Abstract | An emerging practice amongst lawyers in England and Wales is the use of clinical supervision, of the kind used by counsellors and psychotherapists. This is a very different practice to the type of supervision traditionally found within the legal professions. It is reflective and relational in nature. It aims to support safe, competent and ethical practice, and to contribute to sustainability, support and resilience. It also has the potential to support practitioners at risk of vicarious trauma and burnout. This study uses interviews with lawyers who are using clinical supervision to develop an understanding of why it is being sought, how it might be working, and what the potential impacts are. The interviews provide an opportunity to examine the interpersonal dynamics of the work of lawyers. The study explores how supervision allows lawyers to develop their understanding of themselves in relation to others, their boundaries and legal professional skills, and how supervision can contribute to the best interests of the client, and to a lawyer’s career sustainability and wellbeing. |
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