Substance Abuse and the Impaired Attorney

Learn the importance of determining if an attorney has substance abuse or mental health issues prior to cases occurring.

This material by Mr. Christin will address the reality that attorneys are actively addicted at twice the rate of the general population and four times as depressed as all other professions---often while performing services for clients and practicing their profession. Unfortunately, because of the nature of these of these chronic and progressive diseases, coupled with the stigma and bias associated with them, impaired attorneys fail to acknowledge or confront these conditions. The result is the misguided perception---by the attorneys themselves---that they are still 'high-functioning' despite the erosion of their skills, stability, and performance.
If these attorneys fail to address their addiction or mental health issues in a timely manner, it is likely that their performance will decline and negative consequences will occur. These consequences might cause damage to the client, the law firm, the individual himself or herself, as well as to the profession itself. At the least, the attorney may behave in a manner which compromises ethical and professional obligations and oaths.
In this topic attorneys will learn how to identify and assist those lawyers who believe they are still 'high-functioning' but are on a potentially destructive path. The substance of the material will instruct you in how to recognize and confront them in a meaningful manner and provide assistance and enhancement of their professional obligations, health, balance, and authenticity.

Faculty

Link Christin

Caron Treatment Centers