Well-Being in the Legal Profession: You Are Not Alone

Litigators face a variety of intense stressors including tight deadlines, conflicts with opposing counsel, traumatic issues facing clients, and the competitive nature of litigation. It’s a daily battle. What can lawyers do to maintain their mental and physical well-being, and how can courts engage, recognize, and help address these problems? Host Dave Scriven-Young welcomes three professionals who are actively seeking better methods for lawyers to care for themselves and for the legal system and firms to deliver assistance. Guests Shawn Healy, Ph.D., and attorneys Mala Rafik and Gavin Alexander are deeply involved in lawyer well-being programs. Their work has confirmed that there is a greater need for mental health support and care for lawyers, and also that many in the profession are either unaware of available services or are unwilling to seek help for fear of stigma. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has been a leading voice in the struggle to support those in the legal profession who are struggling with mental illness, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. More support is needed. Litigation is a difficult profession. Are you yourself—or is someone you know—struggling? You are not alone. It is OK to ask for help. Learn about available resources and services. And share this episode of Litigation Radio. Mentioned in this Episode: “The Full Weight of the Law: How Legal Professionals Can Recognize and Rebound from Depression,” by Shawn Healy and Jeffrey Fortgang Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being Lawyer Well-Being Massachusetts Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers American Bar Association, “Well-Being in the Legal Profession” “Mental Health Initiatives Aren’t Curbing Lawyer Stress And Anxiety, New Study Shows,” ABA Journal “Making It Back: Bruce Simpson Tried To Take His Own Life, Then He Started Healing,” ABA Journal (ABA membership required) 988 Suicide And Crisis Hotline, Free Confidential Support For People In Crisis American Bar Association American Bar Association Litigation Section