From darkness and the depths of despair — to recovery and redemption. Unfortunately, Laurie’s struggles with drugs, alcohol and substances are not unique. What is unique is her phoenix-like rise from impairment to the Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.
Laurie shares her personal story, and accompanied by Tracy Kepler, she will detail how impaired attorneys risk destroying their careers and lives. Laurie and Tracy will discuss recent studies & statistics, detail the resources provided by state LAPs, instruct attorneys on how to recognize signs of impairment, identify the possible disciplinary implications of an impaired attorneys’ conduct and show you what law firms & attorneys can do about the problem. Additional topics: Lawyer Assistance Programs (LAPs), the Prevalence of Substance Use Among American Attorneys, Bloomberg Law’s Attorney Workload & Hours study, the “Stress, Drink, Leave” study, tips for helping, Model Rule 5.1, Model Rule 1.1, Model Rule 1.16(a)(2), ABA & State Ethics Opinions, programs & policies, assessments, mentoring, counseling, well-being training and making YOURSELF a priority.
Laurie Besden is the Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc. (LCL). Tracy L. Kepler is a Risk Control Director for CNA’s Lawyers Insurance Program.