Annmarie Carvalho recently delivered another engaging session on the psychology of family law to barristers at Deans Court Chambers in Manchester. With nearly 50 attendees on a Saturday, the event was a testament to the growing interest in this type of training within the legal profession. Annmarie extended her thanks to the Northern Circuit and the FLBA for their generous support, which made the day a success.While the audience was primarily composed of family law practitioners, the session also included valuable insights from barristers in other fields, such as catastrophic injury and criminal law, with contributions from Mary Ruck and Verity Quaite. This diverse participation highlighted how the principles and themes of the session are relevant across various legal practice areas.
Key Takeaways from the Day:
A Growing Demand for Psychological Training in Law The era of saying “lawyers don’t do feelings” is firmly in the past. Today’s barristers recognize that adopting a psychologically informed approach not only enhances their effectiveness but also helps them avoid burnout. This shift reflects a broader recognition of the importance of emotional intelligence and mental well-being in legal practice.The Evolving Role of the Barrister In family law, the role of the barrister has expanded significantly. Initiatives such as Problem-Solving Courts, the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC), and the Pathfinder approach emphasize that the barrister’s responsibilities extend beyond legal expertise. Barristers are increasingly required to adopt investigative and problem-solving skills, making specialized training essential.What’s Next for the Legal Profession?
Reflective practice should become a standard across all legal disciplines. Barristers and solicitors alike need ongoing training to adapt to the changing demands of their roles. Feedback from the Manchester session highlighted several areas for further development:Trauma-Informed Practice Barristers are keen to understand how to be trauma-informed and manage their own vicarious trauma. Annmarie expressed interest in collaborating with experts like Katie McKenna and Stephanie Bell to develop this training further.Understanding Neurodiversity As awareness of neurodiversity grows, the legal profession must do better in supporting neurodivergent clients and colleagues. Many believe there is a significant level of undiagnosed neurodivergence within the profession itself. Training initiatives, such as those offered by Angharad Rudkin and Bob Greig at OnlyMums & Dads, could play a crucial role in bridging this gap.Working with Clients with Limited Cognitive Abilities There is a clear need for training focused on supporting clients with limited cognitive abilities. Annmarie encouraged the legal community to share and develop resources tailored to this need.Expanding the Reach of Psychology in Family Law Training
This training session has previously been delivered in Leeds and Manchester, with discussions underway to bring it to other regions, including the Midlands and the South East. Natasha Isaac has expressed interest in running sessions in London and Brighton, where demand is expected to be strong.If your chambers or legal network is interested in hosting a session, contact the FLBA or Annmarie Carvalho to explore opportunities. This training represents a critical step toward equipping barristers with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern legal practice, ensuring they are prepared to meet the challenges of today’s evolving legal landscape.
