Trauma Prevention is Needed For Lawyers
“Fiji has suffered inevitably, and from my professional perspective, lawyers have been exposed to entrenched trauma that was unnecessary, not only from laws passed but from legal initiatives undertaken, which at times seem brutal,” Mr Stanton said.
Monday 22 January 2024 | 16:10
Lawyer Devanesh Sharma (necktie) shares a light moment with Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua(left), during the Fiji Law Society Annual Convention at the Shangri-la Yanuca Island, Fiji, at Sigatoka on January 20, 2024. Photo: Salote Qalubau
A practical solution to prevent clients’ trauma from affecting lawyers while safeguarding the mental health of legal professionals is needed.
Sydney-based barrister and Vijay Naidu and Associates Consultant Stephen Stanton said this was an issue faced by lawyers and prosecutors.
He said the establishment of a counselling service in Fiji for lawyers, similar to BarCare in New South Wales, Australia, helped members of the Bar Association manage emotional and stress-related problems.
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He said this during the Fiji Law Society (FLS) Annual Convention at Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji, at Sigatoka, on Friday.
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Coping measures
Other issues raised included lawyers resorting to overindulgence in alcohol or self-medication to cope with the effects of trauma transfer in their cases.
“Fiji has suffered inevitably, and from my professional perspective, lawyers have been exposed to entrenched trauma that was unnecessary, not only from laws passed but from legal initiatives undertaken, which at times seem brutal,” Mr Stanton said.
FLS president Wylie Clarke said that while this would be a necessary resource, the scarcity of finances and specialists would be an issue.
“At the moment, the Fiji Law Society is a voluntary organisation, so the money that we collect varies from year to year, and a commitment like that is substantial, but that’s not to say we don’t want to do it."
"We want to do it, but if the set-up of how our membership is comprised is fixed and there is a bigger pool of lawyers that are part of our society, it becomes more feasible,” he said.
He said the FLS has a membership of 350 lawyers.
“Mr Stanton offered to put us in touch with BarCare in New South Wales, so that’s going to be a great start."
"It’d be very helpful for us to see how it works and then roughly get an idea of how much the financial commitment would be,” he said.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca, said discussion was open with the Fiji Law Society to produce graduates who meet the industry’s needs and are also taken care of mentally when they’ve secured employment.
“It’s critical for you to be on top of your game."
"You need to be able to give the best that you have,” she said.
Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj
