By: Joshua Finley
Micha Liberty stands as a powerful advocate for survivors and a beacon of hope for those who have endured unimaginable suffering. Her journey, marked by personal tragedy and professional dedication, highlights the importance of trauma-informed practices and the transformative power of resilience.
A Tragic Beginning
Micha Liberty’s story begins with a devastating event during her senior year of high school. Micha and her childhood friend, Amber Clark, were inseparable, spending countless hours honing their ballet skills and enjoying each other’s company. One morning, Amber returned home from a workout, only to be violently attacked and killed by Cleophus Prince, a serial murderer known as the Claremont Killer. The brutality of the attack, which also claimed the life of Amber’s mother, left a profound and lasting impact on Micha.
At just 17 years old, Micha attended Amber’s funeral with a heavy heart and a resolute determination. She vowed to dedicate her life to helping victims of violence, a commitment that would shape her future and drive her career.
Advocacy and Early Career
Driven by her promise to Amber, Micha immersed herself in advocacy work. She volunteered at rape crisis centers and served in political roles, including positions in the Clinton White House and for two members of Congress. Her aim was to influence policy and create meaningful change for survivors of violence, harassment, and human trafficking. However, Micha soon grew frustrated with the slow pace of political change and decided to pursue a more direct path to advocacy.
Becoming a Trial Lawyer
Micha’s determination led her to law school, where she focused on becoming a trial lawyer specializing in cases involving survivors of abuse and violence. For the past 23 years, Micha has dedicated her legal career to representing these survivors, striving to give them a voice and seeking justice on their behalf. Her work as a trial lawyer has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing her to make a tangible difference in the lives of those she represents.
Confronting Secondary Trauma
Ten years into her career, Micha faced a new challenge: the cumulative trauma absorbed from her clients began to take a toll on her own mental and emotional well-being. One Saturday, overwhelmed by the weight of the violence and pain she had encountered, Micha found herself bedridden, experiencing the silent burden of secondary trauma. This stark awakening forced Micha to reevaluate her approach to work and life.
Understanding the impact of secondary trauma, Micha delved into learning about trauma, secondary trauma, and organizational trauma. She recognized the importance of establishing healthy boundaries to protect her own well-being while continuing to provide effective support to her clients. This transformative experience led her to adopt trauma-informed practices, enhancing her ability to navigate life’s challenges and sustain her professional and personal relationships.
Promoting Trauma-Informed Practices
Micha Liberty’s advocacy extends beyond the courtroom. She is a staunch proponent of trauma-informed practices, which she believes are essential for creating a compassionate and resilient society. Trauma-informed practices involve understanding the widespread impact of trauma, recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, colleagues, and oneself, and responding by integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices.
By promoting these practices, Micha aims to empower individuals and organizations to build stronger, more supportive communities. She believes that embracing trauma-informed approaches can lead to better outcomes for survivors of violence and create environments where people feel safe, respected, and valued.
Speaking Outreach and Book
In addition to her legal work, Micha is an accomplished speaker who shares her personal and professional experiences to inspire and educate others. She speaks at various events, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of trauma-informed practices and the need for compassionate advocacy. Micha’s ability to merge her personal journey with her professional expertise makes her a compelling and effective advocate for change. Additionally, she recently finished her final book revisions on these important topics and much more, and her book Evolutionista: The Revolutionary Acts of Accountability & Advocacy After Sexual Abuse, will be out by the end of 2024.
Her presentations are not only informative but also deeply moving, resonating with audiences and motivating them to take action. Micha’s goal is to empower others to embrace resilience and compassion in their own lives and communities, fostering a collective effort to support survivors and create a more just and empathetic society.
Conclusion
Micha Liberty’s journey from a grieving teenager to a dedicated advocate and lawyer is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of trauma-informed practices. Her work has helped countless survivors of violence find justice and healing, and her advocacy continues to inspire others to create supportive, compassionate environments.
By sharing her story and promoting trauma-informed approaches, Micha encourages us all to recognize the importance of understanding and addressing trauma in our communities. Her dedication to building a more resilient and empathetic society is a powerful reminder that, even in the face of profound tragedy, we can find strength, support, and hope. Through her tireless efforts, Micha Liberty is making a lasting difference, one survivor at a time.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
