Ethical Considerations of Substance Abuse and Mental Health

This course delves into the critical issue of substance abuse within the legal profession, exploring its roots, impacts, and possible solutions. Beginning with an examination of the problem of substance abuse among legal professionals, we will identify early warning signs and discuss research indicating that these issues often start in law school. The course will investigate why lawyers are uniquely susceptible to substance abuse and examine both individual and systemic prevention and mitigation strategies.

Mr. O'Donnell will review current legislation and various lawyer assistance programs designed to support those struggling with substance abuse. The course will also cover attempts at prevention, including the potential implementation of mandatory alcohol tests.

A focus will be placed on the biomedical aspects of alcoholism, as well as the ethical considerations related to substance abuse among legal professionals. The feasibility and implications of introducing a new model rule to address these issues will be discussed.

Through hypothetical scenarios, attendees will engage with the material practically, developing a comprehensive understanding of how substance abuse affects the legal field and exploring potential pathways to a healthier profession. This course is ideal for any legal practitioner in any field.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the effects of substance abuse on the legal profession.
• Identify early warning signs of substance abuse and mental health issues
• Explore the unique susceptibility of attorneys for substance abuse
• Examine preventative measures for substance abuse
• Analyze the ethical considerations of substance abuse in the legal profession
• Discuss future pathways to decreasing substance abuse

Production Date: 7/24/2024