Supporting Trauma-Informed Legal Services (STILS)

A Stepped-Wedge Multi-Site Study

La Trobe Law School (ARC Linkage Project LP230200751)

STILS is a three-year, ARC-funded research project designed to fill a critical gap in legal services by integrating and evaluating trauma-informed approaches across diverse legal aid settings. The project aims to enhance client experiences and outcomes while supporting workforce wellbeing and sustainability.

Working in partnership with legal aid commissions across multiple jurisdictions, STILS tests whether a structured, evidence-driven model can meaningfully translate trauma-informed principles into practical, measurable improvements. The ultimate goal is to generate and share robust findings that inform better policies, strengthen service quality, and reduce the risk of re-traumatisation for clients.

About us

Learn about who we are and what we do.

Learn more

Latest updates

Stay updated with our latest news and developments.

Discover what's new

Advisory group

STILS has an incredible team of Lived Experience Advisors.

Meet our team

Publications

See project publications and resources.

Browse our publications

Contact us

Email

Project Lead
Prof Chris Maylea
E: c.maylea@latrobe.edu.au

Address

La Trobe Law School
La Trobe University
Bundoora, Victoria, Australia