EDUCATION
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers will present continuing legal education, law school presentations and other programs upon request. The program may be sponsored by LCL or the hosting organization. Many of our programs qualify for Elimination of Bias credit. We also provide programs for Ethics and Professional Development credit. Contact the Executive Director to discuss or arrange a CLE program. A small honorarium may be requested for in-house programs.
CLE PROGRAMS – Here are descriptions of some of our programs. Most can be customized to an audience or substantive area.
Chronic Stress, Mental Health and Addiction – 1 hour, Professional Development
Lawyers face stress daily and are subject to particular circumstances which can lead to higher levels of stress than for most other members of the population. There is a clearly recognized continuum where unresolved chronic stress becomes a predictor for addiction and mental illness, which are also more prevalent among lawyers. By understanding this continuum, and learning stress management techniques, lawyers can better implement relevant and realistic strategies for stress management and, hopefully, get help earlier when there is a problem. Personal examples and information on Minnesota’s lawyer assistance program will also be provided.
Chronic Stress, Trauma, Mental Health and Addiction– 1 – 2 hours, Elimination of Bias
Lawyers face stress daily and are subject to particular circumstances which can lead to higher levels of stress than for most other members of the population. There is a clearly recognized continuum where unresolved chronic stress becomes a predictor for addiction and mental illness, which are also more prevalent among lawyers. By understanding this continuum, and the need to engage in stress management techniques, lawyers can reduce their risk and, hopefully, get help earlier when there is a mental health or addiction/dependency problem. Signs, symptoms, risk factors and recovery regarding these problems will be presented. Personal examples and information on Minnesota’s lawyer assistance program will also be provided.
When Your Client is Impaired– 1 – 2 hours, Elimination of Bias or Ethics
Lawyers often see clients who appear to be suffering from substance misuse, addiction or other impairments. While it is not our job to diagnose, what is our role, responsibility and opportunity? How do our biases govern our actions and behaviors? The answers are seldom simple and never easy. This program will provide an ethical framework as well as practical guidance and resources for lawyers facing these questions.
Mental Health and Addiction Issues in Older Adults – 1 – 2 hours, Elimination of Bias Our profession and our clients are aging. Learn about mental health and addiction issues and the realities, risk factors and resources specific to older adults. Understand unique barriers to getting help in older adults, characteristics of older adult chemical dependency and gambling problems and the difference between dementia, grief and depression. The program will touch on ethical issues that can arise if impairment is present and will offer a protocol to encourage someone to get help.
LAW SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS
Professional Responsibility
LCL has developed a class presentation that addresses stress, mental illness and addiction/dependency in the context of the Rules of Professional Responsibility, while providing opportunities for discussion. We can provide a full class session or a shorter program.
Other Law School Programs
LCL has worked with student organizations, professors and law school administration to present a variety of programs. These have ranged from stress management to avoiding isolation in a solo practice to suicide prevention.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
LCL also welcomes the opportunity to make public service announcements about our services and resources as part of other programs.
CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMMING
LCL can work with organizations to develop customized programs. Some recent topics include Problem Gambling, Mental Health and Addiction in Older Adults, Returning to Work after Treatment, Suicide Prevention and Stress Management
LCL has appeared in many programs sponsored by others. Learn whether a program you attended has been approved for credit at Minnesota Board of Continuing Legal Education.