The Ethical Pitfalls of Punishing Addiction

Alcohol and substance abuse continue to be severe and pervasive issues within the legal profession, affecting attorneys at significantly higher rates than the general population. These challenges not only compromise personal well-being but also raise critical ethical concerns that can impact clients, colleagues, and the integrity of the profession.

This program will explore the unique factors that make attorneys more susceptible to addiction, including stress, workload, and cultural norms within the legal field. It will also provide practical guidance on recognizing the warning signs of substance abuse and applying ethical principles to respond effectively, whether in yourself, a colleague, or within the broader professional environment.

All attorneys are encouraged to attend, as substance abuse is not limited to any specific practice area or stage of a legal career. Addressing this issue begins with awareness, education, and a shared commitment to ethical responsibility.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine why attorneys are more likely to have problems with alcohol and substance abuse.
2. Evaluate ways to help address this problem among colleagues and what to look out for.
3. Recognize the problem with “punishing” an addiction.
4. Evaluate how personal moral approbations can guide attorneys when dealing with substance and alcohol abuse.

Course Time Schedule:

Eastern Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Central Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Mountain Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Pacific Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Alaska Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Hawaii-Aleutian Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

This course is also being presented on the following dates:

Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Wednesday, March 25, 2026