Well-Being In The Law: Preparing For A Post-COVID World
This year’s Well-Being Week in Law arrives as many firms are gearing up for a return to the office. While most have made operational changes to keep their people COVID-safe, how will they address their mental health needs during this unprecedented transition?
This year’s Well-Being Week in Law arrives as many firms are gearing up for a return to the office. While most have made operational changes to keep their people COVID-safe, how will they address their mental health needs during this unprecedented transition?
Joseph Milowic III is a leader in the attorney mental health and well-being movement. A Quinn Emanuel partner and founder of the Lawyers Depression Project, Joe has suffered from bouts of major depression and is committed to helping others. Along with professional coach and former practicing attorney Andrea L. Colby and Dr. Alan Manevitz, a psychiatrist, he will speak at Back to the Future: Transitioning to a Post-COVID World, an hour-long program presented by PLI on May 24 (and available later on demand).
We spoke with Joe about the current state of mental well-being in the law.
What are you hearing about legal professionals’ mental health and expectations for the post-pandemic future?
JM: People will undoubtedly have different experiences, feelings and expectations. Some are eager to get back to the office with their colleagues, while others have grown to like the flexibility of working remotely. As we transition into post-pandemic life, I’ve heard some people refer to the “anticipatory anxiety” some may feel about what will come next.
Are firms prepared to support people during this transition period?
JM: This is difficult to anticipate. When the pandemic began, there was obviously a great deal of anxiety about what was to come. People adapted the best they could, and we adopted new routines. Now, as we come out of the pandemic, routines will change again. Just as we reacted to the pandemic in the best ways we knew how, as we enter this next phase, I think we’re going to learn in real time about how people are dealing – and we will need to respond as best we can in real time.
Have firms taken the opportunity to reflect on and improve their well-being resources?
JM: I think firms are evolving in how they consider and approach well-being. There is a recognition that we all experience stress and anxiety and it can impact our performance. And there is an appreciation that we can enhance our performance by prioritizing self-care, rest and recovery, and implementing peak performance and mindfulness techniques. I’m encouraged by the well-being movement and believe that it is only just beginning.
Have you seen an increase in lawyers reaching out for help over the past year?
JM: The Lawyers Depression Project has seen an uptick in new members. As an online support community, we’re a good fit for people looking for connections in a remote setting. Our members have diverse experiences, and like everybody else, we have been impacted by the stress and anxiety associated with the pandemic. In some sense, it has been unifying to see that we all experience mental health on a spectrum – and to learn there are tools we can use to enhance our form.
What would you like lawyers and others in the industry to know about taking care of their mental well-being?
JM: I would encourage everyone to get an annual physical as well as a mental health check-up. This is a proactive, preventive measure and a smart choice for those who use their minds for a living. Those who are thriving may be reluctant, and that is fine. I would encourage them to look into peak performance and mental conditioning – like what Olympic and professional athletes are trained in.
For those who are carrying a lot of stress or who don’t feel quite right, absolutely, have a check-up with a doctor, a psychiatrist, or a therapist. A wealth of help is available. For example, each state has a Lawyers Assistance Program, which provides free and confidential assistance to legal professionals and their families who are experiencing mental health or addiction related issues. If you know someone who could use support, please share this link: www.lawyersdepressionproject.org
What are some of the most helpful ways firms can support their attorneys and staff during this transitional phase?
JM: I think we can acknowledge that all of our people have experienced some level of anxiety and stress. We can remind them of the resources available. And we can try to be more patient and compassionate in our interactions and to do our best to foster a sense of community and purpose.
As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If you want a greater sense of community in your firm, get to work building it. You may be surprised at how many people will be excited to join you. While the future may be unpredictable, if we are guided by kindness and compassion, I think we’ll be the better for it.
Practising Law Institute is a nonprofit learning organization dedicated to keeping attorneys and other professionals at the forefront of knowledge and expertise. PLI is chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York and was founded in 1933 by Harold P. Seligson. The organization provides the highest quality, accredited, continuing legal and professional education programs in a variety of formats which are delivered by more than 4,000 volunteer faculty including prominent lawyers, judges, investment bankers, accountants, corporate counsel, and U.S. and international government regulators. PLI publishes a comprehensive library of Treatises, Course Handbooks, Answer Books and Journals also available through the PLI PLUS online platform. The essence of PLI’s mission is its commitment to the pro bono community. View PLI’s upcoming live webcasts here.
