Substance and alcohol abuse can have costly consequences - know your ethical responsibilities to protect your practice.
This program provides vital education on the intersection of substance use disorders, addiction, and mental health issues within the legal profession. By defining key terms and reviewing current statistics, including findings from the Krill Study, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the scope and contributing factors behind these challenges, including how they vary across demographics such as gender, age, practice area, and income.
The course will examine the serious implications these disorders can have on a lawyer’s professional conduct, including ethical violations, disciplinary actions, criminal consequences, and loss of reputation. Participants will also learn about available treatment options and alternatives to discipline, such as diversion programs, Lawyers Assistance Programs, and emerging treatment trends. Finally, the program offers practical strategies for recognizing signs of impairment in oneself or colleagues, along with guidance on how to responsibly respond, protect clients, and support firm integrity. This knowledge is essential for fostering a healthier, more sustainable legal community.
Agenda
Definitions of Terms
- Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
- Mental Health Issues
Current Statistics on Lawyers and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues
- Possible Explanations for These Numbers
- Discussion of Krill Study
- General Understanding of Causes
- Differences Among Attorneys Re: Gender, Age, Area of Practice, Length of Practice, Income
How These Disorders Impact Lawyers’ Practice
- Ethical Violations and Discipline
- Criminal Consequences
- Loss of Reputation and Opportunities
Treatment and Disciplinary Alternatives
- Diversion Programs
- Lawyers Assistance Programs
- New Trends in Treatment
Strategies for Getting Help for Yourself and/or Your Colleagues
- Asking for Help - and Issues to Be Aware of - What to Do If You Think Your Colleague Is Impaired
- Suggestions for Ways to Protect Your Firm and Clients From Impaired Colleagues
Speakers
Brian S. Quinn,
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers- Licensed attorney in Pennsylvania
- Currently serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Lawyers Assistance Program established for the purpose of helping lawyers, judges and law students recover from alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health disorders
- Member of the Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations
- Been a private practitioner for over 40 years, having litigated both civil and criminal matters during his career
- Worked in the field of Alcohol and Drug Counseling in suburban Philadelphia, allowing him to gain both practical and clinical experience with individuals suffering from alcohol, substance use and mental health disorders
- Has written articles and made presentations on many lawyer wellness topics to law firms, Bar Associations, professional organizations and legal education providers on a state, national and international level
- J.D. degree and a certificate in drug and alcohol counselling, Villanova University
Who Should Attend
This live webinar is designed for primarily designed for attorneys. Other legal professionals may also benefit from attending.
