NWLC’s Legal Network for Gender Equity and Workplace Fairness co-hosted a webinar, “Because You Need Support Too: Understanding Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue to Prevent Burnout and Build Resilient Workplaces,” on September 25, 2026. 

This webinar discussed: 

• Recognizing the signs and cumulative effects of burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and vicarious trauma. 

• Differentiating among these forms of workplace stress and understanding their impact on professional effectiveness. 

• Assessing how unaddressed trauma and stress can affect engagement, organizational culture, decision-making, retention, and performance. 

• Identifying relevant legal, ethical, professional considerations, and organizational responsibilities. 

• Recognizing the role of psychological safety, supportive workplace cultures, and healthy organizational practices in reducing stigma and strengthening resilience. 

• Applying evidence-based strategies for managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, preventing compassion fatigue, and sustaining well-being. 

• Developing an individual action plan for self-care, resilience, supporting colleagues, and fostering a healthier workplace culture. 

Speakers: 

• Karen Barth Menzies (she/her),Partner, Justice Law Collaborative, LLC 

• Kelly A. Guagenty (she/her),Partner, Justice Law Collaborative, LLC 

• Liz Stevenson (she/her), Social Worker / Paralegal, Justice Law Collaborative, LLC 

Copies of the slides and related materials available for download on this page.     

These webinars and the accompanying materials have been prepared for attorneys in NWLC’s Legal Network for Gender Equity and for informational purposes only.  The provision of this material does not create an attorney-client relationship between any attorney at NWLC and the reader and does not constitute legal advice. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to contact a lawyer licensed in their jurisdiction for advice on their specific circumstances.