Trauma-informed care provides the tools attorneys need to advocate for traumatized clients and increases positive outcomes for clients who struggle the most with navigating the legal system. Our group works with clients and practitioners to recognize the effects of trauma, mitigate the harm caused by trauma, and develop systems which resist re-traumatization.