By Elijah T. Gaglio
All lawyers are at a higher risk of experiencing substance abuse, loneliness, depression, and suicide, which was confirmed in a 2020 in-depth study by the California Lawyers Association and D.C. Bar Association.[1] Many lawyers “are expected to work long hours, meet tight deadlines, and handle complex legal issues, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism and client satisfaction.”[2] New lawyers generally experience this high level of stress for the first time when they are starting their practice. Now, the State Bar of California requires new attorneys to complete a 1.5-hour course on competency (substance abuse, mental health issues) as part of its
New Attorney Training for MCLE compliance
As the Chair of New Lawyer Division, I have heard many stories from new attorneys who are struggling in what can be an overwhelming profession. I also experience times when I have to remember my commitment to my mental health. I grew up in a large family with more siblings than I can count, and our parents taught us to work hard now and rest later, which is the same motto many of us have in our practice. We will continue to work hard now and rest later. However, I have learned that we need to make a commitment to continuously practicing mindfulness. According to the American Psychological Association, mindfulness “is awareness of one’s internal states and surroundings. Mindfulness can help people avoid destructive or automatic habits and responses by learning to observe their thoughts, emotions, and other present-moment experiences without judging or reacting to them.”[3]The first time I really learned about mindfulness was in a Netflix series called “Headspace Guide to Meditation.” They were short episodes that served as an introduction to meditation and mindfulness. I learned that simple exercises that focus on one’s breath or participate in a 10 to 15-minute meditation would almost immediately relieve some of my anxiety and stress. These tools do not magically make all problems go away, but they help us navigate complex and stressful situations in a calm and thoughtful manner.
As new lawyers, I think it is our responsibility to reframe our practice to make sure that we are maintaining our own well-being. It is easy to become carried away with the long work hours, tight deadlines, and complex issues. However, if we make a commitment to prioritizing mental health, it will have a lasting impact on our colleagues, the clients we represent, and the legal system at large.
A great resource for new lawyers and law students who are experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression is the State Bar’s Lawyer Assistant Program. The Lawyer Assistant Program provides a free, confidential assessment by a licensed clinician who provides recommendations and resources for further support. To learn more, click here: https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Attorneys/Compliance-Records/Lawyer-Assistance-Program. You can call the LAP program for free:
877-LAP-4HELP / 877-527-4435
*Elijah T. Gaglio is the Chair of the New Lawyer Division as well as an attorney with Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, LLP. If you would like to get more involved with the New Lawyer Division please contact him.
[1] For Key Findings from the 2020 Attorney Mental Health and Well-Being Study click here: https://calawyers.org/health-and-wellness/.
[2] Patrick R. Krill, et al., Stressed, Lonely, and Overcommitted: Predictions of Lawyer Suicide Risk (Feb. 11, 2023), https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/4/536
[3] To learn more about mindfulness click here: https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness.