I’m ok. I can work this out for myself. I’m not like a “real” alcoholic anyway. I want help but I don’t want anyone to know. Will I be reported for discipline if I seek assistance?
Does this sound familiar? There is a misconception among lawyers that only people who have “hit bottom” need or ask for help. The statistics say otherwise as recent surveys indicate that the overwhelming majority of attorneys feel that they have suffered negative mental health consequences as a result of their chosen profession. Led by Brian S. Quinn, Esq., this CLE will share strategies that work when you approach someone you feel may be in distress or impaired.
Learning Objectives:
• Recognize that 1 in 3 legal professionals will struggle with substance use and/or a mental health disorder at some point in their legal careers.
• Spot the signs of impairment and learn the “Motivational Interventions” approach that yields results and saves lives.
• Differentiate between stress and distress and learn how social isolation negatively affects your well-being.
• Utilize the confidential, free, safe and supportive services that are available through the Lawyers Assistance Programs (LAPs) throughout the United States.
• Identify the barriers that exist that prevent lawyers and judges from asking for help with an alcohol or substance misuse or mental health disorder.
• Learn the parameters of Rule of Professional Conduct 8.3 (c) – and the safe harbor that it provides to protect attorneys working with an approved Lawyers Assistance Program or who contact a lawyers assistance program on behalf of an attorney or judge who is struggling.
Brian S. Quinn, Esquire is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania who currently serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Lawyers Assistance Program established in 1988 for the purpose of helping lawyers, judges and law students recover from alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health disorders.
