Burned Out and Lit Up: When Attorney Mental Health and Substance Abuse Impact their Ethical Duties

With the pandemic entering a new phase, relatively little attention has been paid to the mental health crisis it has wrought for members of the legal community, who have higher historical rates of substance abuse than the public. In many cases, two years of forced isolation and the deaths of loved ones have exacerbated underlying mental health and substance abuse challenges. This session will discuss the impact the pandemic has had on the legal community and the ethical implications that may result. Using Rules of Professional Conduct as a guide, the presenters will discuss the ethical dimensions of mental health and substance abuse challenges and offer practical advice for addressing these issues before they arise. They will also offer guidance on understanding substance abuse, mental illness and stress management relating to the practice of law.

Speakers include Emily N. Litzinger, Fisher & Phillips and Courtney Risk, Lawyers Mutual of Kentucky