Trauma impacts every facet of our lives—from the classroom to the boardroom. It impacts how we learn, how we lead, and how we succeed. In higher education, trauma disrupts academic performance and retention. In law schools, it fosters an epidemic of anxiety and depression that students carry into their professional lives. In law firms, unresolved trauma can erode workplace culture and professional competence, threatening the well-being of both individuals and organizations.
In today’s world, where institutions face unprecedented challenges—from social and economic instability to public health crises—addressing trauma is no longer optional. It’s essential. If we are to prepare the next generation of leaders, we must equip them to navigate, operate, and recover from trauma. We need the best and brightest minds—not burned out, disengaged, or overwhelmed by stress—to tackle the challenges of the future.
At Blackbird Trauma Training, we partner with law schools, colleges, universities, and law firms to address these pressing issues. Our trauma-informed trainings, consulting services, and resources are designed to transform institutions into resilient, inclusive environments where the next generation of leaders can thrive.
Transforming Communities Through Trauma-Informed Leadership
Marjorie Florestal is a visionary leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to fostering resilience and well-being in education and the workplace. With over 30 years of experience as a lawyer, law professor, and trauma researcher, she brings unparalleled expertise to the mission of Blackbird Trauma Training.
Marjorie’s career reflects a profound commitment to creating transformative change. As a former tenured professor at McGeorge School of Law and a lecturer at UC Berkeley and UC Davis, she has taught a wide range of courses in the fields of international business and negotiations. Her innovative course on trauma-informed lawyering at UC Davis School of Law introduced students to the tools they need to address the mental health challenges of a demanding profession.
Beyond the classroom, Marjorie co-authored The Trauma-Informed Lawyer (ABA, 2023), a seminal work contributing to the ongoing conversation around mental health and well-being in the legal profession. Her publications span topics such as cross-cultural pedagogy, trauma, storytelling, and international law, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to addressing the challenges faced by the next generation of leaders.
Marjorie’s global perspective is shaped by her extensive international experience. She began her career in the Clinton Administration, representing the United States in disputes before the World Trade Organization and negotiating key international agreements. She later designed and managed legal reform initiatives for African nations, working with organizations such as USAID and the African Development Bank to advance sustainable development.
Born in Haiti and raised in the United States, Marjorie’s experiences living and working in diverse regions—including France, South Africa, and Mexico—deeply inform her culturally responsive and trauma-sensitive approach to education and leadership. She holds a JD from NYU School of Law, where she was a Root-Tilden-Snow Scholar and a Fulbright recipient. In addition to her law degree, Marjorie earned a Master’s in Jungian Psychology, where she explored the intersections of storytelling, trauma, and resilience, and is currently completing a PhD in Human Development with a concentration in coaching and trauma-healing modalities.
Through Blackbird Trauma Training, Marjorie empowers institutions to embrace trauma-informed practices as a cornerstone of resilience and growth. Her work reflects a deep commitment to transforming education and professional spaces into inclusive environments where individuals and communities can flourish.
Our Mission
We empower campuses, workplaces, and communities by implementing trauma-informed practices, cultivating resilience, promoting mental well-being, and nurturing belonging.
Our Approach
Transforming Institutions Through Trauma-Informed Practices
At Blackbird Trauma Training (BTT), we understand that trauma doesn’t exist in isolation—it impacts individuals, teams, and entire institutions. Our approach is rooted in the belief that resilience and well-being can be cultivated through intentional, evidence-based strategies that empower students, faculty, and staff to thrive in any environment.
We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of law schools, higher education institutions, and law firms, combining deep expertise with practical tools to create lasting change.
1. Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Training
Our training programs are designed to equip participants with the skills they need to address trauma effectively:
Core Training: Foundations of trauma-informed practices, focusing on how trauma impacts learning, leadership, and professional environments.
Specialized Programs: Tailored for specific roles, such as Title IX administrators, mental health professionals, and firm leaders, emphasizing skills like empathetic communication, crisis response, and stress management.
2. Policy Development and Implementation
We work with institutions to create clear, actionable policies that reflect a commitment to mental health, inclusivity, and equity:
Develop policies that address accommodations for trauma-affected individuals.
Ensure alignment with industry standards and best practices.
Embed trauma-informed principles into organizational culture.
3. Tailored Campus and Workplace Assessments
Each institution is unique, and our approach reflects that:
Conduct in-depth evaluations of campus or workplace climate to identify gaps and opportunities.
Provide actionable recommendations to create environments that foster growth, equity, and resilience.
4. Resource Development and Long-Term Support
Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why we provide ongoing support and resources:
Develop self-care guides, trauma-sensitive toolkits, and tailored coping strategies.
Offer regular check-ins and updates on emerging best practices.
Provide coaching and consultation to address specific challenges as they arise.
5. Partnership and Collaboration
Our work is a collaboration, not a one-size-fits-all solution. We partner with institutions to co-create strategies that are practical, impactful, and sustainable.
Whether we’re training law professors to integrate trauma-informed pedagogy, working with Title IX administrators to support students in crisis, or helping law firms enhance employee well-being, our approach remains grounded in compassion, innovation, and measurable results.
Why Choose Blackbird Trauma Training?
Proven Expertise: Led by Marjorie Florestal, an experienced legal educator and trauma researcher, BTT combines deep academic knowledge with practical application.
Track Record of Success: From pioneering the first trauma-informed lawyering course at UC Davis to co-authoring the ABA’s seminal book on trauma-informed practices, we are at the forefront of this field.
Tailored Solutions: Every institution is different, and we pride ourselves on developing strategies that meet your specific needs.
At Blackbird Trauma Training, we believe that trauma-informed practices are not just a response to challenges—they are the foundation for a thriving future.
Our Impact
At Blackbird Trauma Training, we work with institutions in higher education and the legal profession to create meaningful change through tailored strategies, practical tools, and ongoing support. Our achievements include:
Pioneering Trauma-Informed Legal Education: Developed and implemented one of the first trauma-informed lawyering courses at institutions such as UC Davis School of Law, equipping students to navigate the complexities of a demanding profession.
Empowering Educators and Administrators: Provided trauma-informed training to faculty and administrators at colleges like Mendocino College, fostering resilience and inclusivity within campus communities.
Advancing the Field: Co-authored a groundbreaking book on trauma-informed lawyering, published by the American Bar Association, setting a new standard for well-being and resilience in legal practice.
These milestones reflect our commitment to transforming campuses, workplaces, and communities through actionable, trauma-informed strategies. Together, we’re building a future where resilience and well-being are the foundation of success.
Custom Solutions for Complex Challenges
At Blackbird Trauma Training, we believe that lasting change starts with collaboration. Join us in revolutionizing education and professional spaces by creating inclusive, supportive environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders to succeed in the face of challenges and build resilience for the future.
Blackbird Trauma Training Company 