Everybody knows it is an issue.. great to see something being done about it.
Law.com report
The American Bar Association issued a new call to arms for law firms to combat substance use and related mental health issues in the profession, and 13 firms have already gotten on board.
The group unveiled the initiative Monday, including a seven-point framework that it hopes all firms will embrace by the start of 2019.
“I wholeheartedly support this important effort to assist and improve the health of lawyers in this country,” ABA president Bob Carlson said in a statement. “Many lawyers have struggled with alcohol, other substance-use or mental health disorders, and many more of us have watched friends wrestle with them. This pledge campaign will give these issues the attention they deserve by raising awareness throughout the profession and making help available to lawyers in need. I hope all law firms consider taking the pledge.”
Am Law 100 firms Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, Duane Morris, Latham & Watkins, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, Nixon Peabody, Perkins Coie, Reed Smith and Seyfarth Shaw have already signed on to be part of the inaugural class of employers. They are joined by Am Law 200 firms Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn, Schiff Hardin, Snell & Wilmer, Wiley Rein, along with Butte, Montana-based Corette Black Carlson & Mickelson. The ABA is also asking all entities that employ lawyers, including corporate legal departments, to make the pledge and join the group.
The framework, developed by lawyer and alcohol and drug counselor Patrick Krill, seeks to reduce the level of substance abuse in the profession.
It starts with the expectation that employers provide enhanced and robust education to attorneys and staff on topics related to well-being, mental health and substance use disorders.
Next on the list is a move to disrupt the “status quo” of drinking-based events and functions. Employers are asked to break from the expectation that all events include alcohol, and for events with alcohol, appealing nonalcoholic alternatives should be available.