Mental Health Forum for Legal Professionals 2025


Course Date: May 7, 2025

Full Course Materials
Total: 3h 20min
Total Ethics: 3h 20min
Course Introduction and Land Acknowledgement (9:00 – 9:05)
 
Genevieve Chang (she/her) Program Lawyer, CLEBC, Vancouver
Cheryl D'Sa, KCNarwal Litigation LLP, Vancouver
Brook Greenberg, KCFasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver
 
Recommendations for BC from Phase II of the National Study on the Psychological Health Determinants of Legal Professionals in Canada and Law Society Update (9:05 – 9:50)
 
  • overview of BC-specific recommendations in the report
  • what The Law Society of BC is already doing to address mental health and wellness in the legal profession
  • what resources and support are available from The Law Society of BC
Cheryl D'Sa, KCNarwal Litigation LLP, Vancouver
Brook Greenberg, KCFasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver
Claire L. Marchant (she/her) Director, Policy & Practice, Law Society of BC, Vancouver
 
Questions, Comments, and Discussion (9:50 – 10:05)
 
  • engage with panelists in an interactive session, asking questions and sharing experiences to foster a supportive community
Cheryl D'Sa, KCNarwal Litigation LLP, Vancouver
Brook Greenberg, KCFasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver
Claire L. Marchant (she/her) Director, Policy & Practice, Law Society of BC, Vancouver
 
Vicarious Trauma and Burnout in the Legal Profession: A Personal Account (10:05 – 10:35)
 
  • personal story of navigating burnout and vicarious trauma in the practice of law, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned
Winston L. Sayson, KC, MGC (he/him) Retired Crown Counsel, Richmond
 
BREAK (10:35 – 10:50)
 
Understanding and Addressing Vicarious Trauma (10:50 – 11:30)
 
  • definition of vicarious trauma and its significance in the legal profession
  • common emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms
  • the healing and recovery process
  • when to seek professional support and what to expect
  • prevention strategies
Dr. Jaleh Shahin, ABPP (she/her) Registered Psychologist (BC, Alberta & Ontario), Board Certified in Clinical Psychology, UPsilon Clinic Inc., Vancouver and Edmonton
 
Understanding and Addressing Burnout (11:30 – 12:10)
 
  • symptoms of burnout and the unique pressures that legal professionals face
  • strategies and resources to effectively address burnout and promote mental well-being in high-pressure environments
  • proactive measures and techniques for preventing burnout
Derek C. LaCroix, KC (he/him) Executive Director, Lawyers Assistance Program of BC, Vancouver
 
Questions, Comments, and Discussion (12:10 – 12:40)
 
  • engage with panelists in an interactive session, asking questions and sharing experiences to foster a supportive community
Derek C. LaCroix, KC (he/him) Executive Director, Lawyers Assistance Program of BC, Vancouver
Winston L. Sayson, KC, MGC (he/him) Retired Crown Counsel, Richmond
Dr. Jaleh Shahin, ABPP (she/her) Registered Psychologist (BC, Alberta & Ontario), Board Certified in Clinical Psychology, UPsilon Clinic Inc., Vancouver and Edmonton
 
Closing Remarks (12:40 – 12:45)
 
Cheryl D'Sa, KCNarwal Litigation LLP, Vancouver
Brook Greenberg, KCFasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver