Striving for a (Realistic) Attorney Work/Life Balance in 2021

We have reached that time of year again, namely, the beginning of the new year. Resolution time. Most people don’t stick to them. Research has shown that within weeks, only about 10% or so of the resolvers accomplish their resolutions—with the majority of the other resolvers abandoning them. And lawyers?? How many of us in practice do “take five”, or even four? How many don’t take anything? We feel we have to be super lawyers.

Setting and maintaining a realistic work-life balance is particularly important for attorneys. Recent studies have shown that there has been a dramatic increase in impairment due to alcoholism, addiction and mental health disorders among members of the legal profession. The statistics are compelling and clearly indicate that 1 out of 3 attorneys will likely have a need for substance use or mental health services at some point in their careers.

In this informative presentation, presented by Brian Quinn of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of PA, you will gain several suggestions on how to make New Year’s resolutions stick and not fizzle out like fireworks on a rainy night. They will brighten your life and lead to a healthier you, both personally and professionally. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the early warning signs of impairment, with special emphasis on stress, burnout, and trauma, including the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
2. Obtain new well-being strategies that really work
3. Become familiar with the free services that Lawyers Assistance Programs provide to lawyers, judges, their family members and law students
4. Analyze what barriers exist that prevent lawyers and judges from seeking the help they need
5. Examine the role that education plays in breaking the stigma and fear associated with addiction and mental illness in the legal profession