Every now and then I feature a lawyer or law student who has something to say on the issue of mental health in the legal profession. Providing a platform for new voices is just as, or even more important than
In itself, of course not. Every situation is different. Every person is different. This is why I was shocked to see a quote come out of the American Bar Association Mid-Year Meeting in Las Vegas. It circulated in social media.
I recently had the honor of addressing lawyer wellness at the law firm of Winston & Strawn. I was telling my story and was at the part describing being suicidal in the summer of 2005. I was about to say,
You are now nine-days into your New Year’s Resolutions (If you make them) I’ve done a lot of “resoluting” in my life. I loved and hated hem. I adored the hope and fantasy of a new Brian (As I defined
I recently became aware of an incredible mental health resource that has been flying under the radar. It is the Lawyers Depression Project (LDP). It is a grassroots effort to address depression and other mental health issues in the
It’s that time of the year again. Holiday Parties. Spiked eggnog and lampshades against the backdrop of a legal profession replete with problem drinkers.
Almost two years after the groundbreaking study, alcohol is still ingrained in our culture. Booze centered
Patrick Krill, the author of the seminal study on problem drinking and mental health in the legal profession recently partnered with ALM Intelligence on a confidential survey to get a feel for how law firms view these issues within their
I recently had the honor of telling my story at the three Minneapolis/St. Paul law schools. During that visit, I met attorney Suzula Bidon. Suzula has a journey that personifies redemption: Addiction; federal prison; the battle as a convicted felon
There are several certainties in life. Death, taxes, and people failing the bar exam. No one knows the third certainly better than I, having taken the Texas exam three times. I know the disappointment, depression, and feelings of shame and
Feelings of social isolation are an issue common to law students and lawyers. Social isolation can also be a trigger to problematic alcohol and drug use.
As a law student struggling with addiction, I felt that the only way I