Interested in training for your team? Click here to learn more

Substance Use and Mental Health in the Legal Profession: Navigating Ethical and Legal Considerations

Interacting With Colleagues Struggling With Addiction and Mental Health Challenges

A live 90-minute CLE video webinar with interactive Q&A

This program is included with the Strafford CLE Pass. Click for more information.
This program is included with the Strafford All-Access Pass. Click for more information.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

1:00pm-2:30pm EDT, 10:00am-11:30am PDT

Early Registration Discount Deadline, Friday, July 11, 2025

or call 1-800-926-7926
Add to your calendar

This CLE course will provide counsel with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively interact with colleagues facing substance abuse challenges, fostering a supportive and productive work environment.

Description

Substance abuse and mental health issues are prevalent in the legal profession, affecting attorneys' performance, well-being, and professional relationships. These issues can lead to decreased productivity, ethical violations, and strained professional relationships. The high stress nature of legal work, coupled with the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, often exacerbates these problems. Attorneys must be equipped to recognize the signs of substance abuse and mental health issues in peers and colleagues, understand their implications, and respond appropriately.

Addressing these issues requires a compassionate and informed approach. Attorneys struggling with substance abuse or mental health problems may be reluctant to seek help due to fear of judgment or professional repercussions. It is crucial for colleagues and supervisors to create an environment that encourages open dialogue, provides access to resources, and supports recovery. Understanding the legal and ethical considerations involved in these interactions is essential for maintaining a respectful and compliant workplace.

Listen as our authoritative panel provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges associated with substance abuse and mental health issues in the legal profession. The panel will also address legal and ethical considerations, relevant Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and state bar ethics opinions.

READ MORE

Outline

  1. Introduction
    1. Prevalence in the legal profession
    2. Impact on performance and relationships
  2. Recognizing the signs
    1. Behavioral and physical indicators
    2. Common mental health disorders and substance abuse patterns
  3. Legal and ethical considerations
    1. Confidentiality and privacy concerns
    2. Ethical obligations and professional standards (Model Rules and state bar ethics opinions)
  4. Effective intervention strategies
    1. Approaching colleagues with compassion
    2. Providing access to resources and support
    3. Encouraging open dialogue and recovery
  5. Creating a supportive work environment
    1. Fostering a culture of understanding and support
    2. Policies and practices that promote well-being

Benefits

The panel will review these and other key issues:

  • Gaining a deeper understanding of substance abuse and mental health issues in the legal profession
  • Effective intervention techniques to support colleagues facing these challenges
  • Conducting interactions in accordance with legal and ethical standards, including the Model Rules and state bar ethics opinions
  • Creating a workplace culture that encourages openness and recovery
  • Resources that support mental health and addiction recovery

Faculty

Quinn, Brian
Brian S. Quinn, Esq.
Attorney & Education and Outreach Coordinator
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of PA and Havertown Law Office of Brian S. Quinn

Mr. Quinn is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of PA, Inc., an independent...  |  Read More

Webber, Eric
Eric Webber, MA, CADC, CSAT/CMAT, CCS, CCPG
Legal Professionals Program Coordinator and Senior Behavioral Health Therapist
Caron Treatment Center

Mr. Webber coordinates legal services for those who work in the profession and for law students. He also provides...  |  Read More

Attend on July 29

Early Discount (through 07/11/25)

Cannot Attend July 29?

Early Discount (through 07/11/25)

You may pre-order a recording to listen at your convenience. Recordings are available 48 hours after the webinar. Strafford will process CLE credit for one person on each recording. All formats include course handouts.

To find out which recorded format will provide the best CLE option, select your state:

CLE On-Demand Video