Addiction and Mental Health in the Legal Profession: The Path to Lawyer Wellness

Research confirms that the incidence of alcohol and drug abuse, depression, stress and anxiety among attorneys, judges and law students is twice that of the general population, but stigma, denial and concerns about confidentiality often prevent legal professionals from getting the help and support they need to recover.

This program, taught by Eileen Travis, Director of Lawyer Assistance Programs at the New York City Bar Association, and Meredith Heller, criminal defense attorney and former chair of the New York City Bar Association's Lawyer Assistance Program, will help attorneys understand the prevalence of substance abuse in the legal profession and its impact on an attorney’s ethical obligations. The program will also help attorneys to identify the signs and symptoms of an addiction and/or mental health problems, and will discuss the incredible network of recovering attorneys, judges and law students in NY and around the country who are committed to helping their colleagues achieve recovery and well being.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the prevalence of substance abuse in the legal profession and its impact on an attorney’s ethical obligations
2. Identify best practices in approaching someone you are concerned about  
3. Review the confidential services available through the Lawyer Assistance Program