Managing Mental Health and Substance Use Issues for Lawyers: Key Considerations

Production Date: Thursday, May 28, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm (ET)

Overview:

Hounded by stress and pressure, lawyers have long struggled with mental health and substance use disorders more than any other professional. A 2016 study reveals that a significant number of lawyers are positive for drug use, problematic drinking, and mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and panic disorder.

This significant problem calls for law firms to implement policies that will encourage their lawyers to seek assistance through treatment programs. It is also crucial that the management understands the significance of early intervention to ensure maximum positive results.

Listen as seasoned lawyers Carolyn Reinach Wolf (Abrams Fensterman) and Pamela Polacek (McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC) present an in-depth discussion of the prevalence of substance use and mental health issues among lawyers. Speakers will offer helpful tips and strategies that law firms can implement in developing policies that will better promote lawyers’ wellness.

Key topics include:

Substance Use and Mental Health Issues - Statistics
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders as Professionalism/Ethics Issues
Addressing Treatment Challenges
Lawyer Wellness - Best Practices and Strategies for Law Firms
Outlook

Agenda:

SEGMENT 1:
Carolyn Reinach Wolf, Executive Partner
Abrams Fensterman

Identifying “Red Flag” Behaviors of Those Who May Be Suffering from Mental Health Issues, Substance Abuse, and/or Dementia
Mental Health Legal Tool Kit: Legal and Clinical Interventions Available to Support Those in Need
Lawyer Assistance Programs Available Through State and/or County Bar Associations

SEGMENT 2:
Pamela Polacek, Member
McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC

Barriers to Seeking Treatment:
1. Seeking Help Means That I Am Weak or Unworthy;
2. Seeking Help Means That I Am Going to Lose My Job;
3. Being Open About Seeking Help Will Magnify the Results If I Fail—recognize that the attorney who is dealing with substance abuse or mental health problems often is not able to challenge the validity of the assumptions that are going through their minds.
Navigating the Road Back to Work and Success: Need for balance between employment policies that have teeth and policies that facilitate reentry. Each person’s recovery path is different. Relapses can occur. Changing expectations around alcohol, work hours, etc.
McNees’ Steps on Wellness

Who Should Attend:

Lawyers
Paralegals
Law Office Managers

Carolyn Reinach Wolf Executive Partner Abrams Fensterman

Carolyn Reinach Wolf is an Executive Partner in the law firm of Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & …

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Pamela Polacek Member McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC

Pam is an energy lawyer who practices in the Energy & Environmental Group. Pam advises clients regarding commercial, legal, regulatory …

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Course Level:
Intermediate

Advance Preparation:
Print and review course materials

Method of Presentation:
On-demand Webcast

Prerequisite:
NONE

Course Code:
148710

NY Category of CLE Credit:
Ethics and Professionalism

Total Credits:
1.5 CLE

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About Abrams Fensterman

The legal team at Abrams Fensterman is committed to providing each client with quality counsel, innovative solutions and personalized service. Founded in 2000, the firm offers the legal expertise of its 90-plus attorneys, who have accumulated experience and problem-solving skills over decades of practice.

The firm initially built its reputation for excellence through its representation of health care providers in all aspects of health care law. The firm is composed of partners who have been recognized for their work in the field of regulatory law, transactional health care representation, white collar criminal defense and mental health law. Abrams Fensterman is the only firm in New York with a family-focused mental healthcare practice. The firm boasts experienced attorneys in a multitude of other practice areas. Capitalizing on these strengths, Abrams Fensterman has grown to become a well-recognized, full-service law firm.

Website: https://www.abramslaw.com/

About McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC

McNees is a full-service law firm, established in 1935. The Firm is comprised of over 130 attorneys serving our clients from seven offices in Harrisburg, Lancaster, State College, Scranton and York, Pennsylvania as well as Frederick, Maryland, Columbus, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. For more than 84 years, McNees has provided clients with a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the legal priorities and unique needs of public entities, businesses, education institutions, and individuals.

Website: https://www.mcneeslaw.com/