Objectives

  1. Understanding vulnerability
  • Defining what makes a client vulnerable
  • Temporary, situational, and permanent vulnerability
  • Hidden vulnerabilities and how to spot them
  • Regulatory and professional responsibilities
  1. Setting professional boundaries
  • Understanding what support is appropriate
  • Recognising when to step back or refer
  • Managing dependency, safeguarding issues, and client expectations
  1. Communicating with vulnerable clients
  • Tools and techniques for improving comprehension and retention
  • Using plain language and check-back strategies
  • Ensuring communication is clear, respectful, and documented
  1. Making reasonable adjustments
  • What constitutes a reasonable adjustment in legal practice
  • How to make, record, and review adjustments appropriately
  • Practical examples and templates for implementation
  1. Supporting clients with mental health challenges
  • Approaching mental health sensitively and responsibly
  • Working with third parties – when and how to involve family, carers or advocates
  • Managing confidentiality, capacity concerns, and consent
  1. When you cannot assist a client
  • Recognising when it’s not appropriate to act
  • Handling difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism
  • Signposting clients to other forms of support or advice
  1. Case studies & practical scenarios
  • Realistic examples to apply learning throughout the day
  • Discussion-based exercises and skills practice to build confidence
  • Sharing experiences and building a toolkit for practice
Who should attend: All fee earners

Content

This 1 day course is designed to help legal professionals develop confidence and competence when working with clients who may be vulnerable. It explores practical strategies, ethical considerations, and tools to ensure both clients and professionals are supported appropriately and within professional boundaries.

Testimonials:

“Speaker was very interesting and engaging and open discussions were good”.

“I think the course should be run out to everyone - it was excellent and really helpful”.

How To Book

Please contact your Learning & Development Manager if you are interested in this course.