Trauma-Informed Interviewing

When it comes to a school sexual abuse lawyer who represents survivors of sexual abuse in civil cases, how they engage with clients from the very first meeting can profoundly affect the client’s legal experience and emotional healing. Trauma-informed interviewing is not just compassionate—it’s essential to building trust, gathering accurate information, and empowering survivors through the legal process.

Below, our colleagues from Kellogg & Van Aken LLP discuss trauma-informed interviewing.

Trauma-informed interviewing recognizes the complex psychological, emotional, and physiological effects of trauma. Survivors may experience memory gaps, emotional flooding, or dissociation when recalling events. A trauma-informed approach creates a safe environment that reduces the risk of re-traumatization and allows clients to share their stories in their own time and on their own terms.

This approach also acknowledges that many survivors have had prior experiences with institutions or authority figures who failed to protect them or took advantage of their vulnerability. Lawyers must understand that distrust, anxiety, or reluctance to share details is not resistance—it’s a protective response to past harm. By approaching survivors with patience and nonjudgmental support, attorneys can foster a sense of control and security that is critical for healing and advocacy.

Key Principles

Safety
Prioritize physical and emotional safety. Let clients know they are in control of the pace and depth of the conversation. Start by setting ground rules for the interview and allow breaks whenever needed.

Trustworthiness and Transparency
Clearly explain your role, the legal process, and what they can expect at each stage. Avoid surprises or ambiguous language, and provide consistent updates to maintain clarity and reduce fear of the unknown.

Empowerment
Give clients choices and avoid pressuring them to disclose details before they’re ready. Offer different ways for them to communicate, whether verbally, in writing, or with the support of a trusted advocate.

Cultural Sensitivity
Be mindful of how cultural, racial, or gender identity may intersect with their trauma. Avoid assumptions and instead ask open-ended questions that allow clients to express how their identity may influence their experience and needs.

Collaboration
Frame the interview as a partnership. Survivors are not passive participants—they are central to the case and their own story. Make room for their input, feedback, and decisions throughout the legal journey.

Why It Matters
When survivors feel seen, heard, and respected, they are more likely to remain engaged in the legal process. More importantly, they deserve a legal advocate who honors their courage with empathy, patience, and professionalism.

Trauma-informed interviewing also improves the quality of the legal representation. Clients who feel supported are more likely to recall important details and provide coherent narratives, which strengthens the case. Moreover, this approach contributes to a more ethical and responsible legal system—one that does not compound harm but instead serves as a path toward justice and recovery.

Trauma-informed lawyering isn’t a technique—it’s a commitment to practicing with humanity. For lawyers representing survivors of sexual abuse, embracing this approach is not only best practice; it is a necessary and powerful act of advocacy.