Perfectionism in the Legal Profession – When Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough
Brian S. Quinn, Esquire is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania who currently serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Lawyers Assistance Program established in 1988 for the purpose of helping lawyers, judges and law students recover from alcoholism, substance misuse and mental health disorders.
On-Demand: June 6, 2024
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Tuition: $195.00
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Program Summary
“Everyone tells me I’m doing a great job. My clients, my colleagues, my family. Why do I feel like I don’t measure up- that my work just isn’t that good?”
“If I ask for help, everyone will know the truth about me.”
“I’m ok. I can work this out for myself.”
Sound familiar? If so, you may be struggling with the perfectionism and self- doubt that has plagued members of the legal profession for years. When the pressure placed on lawyers externally to succeed is outweighed by the pressure lawyers place upon themselves, the impact on mental health can be devastating if left untreated.
There is a misconception among lawyers that only people who have “hit bottom” need or ask for help. The statistics say otherwise as recent surveys indicate that the overwhelming majority of legal practitioners believe they have suffered negative mental health consequences as a result of their chosen profession.
Recent studies have shown that there has been a dramatic increase in impairment due to alcoholism, addiction and mental health disorders among members of the legal profession. The statistics are compelling and clearly indicate that 1 out of 3 attorneys will likely have a need for substance use or mental health services at some point in their careers.
This course is co-sponsored with myLawCLE.
Key topics to be discussed:
- The early warning signs of distress and impairment due to substance misuse and mental health issues
- Perfectionism as both a commonplace and manageable condition among members of the legal profession
- Why legal professionals are at higher risk to develop mental health and substance use disorders
- Challenges and barriers facing legal professionals from seeking help
- Well- being strategies to reduce or alleviate these conditions and maintain a healthy work/life balance
Closed-captioning available
Speakers
Brian S. Quinn, Esq. | Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc.
Brian S. Quinn, Esquire is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania who currently serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Lawyers Assistance Program established in 1988 for the purpose of helping lawyers, judges and law students recover from alcoholism, substance misuse and mental health disorders.
Mr. Quinn obtained his undergraduate degree in 1970, his law degree in 1973 and a certificate in Drug and Alcohol counselling in 2012, from Villanova University. A member of the Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations, he has been a private practitioner for over 45 years, having litigated both civil and criminal matters during his career.
Mr. Quinn also worked in the field of Alcohol and Drug Counseling in suburban Philadelphia from 2011 to 2017, allowing him to gain both practical and clinical experience with individuals suffering from alcohol, substance use and mental health disorders.
Mr. Quinn is a past member of the Board of Directors of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania and served as a peer volunteer for over six years prior to accepting his current role as the organization’s Educator in 2017. He has written articles and made presentations on many lawyer wellness topics to law firms, Bar Associations, professional organizations and legal education providers on a state, national and international level.
Agenda
I. The early warning signs of distress and impairment due to substance misuse and mental health issues | 11:00am – 11:20am
II. Perfectionism as both a commonplace and manageable condition among members of the legal profession | 11:20am – 11:40am
III. Why legal professionals are at higher risk to develop mental health and substance use disorders | 11:40am – 12:00pm
Break | 12:00pm – 12:10pm
IV. Challenges and barriers facing legal professionals from seeking help | 12:10pm – 12:40pm
V. Well- being strategies to reduce or alleviate these conditions and maintain a healthy work/life balance | 12:40pm – 1:10pm
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