As part of its yearlong Minds Over Matters: An Examination of Mental Health in the Legal Profession initiative, Law.com has partnered with ALM Intelligence to gather information on mental health and substance abuse among lawyers and legal professionals.
Multiple studies have documented the pervasiveness of mental health and substance abuse problems in the legal profession. For instance, in 2016, an American Bar Association and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation study of 12,825 licensed, employed attorneys found that 28% suffered from depression and 1 in 5 self-described as problems drinkers.
A basic component of lawyer professionalism is competent client representation. If lawyers aren’t taking care of their own well-being, they cannot competently provide legal services to those in need.
The Mind Over Matters Mental Health & Substance Abuse survey is recruiting individuals from law firms of all sizes, locations and levels, including attorneys and professional staff. The goal of the survey and the Mind Over Matters project as a whole is to raise awareness and understanding of attorney mental health, addiction, stress and well-being; to destigmatize the issues; and identify methods to effectuate change.
The survey takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Click the link below to participate.
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism has written extensively on the rate of attorneys suffering from substance abuse, stress and mental health issues. As part of its professional responsibility CLE offerings, the Commission will launch a free online course in late 2019 focused on improving resiliency and well-being in the legal profession.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues, please reach out to the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program (LAP). LAP offers individual and group therapy, assessments, education, peer support and intervention. All of LAP’s services are free and confidential. To get help, email LAP at gethelp@illinoislap.org or call 312-726-6607.
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