Trauma-Informed Lawyering
Sarah A. Ford
Sarah A. Ford, Esq. is a nationally recognized victims’ rights attorney and the co-founder of The Ford & Ford Group, a consulting firm dedicated to advancing equity, justice, and trauma-informed approaches in the legal system. With nearly two decades of experience in both courtroom advocacy and legal policy reform, Sarah is a leading voice in trauma-responsive lawyering, enforcing victims rights, and client-centered practice.
Sarah has trained law firms, bar associations, and legal organizations across the country, equipping professionals with the tools to serve survivors of violence with compassion, competence, and integrity. She regularly speaks at national and regional conferences on topics including victims rights law, secondary trauma, and building sustainable, survivor-centered legal systems.
Her expertise has been featured on major media platforms such as CNN and the Law & Crime Network, where she is called upon to provide legal analysis and insight into high-profile cases involving victims’ rights, gender-based violence, and systemic justice reform.
In addition to her consulting work, Sarah serves as the Legal Director at the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN), where she leads litigation, policy initiatives, and training efforts to protect and elevate the voices and rights of crime victims across South Carolina.
Our Team
Siblings Phillip Ford & Sarah Ford founded The Ford & Ford Group in 2018 to focus on a more just and equitable community for all. Their collective experiences enable them to build strong relationships and solve creative problems, serving the most vulnerable communities in a way that empowers their voices. As a whole, the Ford & Ford team creates personalized consulting support to meet your specific needs. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all model to apply, and we utilize our collective strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to develop a plan tailored to your specific goals.
Rebakah Hiatt
Rebekah Hiatt, Esq. is an attorney, educator, and advocate who brings clarity and compassion to her work with crime victims and the professionals who serve them. Rebekah is known for creating trainings that are practical, engaging, and rooted in real-world experience. She’s presented on topics from victims’ laws to technology safety planning, offering flexible sessions for virtual or in-person audiences, whether small groups or large conferences.
Over the years, Rebekah has helped secure millions in grant funding to expand access to legal services. She’s committed to making legal spaces more equitable, especially for people navigating unfamiliar systems while carrying the weight of trauma. Whether she’s moderating a CLE, mentoring new attorneys, or collaborating with community coalitions, Rebekah brings an enthusiasm and passion for ensuring victims feel seen, heard, and supported.
In addition to her consulting work, Rebekah serves as the Legal Technology Director and Bilingual Staff Attorney at the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN). In this role, she manages the legal program's public website and private advocate portal, while also providing direct legal services to victims of crime.