In this episode of The Resolution Room, I sit down with Julie Somerville, a former solicitor turned mediator who has built a national reputation for her trauma-informed approach. Julie has been recognised in the New South Wales market, listed in Doyles for the last five years, and named Mediator of the Year (Australian ADR Awards) in 2022. We talk about why trauma-informed practice matters in civil claims, and what it looks like when a mediator is deliberately designing the process to support better decision-making.

Julie shares what drew her into mediation, including her experience in defendant practice and the shift she saw in the post Royal Commission environment. We discuss the kinds of matters she mediates now, including sensitive and highly emotional claims such as historical abuse, birth trauma, nervous shock, catastrophic events, and compensation to relatives claims. We also explore why traditional, lawyer-driven approaches can fall short in these settings, and what lawyers on both sides can do to better support their clients through the process.

We then unpack the practical tools and mindset behind trauma-informed mediation. Julie explains trauma at a high level, how it can show up in the room, and why it can affect a person’s ability to process advice and make decisions. She also shares examples of how small, thoughtful process choices can change the tone and safety of a mediation, and we finish with a candid discussion about vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and the self-care systems Julie uses to stay present in demanding work.

Guest Links:

1. R3 Resolution's Website: https://r3resolutions.com.au/
2. Julie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesomerville/
3. Law Society of Scotland Trauma-Informed Justice Modules: https://www.lawscot.org.uk/members/cpd-training/online-cpd/trauma-informed-training/
4. Legal Society of New South Wales Trauma-Informed Legal Assistance: https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/for-lawyers/professional-development/lawyer-education-series/trauma-informed-legal-assistance
5. What is Trauma-Informed Mediation: https://r3resolutions.com.au/what-is-trauma-informed-mediation-a-practical-explanation-for-lawyers-and-their-clients/

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