Miscellaneous

Help All the Lawyers

By Anne Skove, Esq.

From the Virginia State Bar News this morning comes an announcement that Lawyers Helping Lawyers (LHL) needs volunteers.

LHL is starting two groups. One is described as "a peer-led support meeting for legal professionals who live with addictions such as alcoholism or other substance abuse." The other is "a meeting led by a mental health professional for people who cope with the stresses of law practice -- stresses that can contribute to depression, anxiety, or other disabling conditions."

Already, a few such groups exist across the Commonwealth, but more are needed. Interesting to hear that "the Hampton Roads area is in particular need of lawyer-focused support."

Volunteers attend meetings, provide support over the phone, and work one-on-one with their peers. Those familiar with 12-step programs are encouraged to take this opportunity to help others.

Why do lawyers need their own group? Are they just being exclusive? For one, we suppose it's easier to get people to show up if they know they'll be among peers. The public perception of lawyers is bad enough. They won't run into any clients. Who knows better the stress of lawyering than other lawyers?

Another reason: the disciplinary factor. Substance abuse and stress can cause one to do unethical things in life as well as in work. LHL programs come with the assurance that no disciplinary body will be contacted.

Judges often have their own groups for similar reasons.

Healthy lawyers mean fewer disciplinary actions, happier clients, and a better legal system. If you're not in Virginia and want to know more, see the ABA's Directory of CoLAP Programs.

Full post as published by court-o-rama.org on June 02, 2008 (boomark / email).