Events, Webinars and Recordings
Upcoming
Jump to recordings of past programs
The Path to Lawyer Well-being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change
An ABA Free CLE Series Webinar
October 16, 2017 | 1:00 - 2:35 PM ET
Co-chairs of the National Task Force on Well-Being will discuss the group's report, "The Path To Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change", published August 2017. This groundbreaking initiative of the Commission on Lawyers Assistance Programs, National Organization of Bar Counsel and Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers puts into action the group's mission of "creating a movement to improve the health and well-being of the legal profession."
In this month's ABA Free CLE Series speakers will provide information on two recent studies that revealed the high rates of substance use and mental health disorders among law students and lawyers, statistics that served as catalysts for the report. They will present recommendations to multiple legal stakeholders, including legal employers, regulators and bar associations, on what they can each do to institute a culture change so that well-being becomes a priority. Much focus will be placed on ABA model rule 1.1, competence, and the recognition that well-being is an essential aspect of competent and ethical practice. Speakers will present information on how all members of the profession can work to promote lawyers' well-being, thereby ensuring fitness to practice, competent representation and ethical engagement.
2017 National Conference for Lawyer Assistance Programs
October 17-19 at the Kansas City Marriott in Kansas City, Missouri
It is our pleasure to invite you to attend the 2017 National Conference. The 2017 Conference is being held at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown in Kansas City, Missouri. The Conference will begin with a Welcome Reception and Opening of the Exhibit Hall late in the afternoon on Tuesday, October 17th and conclude Thursday evening, October 19th with the Annual Conference Dinner. New this year, the LAP Roll Call will be held during the Welcome Reception on Tuesday and the Exhibitors Roll Call will be held during the Exhibitors Lunch on Wednesday.
Overcoming Depression and Anxiety: What Lawyers Can Do to Lead a More Balanced and Meaningful Life
Webinar |September 20, 2017 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET
Lawyers suffer from depression at a rate almost three times that of the general public. Anxiety is also a significant problem, with attorneys struggling at a rate double that of non-lawyers. What explains the high percentage of lawyers with mental health problems? What are some solutions?
Join our expert panel as they discuss:
- Depression/anxiety statistics for lawyers
- Causes of depression/anxiety unique to the legal profession
- Solutions
Recordings/Recaps of Past Programs
Recap of Suicide Prevention Twitter Chat
On June 27, 2017 CoLAP (@ABACoLAP) hosted a live Twitter Chat on “Suicide Prevention and Postvention in the Legal Profession.” Throughout the chat, guests Kate Bender, Programming Director of the Dave Nee Foundation (@NeeFoundation) and Yvette Hourigan, Executive Director of the Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program (@KYLAPtweets), discussed the disproportionately high rate of suicides in the legal profession, symptoms or behaviors that might indicate a person may be considering attempting suicide, how to get help or refer someone else to help, and ways law schools and law firms can better address suicide.
Click here for a recap of the conversation, which contains links to resources and important information about suicide in the legal profession.
"The Besden Redemption" Video
The ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP) and Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law present, "The Besden Redemption."
Laurie Besden is an attorney and the Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania. Laurie had a privileged upbringing. She graduated college with a 3.97 GPA, and was in the top 15% of her law school class. On paper, Laurie is the definition of success. Laurie is also a drug addict...
In "The Besden Redemption," Laurie candidly shares her story. It is a remarkable story of crippling addiction, and ultimately, redemption.
Click here for the full version as well as an abridged, 3-minute version.
Fierce & Gritty: Resilience Training for Lawyers (December, 2016)
You will not receive continuing legal education (CLE) for viewing the free recording. Contact your state to see if it qualifies for accreditation.
Charting a Sustainable Path Forward: What the ABA/Hazelden Betty Ford Study on Substance Use and Mental Health Means for the Future of the Profession (September, 2016)
- Free Webinar Recording for CLE credit ABA profile (not membership) and log in required
- Free Webinar Recording without CLE credit
- Outline and Handouts
- Powerpoint Presentation
Program made possible through the generous support of the Fellows of the Tort, Trial and Insurance Practice Section
I’ve Got Your Back; You’ve Got My Ear: Suicide Prevention in the Legal Profession (March, 2016)
You will not receive continuing legal education (CLE) for viewing the free recording. Contact your state to see if it qualifies for accreditation.
Keeping Legal Minds Intact: Mitigating Compassion Fatigue Among Legal Professionals (October, 2014)
The free recording does not qualify for continuing legal education (CLE). Contact your state to see if it qualifies for accreditation.
Program made possible through the generous support of the Fellows of the Tort, Trial and Insurance Practice Section
- Available for purchase here
Colleagues Under the Influence: Licensure and the Impaired Lawyer (November, 2015)
- Available for purchase here
Grey Matters: Perspectives on Aging Lawyers and Cognitive Impairment (August, 2013)
- Recording no longer available
- Access webinar materials here
