Law Society of Ontario: Mental Health Summit for Legal Professionals 2026 – Presentation
Alastair Clarke is honoured to be invited to present at the Mental Health Summit for Legal Professionals, hosted by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) on 5 MAY 2026. Alastair will be focused on Vicarious Trauma and tips for practioners to maintain mental health. This is, unfortunately, a common problem. Many lawyers or front line workers get burned out after helping their clients. We listen to traumatic stories every day. We investigate cases that involve sexual assault, torture, female genital mutilation (FGM) and other sensitive topics.
Refugee lawyers work very hard on behalf of their clients during difficult times. After the passing of Bill C-12, lawyers across Canada face many difficult circumstances. Many of their clients face removal from Canada with either limited or no options to stay safe.
If you are interested in joining the session, please click here to register for the Mental Health Summit.
Mental Health Summit for Legal Professionals
Now in its sixth year, this Summit highlights that mental health and well-being continue to remain front and centre topics for the legal professions. Our presenters share their lived experiences as legal professionals and provide practical strategies to support our communities. Join us for another enlightening conversation about these important issues for our professions.
- Learn how to navigate the lawyer-client relationship as a legal professional while understanding our own needs and limitations
- Hear from profession leaders on how to break down isolation and build connection
- Listen to compelling stories of lived experience from legal professionals with a range of practices and roles
Navigating the client relationship: How do we serve our clients while not losing ourselves?
Practicing law often means working closely with people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Lawyers are often asked to manage conflict, heightened emotions, and complex client expectations, all while delivering high-quality legal work. This session explores the complex dynamics at the heart of legal professionals’ relationship with their clients, including the challenges of working with difficult clients, understanding the impact of vicarious trauma, and recognizing burnout. The panelists will share reflections and strategies for how legal professionals can serve their clients with care and compassion while also supporting their own mental health.
Presenters
- Beth Beattie, LSM, Senior Counsel, Ministry of the Attorney General
- Teresa Donnelly, Emeritus Treasurer, Law Society of Ontario
- Lauren Linton, Law Clerk and Paralegal, Ministry of the Attorney General
- Hayley Pitcher, Counsel, Constitutional Law Branch, Ministry of the Attorney General
- Jason Ward, Ward Lawyers PC
- Adam Brooks, Paralegal, Civil Litigation Co-Ordinator, Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General
- Alastair Clarke, Clarke Immigration Law (Winnipeg)
- The Honourable Justice Suzan Fraser, Ontario Superior Court of Justice
- Dimple Dhabalia, Founder, Roots in the Clouds (US)
- Doron Gold, The Lawyer Therapist
- Katherine Cooligan, Cooligan Yehia LLP
- Kirsten Marsh, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
- Justice Brook J. Greenberg, Supreme Court of British Columbia
- Dr. Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang, Bridgepoint Law Professional Corporation
- Marian Jacko, Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Ministry of the Attorney General
- Karen Seeley, McAuley Law
- Tanya Parker Wallace, Parker Wallace Family Law
- Shelina Lalji, Paralegal, JUSTICEJOLT©
- Lai-King Hum, Hum Law Firm, Discrimination and Harassment Counsel (DHC)
