The module will prepare students to support clients seeking legal advice while they are affected by traumatic life events.

They will also be trained to see the “vicarious trauma” in themselves as a result of dealing with such cases.

Liz Comerford, director of the diploma in professional legal practice, will run the module from next year.

She said: “Trauma can affect clients in many areas of law and those who have been affected by it may not even be aware.

“In family law, there can be domestic abuse. In private client law, people can be dealing with sudden bereavement. In personal injury law, clients can be dealing with trauma from an accident, while in immigration law there can be harrowing personal back stories.

“Giving students an awareness of how to spot and support trauma can help them work with clients in the most effective and supportive way.”

“Another very important aspect of the module is raising awareness of the risk of developing vicarious trauma,” Ms Comerford said. “As a new and enthusiastic lawyer, they may not expect that vicarious trauma could affect them.

“But hearing about trauma on a daily, and sometimes relentless, basis can have an effect much further down the line. It could happen gradually, or it could be a one-off thing in reaction to a specific case.

“We want them to know where they can reach out for support if they need it, how to check in with their peers, and to be an advocate for well being amongst their peers.”