The American Bar Association (ABA) has announced a new national research project aimed at understanding the current state of mental health among attorneys. This initiative seeks to provide an updated benchmark of the issue, coming nearly a decade after a similar study was conducted in 2016. The project aims to shed light on the mental…
The New York mayoral democratic primary may have captured significant attention, but Manhattan residents are also gearing up to vote for their preferred Democratic candidate for Manhattan District Attorney. Civil litigator Patrick Timmins has entered the race, challenging incumbent DA Alvin Bragg. Timmins has criticized Bragg’s handling of safety issues within New York City’s transit…
A US federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of a Florida law that mandates social media companies to prevent children aged 14 or younger from accessing their platforms. The decision, delivered by Chief US District Judge Mark Walker of the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, poses a significant challenge to…
In a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), significant concerns were raised about the impact of legislation banning gender-affirming care in the United States. According to HRW, these laws are causing substantial harm to young individuals, their families, and healthcare systems, with families often forced to travel substantial distances to access necessary treatments. Furthermore,…
A recent report from the New York Unified Court System’s 49-member Judicial Task Force on Mental Illness outlines several recommendations to better address the mental health needs of justice-involved individuals. Key among these proposals is a suggested two-year pilot program aimed at increasing judicial involvement in assisted outpatient treatment proceedings across selected counties. The task…
In a significant step towards addressing mental health within the legal system, a New York State court task force has released its inaugural report, which recommends establishing mental health courts in rural counties and integrating them into the family court system. This report marks the first output from the Judicial Task Force on Mental Illness,…
The legal industry continues to analyze trends that could influence its future trajectory. In the most recent roundup of data insights from the Law.com Newsroom, a noteworthy aspect is ALM’s Mental Health Survey which sheds light on mental health issues within the legal profession. This survey provides essential perspectives on how legal environments are affecting…
During the summer vacation period, a mere fraction of the legal profession truly disconnects from work, as reported by the American Lawyer. Their recent mental health survey has indicated an increase in the use of vacation days among lawyers. However, the data also reveals that most attorneys find it challenging to completely unplug from their…
Clifford Chance’s co-head of tech, Jonathan Kewley, who was recently recognized as Partner of the Year at the 2024 British Legal Awards, engages in a candid discussion exploring several pressing topics for the legal profession. In a Q&A featured on Law.com International, Kewley shares his insights on mental health, diversity, and the influence of artificial…
In a series of legal developments, consumer class actions targeting the presence of microplastics in various products have met significant obstacles. Federal judges in California and Illinois, where the majority of these cases have been brought, have dismissed nearly all lawsuits. The dismissals come amid allegations that popular items, including Evian bottled water and Philips…
Jim Steyer, a prominent figure in the realm of online safety for children, is spearheading efforts to implement stricter regulations on social media platforms. As the founder of Common Sense Media, Steyer has been pivotal in shaping significant legislation aimed at safeguarding minors in the digital world, both in California and nationwide. His current advocacy…
In a move that challenges four decades of legal precedent, the New Jersey Supreme Court has greenlit the possibility for disbarred lawyers to petition for reinstatement. This decision, which took effect in October 2024, allows attorneys who have been disbarred for at least five years to return to practice, contingent on fulfilling several stringent requirements….
Concerns are mounting as rights advocates voice apprehension over the treatment of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following a proposal by the UK government to designate Bosnia as a return hub. A return hub serves as a location where asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected in other countries are returned while awaiting repatriation to…
The mental well-being of law school students is becoming an increasingly critical issue within the legal community, with experts emphasizing the role of faculty and administrators in improving student support. As highlighted in part two of a two-part series, legal education faculties are beginning to address these concerns actively. An adjunct law professor has taken…
“`html The legal profession is often associated with high-pressure environments and demanding workloads, elements that can significantly affect mental health. At a recent panel discussion organized by A Mindful Lawyer at Penningtons Manches Cooper, members from the legal and professional services sectors convened to exchange their experiences and strategies for cultivating an open culture around…
In a notable decision arising from Del Prete v. Village of Romeoville, U.S. Magistrate Judge Keri L. Holleb Hotaling of the Northern District of Illinois addressed the complexities of psychotherapist-patient privilege in the context of emotional distress claims. The case involves Jennifer Del Prete, who alleges wrongful conviction for the murder of an infant, seeking…
As the legal community grapples with the growing mental health concerns, the current generation of law students—Generation Z—seems to be facing heightened challenges compared to their predecessors. Industry experts point to several factors, including generational differences, varying salary expectations, and increased pressure to excel amidst rising billing rates. These factors contribute significantly to the mental…
In a recent address, a cohort of United Nations human rights experts raised critical concerns over the escalating violence against women and girls in Sudan. The experts condemned the continuation and intensity of such violence as the armed conflict in the country approached its third year. The skirmish mainly involves the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF)…
In the recently released 2025 Mental Health Survey Infographic, a range of key findings have been drawn from responses by over 3,100 legal professionals. This is part of an ongoing effort by ALM and Law.com Compass to monitor the mental well-being of employees across law firms worldwide. The 2025 data highlights both progress and challenges…
The newest data from an annual mental health survey conducted by ALM showcases both subtle improvements and renewed concerns within the legal industry. The report highlights the growing burden on lawyers amid increasing pressures from clients, driven by steep rate hikes and a perceived “obsession with infinite growth.” One senior associate pointedly remarked, “Client demands…
Amnesty International has renewed its criticism of TikTok’s handling of issues related to children’s mental health, particularly in light of previous reports highlighting significant risks posed by the social media platform. On Monday, the group released a statement, emphasizing the insufficiency of measures TikTok has undertaken to address these concerns. Following a 2023 report by…
As mental health awareness efforts gain attention globally, the legal profession grapples with increasing pressures amidst challenges to the rule of law. Beyond long-standing issues regarding attorney mental health, current stressors include heightened attacks on the judiciary, law firms, and democratic principles, particularly in the United States. These pressures stem from shifts toward autocratic policies…
As global political climates shift and the rule of law faces threats, lawyers find themselves under increasing stress. This situation presents challenges not only due to targeted attacks on legal professionals and firms but also due to broader assaults on fundamental aspects such as civil rights and the judiciary. Legal professionals are grappling with these…
In times of increasing political uncertainty and challenges to the rule of law, lawyers are experiencing heightened stress levels, exacerbating a longstanding struggle with mental health within the profession. This issue, highlighted in a month focused on mental health awareness, is particularly acute in regions experiencing a shift toward autocracy. According to The Global Lawyer,…
Tom Girardi, the once-celebrated attorney known for his high-profile cases, was recently hospitalized due to “liver dysfunction,” causing a delay in his legal proceedings. U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton rescheduled Girardi’s sentencing, now set for June 3, coinciding with his 86th birthday. The rescheduling followed an urgent request from Girardi’s public defenders, who reported that…