Navigating the Maze: How Clinicians Can Better Cope With the Legal System

Clinicians are not trained to work within the legal system, and the thought of becoming professionally involved in it can cause much anxiety. In this article, we select common examples from civil, criminal, family, and immigration law where practitioners may find themselves unintentionally involved in legal proceedings, and how they may avoid or cope with them in a professional manner. We conclude with general recommendations. Clinical Impact StatementClinical practitioners are generally not familiar with forensic work or the rules that govern it. When they find themselves involved in legal matters, they can become distressed and may be prone to errors. We discuss common scenarios where these situations may arise and offer concrete recommendations regarding their management.