A Call to Action: The Path to Lawyer Well-Being

Across the nation, lawyers’ assistance programs are encouraged by a new report that has every potential to be the catalyst for long overdue change in the legal profession.

The report, The Path to Lawyer Well-Being, calls for all major stakeholders to get involved first-hand in a mission to support the wellness and mental health of judges, lawyers and law students. Entitled “The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change” it is by far the most comprehensive document ever generated as to precisely how courts, regulators, law firms, law schools, bar associations, liability carriers, and lawyers assistance programs can best work in concert to improve our collective well-being.

All stakeholders are encouraged to apply their respective expertise and influence within a unified mission to effectively address the plague of substance abuse, mental health, and general well-being threats that damage so many lives and careers in our profession (and often clients as well).

The report was generated by a national task force initiated by the American Bar Association’s Commission on Lawyers Assistance Programs (ABA CoLAP), the National Organization of Bar Counsel (NOBC), and the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers (APRL). Their recommendations represent literally thousands of hours of work. Scores of dedicated individuals participated, all with the experience and expertise that is required to provide a realistic roadmap to improved wellness.

The full report can be accessed here: The Path to Lawyer Well-Being Report

It was two years ago, in 2015, that a prior report was released:  The Prevalence of Attorney Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues. It confirmed what we already knew: a shocking percentage of our brothers and sisters in the legal profession are suffering from various degrees of diagnosable substance abuse and mental health disorders. And in addition, many more still are simply unhappy and unfulfilled to various degrees in the practice of the law.

To sum it up neatly, this has been a two-stage process. The 2015 study provided a stunning snapshot of the true pervasiveness of mental health and well-being issues within our profession. Now, in 2017, and in direct response to the very serious challenges identified in the 2015 study, we have in-hand a comprehensive report that realistically sets a new course for all of us to steer toward if we are in fact going to do what must be done to improve the health and well-being of legal professionals.

There are five (5) central themes of focus in the 2017 report: 1) identifying stakeholders and the role each of us can play in reducing the level of toxicity in our profession; 2) eliminating the stigma associated with help-seeking behaviors; 3) emphasizing that well-being  is an indispensable part of a lawyer’s duty of competence; 4) educating lawyers, judges, and law students on lawyer well-being issues; and 5) taking small, incremental steps to change how law is practiced and how lawyers are regulated to instill greater well-being in the profession.

As to the overarching, general recommendation for all stakeholders, the authors suggest that the first step is for everyone to acknowledge the problems and take responsibility. Every single person can make a difference within their own spheres to shift from “passive denial of problems to proactive support for change.”

Of course, the report recommends that all stakeholders partner directly with, and ensure stable and sufficient funding for, their state-based lawyer assistance program to deliver specialized clinical assistance and programming that is specifically tailored for the needs of lawyers, judges, and law students, etc.

Our Louisiana JLAP has been aggressively and proactively improving its programming and services in the last five years. JLAP is now a comprehensive, full-service professionals’ program that provides a complete array of confidential mental health support services to the profession.

JLAP remains dedicated to delivering the finest professional support possible to the Louisiana legal profession and its stakeholders as we all begin to traverse this new path together toward significantly improving lawyer mental health, wellness and well-being.

We need your help too! Per the authors of the 2017 report: “We invite you to read this report, which sets forth the basis for why the legal profession is at a tipping point, and we present these recommendations and action plans for building a more positive future. We call on you to take action and hear our clarion call.” So, if you can, please lend a hand. Reach out to JLAP for ideas on how you can get involved. And please encourage those within your sphere of influence to get involved too.

2019-02-23T17:37:06-06:00August 31st, 2017|

JLAP Summer 2017 Newsletter

You can download and read the recent Summer Newsletter here: JLAP’s 2017 Summer Newsletter

JLAP is very excited this Summer to highlight its ongoing progress in delivering life-saving mental health and wellness support to the profession and its family members.

Perhaps the most encouraging news of all is that JLAP has seen a dramatic increase in the profession’s utilization of JLAP’s completely confidential services. In these cases, people are seeking help proactively, before their mental health issues ripen into disciplinary matters.

The newsletter also clearly explains the differences in JLAP’s services in the realm of bar admissions and disciplinary matters, versus JLAP’s services in the realm of totally confidential services.

In total, the newsletter demonstrates JLAP’s ongoing dedication to providing the finest services possible. Of course, none of this progress would be possible without the tireless efforts of JLAP’s Board, Operations Committee and volunteers, and the strong support for JLAP by virtually all stakeholders in the profession. We are all extremely grateful for all that you do for JLAP.

Please enjoy the Summer Newsletter and if you have any questions or need more information please do not hesitate to contact JLAP!

2019-02-23T17:37:06-06:00August 22nd, 2017|
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