In an important development for legal professionals, the New Jersey Legislature has recently revised its involuntary commitment law, addressing a significant lacuna that previously allowed hospitals to hold patients in need of involuntary commitment for a maximum of 72 hours. The change will require a notable shift in the way hospitals manage such patients. Historically,…
As legal professionals, we often seek a deeper sense of purpose in our careers. Enhancing job satisfaction, achieving a healthier work/life balance, and prioritizing mental well-being can significantly enhance the satisfaction we derive from our demanding profession. Something as simple as reconnecting with what originally drew us to the law can be transformative. Recognizing the…
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to intervene in the escalating women’s rights crisis in Afghanistan. In a compelling speech to the council, Bahous highlighted the severe deterioration of women’s rights in the country under Taliban rule. Bahous proposed three recommendations for the UNSC consideration: organizing a meeting devoted…
Cash-and-carry behemoth Costco has recently launched an initiative to offer its Members discounted pricing on virtual health services, including primary care and mental health, in partnership with Sesame, an online platform that connects patients and healthcare providers. Noteworthy is the distinct approach Costco is taking to this venture, differing importantly from what we’ve seen with…
In recent years, the legal profession has observed a heightened focus on mental health. While entering big law firms often comes with an intense workload and high expectations, it’s equally important to maintain one’s mental wellbeing. The issue of mental health concerns among newcomers is indeed unsettling, yet increasingly vital in today’s high-stakes corporate environments….
Regulatory changes continually redefine the landscape for legal professionals working in fields of mental health and addiction services. Notably, the proposed regulations under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) issued by the US Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury cast a spotlight on policies and procedures that promise…
In a significant turn of events at the annual Proposition 65 Conference held in San Francisco, California, on September 18, 2023, Environmental Health Advocates v. Sream, Inc., 2022 83 Cal.App.5th 721 (Sream), along with three other California appellate cases, featured as subjects of an engaging panel discussion. The rulings in these cases caught the attention…
The push for cannabis reform continues to gain momentum as the Department of Health and Human Services recommends rescheduling the substance, potentially paving the way for significant economic benefits for the state-legal cannabis industry. This comes amidst anticipations, following a recent announcement stating that the Senate Committee will conduct a hearing on September 27, 2023,…
The summer of 2023 was filled with memorable experiences for many summer associates, as major law firms re-established their summer programs post-pandemic. Despite the legal thrills and extravagant social events that summer associates experienced, there was a more sobering side to the industry that they also encountered. This included job insecurity due to widespread layoffs…
The State of New Jersey has officially made amendments to their bar exam application by limiting the requirement for candidates to disclose mental health and substance abuse issues. The decision aims to encourage applicants seeking treatment for mental health and addiction issues, reinforcing the belief that overcoming these obstacles will enable them to better serve…
In a significant move affecting future legal professionals, the New Jersey Supreme Court is adjusting the manner in which it queries bar exam candidates regarding their mental health histories. Scheduled for implementation in the upcoming October application cycle, these changes are designed to ensure applicants are not deterred from seeking necessary mental health treatment. The…
During oral arguments on Thursday, the Illinois Supreme Court deliberated whether a press release issued by a Chicago plaintiffs law firm, announcing a $4.2 million jury award in a medical malpractice lawsuit, breached the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act by revealing the specifics of its former client’s mental health diagnoses. The press release…
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has recently filed a lawsuit against the Phoenix Center Inc., a mental health and substance use recovery center located in Ironton, Ohio. The EEOC alleges that the Phoenix Center violated federal law by practicing various forms of disability discrimination against its employees. According to the charges brought forth…
In an important recent development, the Michigan Supreme Court has taken steps to address the pressing issue of attorney mental health. The court has formally set up a commission focused on enhancing wellbeing in the legal profession. This action follows on the heels of a task force report released in August, which called on the…
In response to recent developments in legal guidance, health plans are advised to take several specific measures. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) has added an obligation for health plans to record their compliance with nonquantitative treatment limitations (NQTLs) under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). NQTLs are limits that are not…
The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit suspended Circuit Judge Pauline Newman from her duties for one year due to her refusal to undergo medical evaluations. This refusal was seen as an issue, as there have been concerns over her ability to perform adequately as a judge. Earlier this year, Chief Judge Kimberly…
In a recent episode of the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast, mental health during bar study and in the wider legal field was the key discussion point. The episode featured insightful inputs from Ryan Zajic, a senior legal content developer at UWorld and a licensed attorney in Nebraska, and Dr. Janani Krishnaswami, a practicing physician with…
In a proactive stance towards environmental preservation, Minnesota has enacted a new set of legal provisions regarding the handling and sale of products containing Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The law, signed by Minnesota’s Governor on May 24, 2023, imposed a sweeping array of new standards for the state, putting into place bans on multiple…
In a wave of public response, over 40,000 teachers in South Korea are calling for legal protection against instances of bullying and abuse from parents. With recent rallies and major demonstrations, such as one on September 4, these educators are making their voices heard outside of the National Assembly in Seoul. The public action was…
The study and practice of law are notoriously stressful, with a high prevalence of anxiety amongst lawyers. Anxiety, unfortunately, isn’t a topic that is openly discussed in the legal industry’s meeting rooms or courtrooms. The sweat, the heart palpitations, the imposter syndrome – they are held close, undercover. Notably, Olga V. Mack, the VP at…
The necessity for intermittent extended leave, particularly related to stress and anxiety, is placing employers in a complex scenario. This issue has come to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking a rise in inquiries from employers grappling with employees seeking accommodations, some requesting leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) due to…
Today’s legal professionals are all too acquainted with the complexities that accompany balancing personal and professional lives. In a candid contribution to the ongoing series on motherhood in the legal profession, in collaboration with MothersEsquire, attorney Claire E. Parsons recounts a deeply personal experience on solitude and belonging. Focusing on an unconventional, visible symbol –…
Troubling accounts on Tom Girardi’s mental health state came to light during Wednesday’s mental competency hearing. Five witnesses, including former Skadden Arps partner Richard Marmaro, described the 84-year-old former lawyer in terms that sparked concern for his well-being. They painted a picture of a man who wears the same burgundy sweater and khaki pants, sometimes…
The legal landscape surrounding psychedelic drugs is undergoing significant changes in the United States. Growth in interest and the promising potential of these substances in treating various health conditions are emerging as key forces driving this change. A webinar titled “Navigating the Mainstreaming of Psychedelic Drugs in the United States” is scheduled for October 3rd,…
Last week marked the official end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, but the pandemic’s ripple effects continue, especially in the global work arena. As we are over three years from when countries began imposing lockdowns, it’s become challenging to recall the traditional office structure. The advent of video communication became a mainstream mode of…