Social Work Practice and the Law

This is the first book to give social workers the tools to understand their clients’ legal needs and rights and to address them collaboratively and effectively. The authors ground their text in a comprehensive grasp of the legal system and the inequities of race, class, and gender that shape clients’ experiences. Social Work Practice and the Law is a powerful call for social workers to be passionate and skillful advocates for their clients. Essential reading for social workers and lawyers alike who serve low-income people entangled in systems that so often fail them.

Dorothy Roberts, JD

George A. Weiss University Professor of Law and Sociology and the Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Professor of Civil Rights at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

The second edition is a concise guide to collaboration between social workers and attorneys to promote client advocacy and justice.

This textbook explores how social workers and lawyers can work together effectively by examining the history, principles, and best practices at the intersection of social work and the law. It uses social science research and real case examples to help social workers identify legal issues and work effectively with attorneys to support clients. With tools for interviews, testimony preparation, and interdisciplinary research, the second edition is especially useful for social work students preparing for practice in legal settings. CourseConnect: Know, use, and test your understanding of course content with CourseConnect—an interactive learning platform included with your print purchase.

What's New:

• Research and legal developments include forensic social work, problem-solving courts, and legal reform


• Updated case examples illustrate key concepts in practice


• Includes tools for reflection and application


• Offers expanded opportunities for students to connect theory with real-world practice

Key Features:

• Explores legal systems and best practices for interdisciplinary collaboration between social workers and lawyers


• Builds skills in legal issue identification, client advocacy, and collaboration with attorneys


• Includes case studies, interview models, research memos, and witness preparation tools


• Written by experienced social work and legal professionals with decades of joint practice


• Instructor Resources: Instructor Resources include Instructor's Manual and Chapter PowerPoint slides

Maximize Your Learning With CourseConnect—Included with Your Print Purchase! Enhance your textbook experience with CourseConnect, an interactive learning platform designed to help you engage more deeply, study smarter, and achieve success in your course.

• Master Complex Concepts—Interactive learning activities simplify concepts and improve comprehension and retention.


• Track Your Progress—Real-time analytics and self-assessments help you identify strengths and focus on areas for improvement.


• Study Anytime, Anywhere—Enjoy seamless access to your eBook and study tools whenever and wherever you need them.