In an age abounding with public and private incivility, division, and discrimination, how can lawyers and judges promote professional behavior? And when individual struggles with stress and depression make news every day, how can we recognize and respond to warning signs in ourselves and others? “A Most Stressful Profession: Promoting Civility and Sanity in Your Practice,” a daylong CLE happening Dec. 7, will address those situations we usually don’t talk about.

The program will begin with a keynote address by Professor Tonja Jacobi of Northwestern Law School who will discuss recent studies relating to interactions between bench and bar, and their intersection with the ABA’s 2017 report “The Path to Lawyer Well-Being” and efforts to curb discrimination in our profession. Then three panels of experienced North Carolina attorneys and judges will explore how to 1) address inappropriate behavior, 2) respond when another professional’s conduct calls into question that individual’s professional competence or mental or physical stability, and 3) take notice and seek help when personal struggles are affecting one’s own life. A special lunchtime speaker, Laura Mahr, experienced in both the practice of law and mindfulness coaching, will lead the audience in exercises and discussions about stress reduction.

Click here for additional information about the program and to register.

Mental illness, substance abuse, and their symptoms affect not only lawyers and judges, but families all across our society. One of the best ways our profession can help is to promote programs like this one. I hope you will register and forward this blogpost to your colleagues!

Some scholarships funds are available to lawyers who can’t afford full tuition (click here for details). Those who register by Nov. 16 can save 10 percent.

The CLE, planned by the NCBA Professionalism Committee, the NCBA Justice and Judiciary Committee, and NC BarCARES, will be held at the NC Bar Center.

CLE Credit: 4.0 Hours, includes 3.0 Hours Ethics/Professional Responsibility and 1.0 Hour Substance Abuse/Mental Health

November 12, 2018/by NCBARBLOG