About the Seminar
Studies have highlighted the substantial rates of behavioral health problems present in the legal community. One recent study of lawyers found that 28% of participants experienced depression, 20% screened positive for potentially alcohol-dependent drinking, 19% experienced severe anxiety, and 11.5% had experienced suicidal thoughts. Studies conducted during the pandemic have shown that the behavioral health problems in the legal community have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Results of one study conducted during the pandemic indicated that around 1 in 3 lawyers started drinking more over the past 18 months. 34% of female lawyers and 29% of the male lawyers surveyed reported their drinking increased during the pandemic. Women who re-ported an increase were 7 times more likely to engage in risky drinking, and the men were nearly 4 times more likely. In addition, 25% of women and 17% of men said they have thought about leaving the profession, during the pandemic, due to mental health concerns. During this program, attendees will learn about behavior health problems present in the legal community and burnout. Participants will have an opportunity to assess their own burnout levels. The presenter will share information related to signs of burnout. Strategies for addressing burnout will be examined. In addition, attendees will learn about educational resources related to mental health, wellness, and self-care to enhance their knowledge of their duties of competence, diligence, and honesty in the practice of law.

This seminar is an intermediate level program.

This program qualifies for 1.0 MCLE, including 1.0 SA/MH.

SC Supreme Commission on CLE Course # 225240ADO.