A 2016 ABA study showed that approximately 28%, 19%, and 23% of practicing lawyers are struggling with some level of depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also revealed that between 21% and 36% of attorneys qualify as problem drinkers.
The problem is so widespread that in 2017, the ABA House of Delegates approved Resolution 106 amended the ABA Model Rule for Minimum Continuing Legal Education (CLE) to include a requirement for lawyers to receive at least one hour of mental health, substance abuse credit every three years.
After this 2016 study set off alarm bells on the mental health of the legal profession, lawyers finally started talking about the elephant in the room. These conversations started a movement to improve the health and well-being of the legal profession.
At Beyond Paralegals we are not your typical paralegals we go beyond the traditional role of a paralegal and focus on all aspects of your practice, including your well-being.
So we took the initiative to bring you a few simple resources:
- An article from the The American Psychology Association: Coping With Stress At Work; and
- A list of the Best Books On Lawyer Wellness & Well-Being for you to select from.
Because well-being is an institution wide responsibility. Coming to our Resource Center in January we will be kicking off our new Working Groups; one which will include a Wellness Working Group. To get involve in this group contact us. .
It is up to all of us to cultivate new professional norms and cultures that enable and encourage well-being. Do your part and help spread the word!
