The Consequences of Substance Abuse on Attorney Professionalism

In this illuminating course, Christopher O’Donnell clearly explicates the often ambiguous, amorphous lines of professionalism for lawyers and thoughtfully approaches the difficult topics of depression and substance abuse that pervade the legal field.

He describes the prevalent issue of attorney incivility and the consequences that unprofessionalism can have on a lawyer’s career and on the legal field as a whole. Mr. O’Donnell also examines the circumstances behind why depression and substance abuse disproportionately affect lawyers, with reasons such as demanding schedules, the constant pressure to do right by your client, the drinking culture within the legal profession, and other stressors that are inherent to the practice of law.

Because of certain stigmas that surround mental health problems as well as concerns surrounding the repercussions of missing work, many lawyers do not seek help for their substance abuse problems, and therefore put themselves and their clients at great risk. These problems can have severe consequences, as suicide is more common among attorneys compared to the general population.

This course goes through the critical changes that are needed and what the profession can do to aid the culture of the legal field to promote awareness of mental health issues and increase the well-being of attorneys.