Trauma exists in many aspects of the Crown legal system. The adversarial nature of legal proceedings often fosters a hostile environment, and prolonged legal battles can contribute to ongoing anxiety and uncertainty. While the legal system aims to deliver justice, it can inflict and further exacerbate trauma.

As part of our dedication to supporting best practices, the British Columbia Law Institute is releasing a guide this fall to help legal professionals adopt trauma-informed practices in their legal writing. This guide offers practical tools and tips for creating legal documents that are sensitive to the experiences of those affected by trauma. Since many involved in legal processes have likely experienced trauma, it’s crucial that legal writing evolves to meet their needs.

Trauma-informed legal writing improves the clarity and accessibility of written work, fosters trust, and addresses the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma. By integrating these approaches in their writing, legal professionals can produce documents that are supportive, compassionate and legally rigorous. This guide aims to equip legal professionals with the strategies needed to implement a trauma-informed approach, contributing to a more just and empathetic legal system.

For updates on the guide and other resources, please visit BCLI’s website at bcli.org/sectors/practical-tools-and-resources.