Client Management & Self-Care

Client management and self care – A guide for pro bono lawyers (Guide) has been developed by a number of experienced pro bono coordinators. The purpose of the Guide is to help equip pro bono lawyers with the skills they need to effectively work with vulnerable clients, while looking after their own wellbeing.

• Part A provides guidance on the practical steps that pro bono lawyers can take to work effectively with their clients.
• Part B assists pro bono lawyers to be mindful of their own wellbeing.
• Part C includes a number of role play scripts that illustrate the commentary in Part A.
• Part D includes a template for Mental Health Services Cards that provide the details of health services to assist clients in distress, and also services that pro bono lawyers can access to debrief and seek support.

The Guide is intended to be a dynamic resource so firms are free to tailor and adapt the material contained in the Guide to meet the training needs of their lawyers.

Some ways in which the Guide can be used include:

• providing new starters with a tailored hard copy;
• developing the material in the Guide into a stand-alone training module; or
• the role plays could be incorporated into face-to-face pro bono or client management training sessions.