The practice of law is a noble profession. One of the hallmarks of this nobility is the willingness of legal professionals to help clients navigate conflicts that often take a significant toll on their lives — their sense of safety, well-being, relationships, and even their freedom. As national, state, and local bar associations, law schools, legal organizations, and law firms increasingly prioritize mental health, more attention is being given to the psychological impact legal work can have — particularly the risk of secondary trauma that can arise from working closely with clients facing intense and often traumatic circumstances.

To gain deeper insight into this complex and emotionally demanding terrain, I reached out to law professor Rosario Lozada, who serves on The Florida Bar’s Mental Health and Wellness Committee. Below are several questions she answered, offering valuable perspectives on secondary trauma and the role mindfulness practices can play in fostering stability and wellbeing in a profession that often engages with clients immersed in conflict and trauma.

What is secondary trauma?

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