Webinar: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Distressed Lawyers… (but were afraid to ask)

Presented by Brian S. Quinn, Esquire – Education and Outreach Coordinator, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of PA, Inc.

• I’m ok. I can work this out for myself.
• I’m not like a “real” alcoholic anyway.
• I want help but I don’t want anyone to know.
• Will I be reported to Discipline?

Sound familiar? Recent studies have shown that there has been a dramatic increase in impairment due to alcoholism, addiction and mental health disorders among members of the legal profession. The statistics are compelling and clearly indicate that 1 out of 3 attorneys will likely have a need for substance use or mental health services at some point in their careers.

There is a misconception among lawyers that only people who have “hit bottom” need or ask for help. The statistics say otherwise as recent surveys indicate that the overwhelming majority of legal practitioners believe they have suffered negative mental health consequences as a result of their chosen profession. Add to that the generational traumatic event called the COVID Pandemic and we have a perfect storm for creating distressed lawyers.

Mr. Quinn will discuss:
1. The early warning signs of distress and impairment due to substance misuse and mental health issues and how lawyers go to any lengths to keep them hidden.

2. How best to approach the impaired individual.

3. The free, confidential services that Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers provides to lawyers, judges, their family members and law students.

4. A close look at what barriers exist that prevent lawyers from seeking the help they need will be provided.

This complimentary program will qualify for 1 hour of PA CLE ethics credit.*

Wednesday, May 3, 2023
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Brian S. Quinn, Esquire is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania who currently serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Lawyers Assistance Program established in 1988 for the purpose of helping lawyers, judges and law students recover from alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health disorders. He was a private practitioner for over 40 years and worked in the field of Alcohol and Drug Counseling in suburban Philadelphia.

*In order to qualify for CLE credit, you must attend at least 50 minutes of the live webinar. Verification codes will be provided at intervals during the course of the webinar to confirm participation. You will be required to note the codes and provide them on the survey following the webinar.

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