Member Service: A CLE Preview

MEMBER SERVICE: A CLE PREVIEW By: Lisa Collins Werner

Law Office of Lisa Collins Werner

KBA WELLNESS CONFERENCE – A PATH TO WELL-BEING

Since the August 2017 release of the landmark report The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change by the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being, the topic of well-being has gained momentum as individuals and legal organizations increasingly recognize the importance of lawyer well-being and its impact on lawyer functioning.

The Path to Lawyer Well-Being was informed by a 2016 study by Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs, which reported that 21% of licensed, employed attorneys qualify as problem drinkers; 28% struggle with some level of depression; and 19% demonstrate symptoms of anxiety.

According to a Bloomberg Law Attorney Workload and Salary Survey in the fourth quarter of 2021, 46% of the respondents’ experienced burnout and stated that their well-being was worse than in the previous three months. The same report stated that 83% of attorneys were sleep deprived, 81% experienced anxiety, 47% had personal relationship issues, and 43% experienced depression.

Other studies have shown that there are many effects of chronic stress on the body. These include irritability, headaches, insomnia, heartburn, high blood pressure, weight gain, lack of energy, and memory problems. Individuals struggling with chronic stress need to learn techniques to help them stop, rest, and recover. They can utilize foundational techniques and daily habits to assist them on their journey to wellness.

These studies demonstrate the need for improved well-being in the legal profession including lawyers and their staff. Over the past 5 years, many gains have been made in destigmatizing mental health and substance abuse, which are barriers to wellness. Many legal employers and law schools are creating well-being and wellness programs for the benefit of their employees and students.

Similarly, the KBA is extremely committed to the wellness of its members and their employees. The KBA began its wellness seminars in 2019. Soon thereafter, the pandemic hit. As a result, many law firms began working remotely, which furthered the stress and isolation of individuals, some of whom were already dealing with wellness issues.

This year’s KBA Wellness Conference will be held at the City County Building in the Small and Main Assembly Rooms on Friday, September 23, 2022. There will be a health fair in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to noon., which includes health screenings and education tables. Fifteen local companies will provide health assessments, like carotid artery screening, body fat percentage, flexibility tests, pulse oxygen levels, balance testing, and educational material. COVID boosters and flu shots, provided by Mac’s Pharmacy, will be available. At 11:00 a.m. there will be a non-competitive 1-mile walk around downtown led by Jack Neely, executive director of the Knoxville History Project. The walk will highlight local legal history as well as little-known Knoxville history. Preregistration is required for the vaccinations and the history walk.

The CLE portion of the conference will begin at 12:30 p.m. with a preliminary session led by The Reverend Charles Fels, a priest in the Episcopal Church and a lawyer. Reverend Fels will address creating and maintaining lasting relationships.

From 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., there are two CLE tracks from which to choose. The first track is Overcoming the Stigma of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Concerns presented by Attorney Christopher Hall. This session will address best practices for law firms to assist attorneys dealing with these issues. The second track will focus on the science of stress and how to reduce it. Dr. Harold Naramore, CEO of Blount Memorial Hospital, will teach simple techniques to use daily.

From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., one track addresses models for changing firm culture and prioritizing well-being. This track will focus on shifting to a culture of well-being. There will be a round table of managing partners from small and large firms. In another track, Dr. Monica Crane will discuss cognitive changes in aging and dementia. Dr. Crane is a nationally recognized expert in dementia care and is the founder and medical director of Genesis Neuroscience Clinic.

From 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., the final two tracks will address developing a career to go the distance and increasing your capacity to cope with stress and anxiety. Leslie Beale, J.D., will discuss attorney dissatisfaction and depressive disorders. Ms. Beale is the CEO and founder of Profusion Strategies, which helps business leaders develop a strong foundation for success. Therapist Emily Heird will address navigating stressful circumstances and give insights into how to thrive in the legal profession. Ms. Heird is the co-owner of Knoxville Counseling and the owner of Vantage View Coaching, which provides counseling and coaching to law firms.

The KBA believes in the critical importance of well-being for its members and everyone in the legal profession. Attending the KBA Wellness Conference is a perfect way for legal employers to support the well-being and health of their lawyers and staff.

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