On-Demand CLE Presentations

Lawyers are exposed to experiences that can lead to higher stress and greater consequences than those in many other careers. There is a clearly recognized continuum where unresolved chronic stress becomes a predictor for substance use problems and mental illness, particularly depression and anxiety. By understanding this continuum and the facts about addiction and mental illness, lawyers can reduce their risk and, hopefully, get help earlier when there is a mental health, substance use, or related problem. This program will present signs, symptoms, risk factors, and recovery regarding these challenges, as well as well-being tools and Minnesota resources, including Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.

This presentation explores secondary trauma and other conditions such as burnout, compassion fatigue, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder—common consequences of repeatedly engaging with others' traumatic experiences. Attorneys are particularly vulnerable, and exposure can harm their professional responsibilities. This program will help attorneys recognize these risks and provide strategies for both individuals and institutions to mitigate harm. Resources like LCL, EAPs, and other support systems will be discussed to help “shield the carer.”

As lawyers, we have many opportunities to observe our coworkers and colleagues in action. Sometime these observations might give rise to a genuine concern that help is needed. This program is designed for colleagues and managers who may observe concerning changes in behavior. It discusses how to recognize and obtain help when you, a work colleague, or another professional colleague may have substance use, mental health, or other issues that affect behavior, conduct, and performance.

This program explains neurodiversity and related concepts in everyday language and discusses how lawyers experience neurodiversity in their practices. The program focuses on educating attorneys to better communicate with neurodiverse clients.

An eating disorder is not a lifestyle choice — it is an illness that can be deadly and often hides in plain sight. An estimated 30 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder, and one-quarter of law students screen positive for eating disorders.

In the past few decades, advances in medical imaging have provided the medical and psychiatric fields with an improved understanding of the effects of addictive substances on the human brain. This program reviews key findings and discusses how these new insights can lead us to understand better addiction as a disease, better treatment options, and perhaps even better outcomes in legal proceedings.

The last few years have disrupted lawyers’ professional and personal lives. Attorneys may feel like their lives seem out of control, yet they are not alone in feeling the effects of a pandemic, economic downturn, or political divisiveness. Clients are affected too.

Given our new agile society, this training will give participants a learning opportunity to be trauma-informed and sustain themselves in their professions and lifestyles. We will explore the link between adjusting to COVID-19, racial injustice, and mental wellness challenges in our homes, workplaces, and communities. This program was presented in collaboration with MABL.