At a panel focused on the mental health of attorneys, sponsored by the New Jersey state judiciary, current and former legal professionals candidly shared their experiences with the often high-stress nature of the legal world. One of these individuals was Cheyne R. Scott, a labor and employment partner at New Jersey law firm Chasan Lamparello…
In the aftermath of the pandemic, a period in which remote working has become the new norm, employers are encountering a surge in accommodation requests on mental health grounds, a shift that poses significant legal and HR challenges for corporations. Four years after a worldwide pivot to remote work environments brought on by COVID-19, large…
The impact of the pandemic on global workplaces has continued to manifest in the prevalence of work-from-home alternatives and a significant rise in employee requests for mental health-related accommodations, as revealed by a recent employer survey. Over 80% of companies surveyed indicated that they utilize some kind of remote work structure in 2024, almost an…
Navigating the social sphere early in the journey towards sobriety can be a daunting experience riddled with numerous challenges. Particularly difficult and potentially anxiety-provoking can be the first restaurant visit or social event. According to an article published on Above the Law, the key to surmounting this challenge is having a plan. Having a plan…
The process of hiring in Big Law firms, typically characterized by select recruitment from top-ranking law schools, has long been viewed as an unusual practice. Firms have been known to rely heavily on lavishly organized summer associate programs for hiring fresh associates, often promising full-time positions at the conclusion of these programs. The events for…
Kelly Rentzel, a seasoned legal professional holding several general counsel positions during her career, has come forward to openly discuss her bipolar diagnosis, a topic she had deliberated on publicly addressing for over 20 years. She has noted that it was largely her law career that granted her the empowerment and voice to accomplish this….
As states grapple with ongoing revenue shortfalls, many are increasingly turning to the legalization and taxation of so-called ‘vice’ industries as a potential source of income. Meanwhile, federal government may not be far behind in tapping into this source. However, the influx of income from these industries, which include cannabis and legal online sports betting,…
Attorneys transitioning into therapists claim that lawyers uniquely comprehend the pressures of working in law. Having been practitioners themselves, they possess an insight into the specific strain that legal professionals might encounter. As detailed by ex-lawyers, their clientele often grapples with adapting to therapy that favours emotional responsiveness, mindfulness and body conscientiousness, as opposed to…
Law firms across the country have been integrating wellbeing and mental wellness initiatives into their overall business strategy, acknowledging the heightened rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout among legal professionals compared to other fields. Highlighted in the upcoming paper, “Stressed, Lonely, and Overcommitted: Predictors of Lawyer Suicide Risk”, the report underlines the necessity of these…
Pre-pandemic, law firms seldom advertised their work environments to the world. The objective was to maintain an aura of secrecy, something quite synonymous with the field. However, the pandemic and the thrust towards remote work have caused a shift in this discretion. Today, law firms are showcasing their offices that speak volumes of ‘inclusivity’, ‘cutting-edge…
The legal industry has recently been urged to confront the difficult issue of mental health, following the distressing demise of Vanessa Ford, a London-based law firm partner. Questions regarding her work-life balance, personal struggles, and the pressures she faced in the legal profession have generated discussions around well-being for legal professionals, particularly female lawyers. As…
California has been grappling with an escalating dual crisis of mental illness and homelessness. In an audacious attempt to tackle these interlinked issues, the state took the novel step of establishing a new court system. The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court was launched last fall, marking a new approach to supporting individuals struggling…
The Australian Human Rights Commission recently published a report detailing concerning issues at the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre in Northam, Western Australia. The findings, based on inspections, interviews and consultations carried out through 2023, reveal serious problems in areas such as drug trafficking, inadequate healthcare, and overall welfare of detainees and staff. In the…
In a response to a deadly mass shooting incident in October 2023, the Maine legislature approved several expansive pieces of gun control legislation this week. These measures include increased waiting periods, expanded background checks, and an enlarged scope for court-ordered firearm forfeiture. The legislation also toughens the prohibition of selling firearms to individuals who aren’t…
Recently, the Federal Trade Commission levied a significant penalty on the virtual mental health startup, Cerebral. $7 million in fines were imposed, accusing the company of mishandling its users’ crucial health data while also being misleading on its cancellation policies. Conceding to the obligation, Cerebral agreed to the payment and, additionally, consented to a unique…
Despite federal laws to the contrary, most Americans now live in a state where marijuana is legal. This shift in policy and societal views is leading to significant institutional changes, with even some law firms entering the market. However, law schools seem to be lagging behind this trend. Ongoing research conducted by Ohio State University…
The Commission on Reproductive Self-Determination and Reproductive Medicine in Germany has delivered a final report advocating for the legalization of abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The interdisciplinary body, formed March last year by the German government, consists of 18 specialists ranging from medical, psychological, sociological, health science, ethics, and legal fields. Presently,…
The global legal community has been deeply shaken by a recent tragedy at the Baker McKenzie Sydney office where an associate committed suicide away from firm premises. As reported in the Australian Financial Review, the individual has not been publicly named. Following this tragic incident, Australian authorities have conducted a standard procedural check at the…
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly (D) last week vetoed SB 233, a Senate bill that sought to prohibit minors from receiving gender-affirming care. The vetoed legislation covered a range of treatments for transgender youth, including surgery, hormone treatments, and puberty blockers, and further proposed the suspension of licenses for doctors providing these services and the restriction…
Legal professionals and fans alike have cast their votes in a peculiar competition, identifying what they perceive as ‘The Property Trump Would Hate Most to Lose’. The details of the asset pointed out by the vote remain undisclosed, yet the intrigue continues to stir conversation. For more in-depth results, you can catch up on the…
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) recently unveiled its plan to broaden background check requirements for gun dealers. This effort is aimed at sealing gaps for gun shows and online sales while concurrently enlarging the definition for firearm dealers — all which are now required to be licensed. The rules addressing these changes are…
From Australia, we report the tragic death of a Biglaw associate who recently died by suicide. The associate, from the international law firm, Baker McKenzie, chose to end their life towards the end of March, with colleagues reportedly attending the funeral earlier this week. According to the Australian Financial Review, this heartrending event comes at…
The annual Survey on Mental Health in the Legal Industry is still open, calling upon the valuable insights of all professionals in the legal sphere to contribute. The survey covers a wide range of professionals including those working in law firms, legal departments and in settings beyond these traditional environments. The importance of their input…
An Arizona-based associate attorney has initiated legal action against her former law firm, with allegations of discrimination interwoven with her pregnancy and subsequent retaliation for seeking treatment for severe postpartum depression. If you wish to dive further into the case details, they are available via US District court filings. The lawsuit was first made public…
Late last month, Biglaw firm, Seward & Kissel opened its doors to a rather unconventional type of visitor – therapy dogs. This initiative, not only offers a unique way to mitigate workplace stress, but also underscores the growing awareness for mental health support within the industry. They teamed up with New York Therapy Animals, Inc….