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Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Critical Insights for Legal Professionals | Live Webinar + On-Demand Course Access
Substance use disorders and mental health challenges are increasingly recognized as critical risks in the legal profession. Attorneys experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance misuse than the general population, with suicide tragically the third leading cause of death in the field. These challenges not only endanger individual well-being but also impair judgment, heighten malpractice exposure, and invite regulatory scrutiny.
Join Jodi Debbrecht Switalski, Founder and Chief Consultant of Switalski Law, PLLC, and Elizabeth Eckhardt, LCSW, PhD, Director of Nassau County Bar Association as they explore the intersection of impairment and professional responsibility, providing practical strategies to identify warning signs, navigate ethical obligations, and safeguard clients, colleagues, and organizations. Attendees will also learn about Lawyer Assistance Programs (LAPs), available in most states, which offer free, confidential support to lawyers, judges, law students, legal staff, and their families.
Key Topics:
- Recognizing early signs of impairment, burnout, and substance misuse
- Navigating ethical duties when performance is compromised
- Strategies to reduce malpractice exposure and organizational liability
- Suicide prevention, resilience, and wellness best practices
- Leveraging confidential resources, including Lawyer Assistance Programs (LAPs)
- Real-world case examples and disciplinary insights