Today, the National Taskforce on Lawyer Well-Being is announcing the first annual Lawyer Well-Being Week which will be held May 4-8, 2020. This initiative is a joint effort of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being, the American Bar Association (ABA) Law Practice Division and its Attorney Well-Being Committee, and the ABA Commission on LawyerContinue reading “Announcing the First Annual Lawyer Well-Being Week”
Tag Archives: lawyers
Smart Law Firm Leaders Know WELL-Being Means ALL Beings
One of the most harmful experiences to our mental well-being is isolation and loneliness. This is not to be confused with peaceful solitude or introversion (gaining energy from that peaceful solitude). Those are healthy and necessary forms of alone-ness. We can be alone and still experience connection and belonging with those who aren’t currently sittingContinue reading “Smart Law Firm Leaders Know WELL-Being Means ALL Beings”
Compassion Fatigue in the Legal Industry
“I see families in their darkest hours. Some have made choices that put their children in danger–or worse, harmed them intentionally. Others are desperately trying to save a drug addicted child’s life. There are women desperate to get away from an abuser. Kids are acting out because they are in pain, getting into even worseContinue reading “Compassion Fatigue in the Legal Industry”
BigLaw Isn’t Waking Up To The Alarm and It’s Killing Lawyers
Today, Baker McKenzie confirmed the death of their Global Chair, Paul Rawlinson. In October of last year, Rawlinson took a leave of absence to focus on his personal health. Today’s announcement of his untimely passing included word that his health issues were “caused by exhaustion.” The lives of the Rawlinson family is forever changed: children suddenlyContinue reading “BigLaw Isn’t Waking Up To The Alarm and It’s Killing Lawyers”
The Cost of Not Caring
With the pressures of the billable hour, a culture of perfectionism, law firm dynamics and political minefields, paying attention to the happiness of the individuals who make up a law firm can seem like a waste of precious resources. Years ago I spoke to one leader of a large company who candidly said he didn’tContinue reading “The Cost of Not Caring”
Deck the Halls with Expectations! Fa-La-La-La-La Let’s Take a Breath!
It snowed in Charlottesville all day yesterday. When it finally eased off around 10pm, we had close to 8 inches of snow. The white blanket looked festive and sparkling surrounded in the neighborhood Christmas lights. I had been slow to feel much in the holiday spirit this year, but having “real snow” in Virginia beforeContinue reading “Deck the Halls with Expectations! Fa-La-La-La-La Let’s Take a Breath!”
Resilient Lawyers: The Drum That I’ll Keep Beating
“50 percent [of attorneys polled] said their career in law had adversely affected their mental health, while 79 percent said that they would not feel comfortable seeking support from their law firm if they were suffering from a mental health concern.” This came from The American Lawyer’s article We Need an Open Dialogue on MentalContinue reading “Resilient Lawyers: The Drum That I’ll Keep Beating”
Akin Gump Makes Steps to Improve Attorney Well-being. What Can Your Firm Do?
In response to increasing rates of depression, anxiety, addiction and suicide among attorneys, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has taken great strides in making the emotional and mental well-being of their lawyers a priority. Beginning in June, the Akin Gump Washington D.C. office will have on-site counselors available for appointments one day each week. This isContinue reading “Akin Gump Makes Steps to Improve Attorney Well-being. What Can Your Firm Do?”
Cultivating Resilience in Lawyers from the Ground Up
I had the privilege of being a fly on the wall at Quinnipiac Law School‘s Business of Law Symposium last weekend. Now, it’s not my usual way to spend a beautiful spring Saturday, particularly since I am not an attorney or a law student. I have, however, become increasingly aware of burnout, substance abuse andContinue reading “Cultivating Resilience in Lawyers from the Ground Up”
Renee Branson 