Overcoming Harmful Habits and Addictions in the Legal Profession for Better Mental Wellbeing

The legal profession often requires attorneys to deal with high-stakes matters in a high-pressure environment. It’s, therefore, not surprising that so many attorneys suffer the consequences of too much stress and strain, which may show up as harmful habits, addictions of all sorts, burnout, anxiety, depression, and other mental wellness challenges. Various bar associations have surveyed these conditions, and are widely reported in the press and by legal commentators. Yet conditions remain unchanged.

Over an extensive 30+ legal career, Maureen Ruane served as a federal prosecutor, an equity partner in a major law firm, and a corporate legal executive, all while raising four now young adult children and caring for disabled parents. She witnessed first-hand and also experienced the negative consequences that result from overload and overwhelm. She’s learned that it doesn’t have to be that way. Real change is possible! This course will provide background and statistics on this most critical issue, discuss our ethical obligations as attorneys, and share powerful tools and resources to help guide you, your colleagues, and your employer on the pathways to improved attorney-life balance. The program will also cover litigation (criminal prosecution and defense, as well as civil litigation) involving individuals who may suffer from alcohol and other substance use disorders.

Attorneys will gain a deeper understanding of the prevalence of these issues in the legal profession, including what they can do to help address these problems in their own lives and those with whom they work and represent. Attendees will learn the consequences that may lie ahead if they fail to do so. This program will discuss game-changing exercises, tools, and steps so that real change happens through increased awareness, acceptance, and action.

All attorneys who may be feeling the effects of being overwhelmed, stressed, burnt out, or out of control – or who know other attorneys or have clients who seem to be experiencing some or all of these negative effects- are encouraged to attend this course.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the prevalence of harmful habits and all forms of addictions (including alcohol or substance misuse, among others) in the legal profession as demonstrated and documented through bar association surveys and news reports
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of harmful habits, addictions, and mental health issues in yourself, your colleagues, your workplace, and/or your clients
• Discuss how these issues are addressed in attorney ethics rules and opinions
• Examine three powerful questions and understand three critical realities to help you assess your habits and determine if they are harmful and may need to be addressed
• Discover the tools, steps, and know-how that will allow you to take action to make fundamental changes to achieve attorney-life balance
• Understand the resources that are available both for attorneys and their clients
• Uncover preventative measures for you and your law firm, legal department, or workplace to reduce the risk of impairment and support well-being