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Overview AI Webinar Summary

The Burned Out Lawyer: An Occupational Hazard?

What is burnout? What does it look like and feel like? More importantly, what can we do to prevent the normal stress and “lawyer anxiety” so common in our profession from developing into the physically and emotionally draining state known as burnout? Has it really become an occupational hazard?

Recent studies have shown that there has been a dramatic increase in impairment due to alcoholism, addiction, and mental health disorders among members of the legal profession. The statistics are compelling and clearly indicate that 1 out of 3 attorneys will likely have a need for substance use or mental health services at some point in their careers.

This presentation will cover topics such as the early warning signs of impairment, why lawyers and judges are at especially high risk to develop mental health and substance use disorders, the barriers that prevent them from seeking the help that they need, and ethical issues surrounding impairment in the legal profession.

Duration of this webinar: 60 minutes

Originally broadcast: June 2, 2026 10:00 AM PT

Webinar Highlights

This webinar is divided into section summaries, which you can scan for key points and then dive into the sections that interest you the most.

00:00 Lawyer Assistance Programs

Brian S. Quinn, the speaker, emphasizes the importance of lawyer assistance programs in addressing issues like alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental health disorders among legal professionals. Brian addresses misconceptions about lawyer assistance programs, clarifying they are not part of the disciplinary process. He explains the importance of Rule 8.3(c), which allows for confidentiality in lawyer assistance programs to encourage seeking help.

09:10 Mental Health Challenges in the Legal Profession

Brian cites a study by Patrick Krill revealing high rates of problem drinking among lawyers. He discusses a survey by ALM Intelligence & Law.com showing a decline in mental health among legal professionals since entering the field. He highlights the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, with many lawyers feeling isolated and anxious. Brian notes the inability to disconnect from work as a major stressor, leading to unhealthy coping strategies.

24:54 Stress in the Legal Profession

Brian explains the components of stress and its impact on lawyers, emphasizing the need for awareness and control over responses. He describes the varying responses to stress based on individual differences and circumstances, highlighting the importance of thoughtful and optimistic reactions. He identifies common stressors in the legal profession, such as workload, competition, and lack of collegiality, and the need for open conversations about their impact. Brian also discusses the problems caused by perfectionism and workaholism.

39:20 Strategies for Managing Stress and Burnout

Brian discusses the concept of burnout, describing it as a chronic process of disengagement from work and personal life. He differentiates burnout from depression, noting the similarities and differences in symptoms and causes. Brian highlights the role of perfectionism and compassion fatigue in contributing to burnout among lawyers. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs and taking steps to address burnout, such as setting realistic goals and focusing on controllable factors. Brian suggests a writing exercise to help lawyers plan actions to achieve their goals.

49:34 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care

Brian emphasizes the importance of setting priorities and advises against relying solely on willpower. He encourages time management and minimizing distractions, such as constant email checking, to improve focus and productivity. Brian advocates for scheduling mental health breaks and setting boundaries to achieve a work-life balance.

Please note this AI-generated summary provides a general overview of the webinar but may not capture all details, nuances, or the exact words of the speaker. For complete accuracy, please refer to the original webinar recording.

Speaker

Brian S. Quinn Education and Outreach Coordinator
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania

Brian S. Quinn, Esquire is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania who currently serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Lawyers Assistance Program established in 1988 for the purpose of helping lawyers, judges and law students recover from alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health disorders. Read More ›

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credits

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Alaska CLE

Status: Approved

Format: Live (Virtual), On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Ethics

Earn Credit Until: June 1, 2031

California CLE

Status: Approved

Format: Live (Virtual), On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Wellness Competence

Earn Credit Until: June 30, 2026

Delaware CLE

Status: Approved

Format: Live (Virtual), On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Enhanced Ethics

Earn Credit Until: December 31, 2026

Hawaii CLE

Status: Approved

Format: Live (Virtual), On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Ethics

Earn Credit Until: June 1, 2028

Illinois CLE

Status: Approved

Format: On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Professional Responsibility - Mental Health / Substance Abuse

Earn Credit Until: June 1, 2028

Nebraska CLE

Status: Approved

Format: On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Professional Responsibility

Earn Credit Until: June 2, 2028

New Jersey CLE

Status: Approved

Format: Live (Virtual), On-Demand

Credits: 1.20 Ethics/Professionalism

Earn Credit Until: June 1, 2027

North Carolina CLE

Status: Approved

Format: On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Professional Well-Being

Earn Credit Until: February 28, 2027

Ohio CLE

Status: Approved

Format: On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Attorney Professional Conduct

Earn Credit Until: December 31, 2026

Pennsylvania CLE

Status: Approved

Format: On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Ethics, Professionalism, or Substance Abuse

Earn Credit Until: June 1, 2028

South Carolina CLE

Status: Approved

Format: Live (Virtual), On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Substance Abuse/Mental Health

Difficulty: All Levels

Earn Credit Until: December 31, 2026

Texas CLE

Status: Approved

Format: On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Legal Ethics/Professional Responsibility

Earn Credit Until: May 31, 2027

Utah CLE

Status: Approved

Format: On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Professionalism and Civility

Earn Credit Until: December 31, 2026

Vermont CLE

Status: Approved

Format: Live (Virtual), On-Demand

Credits: 1.00 Attorney Wellness

Earn Credit Until: June 2, 2031

West Virginia CLE

Status: Approved

Format: On-Demand

Credits: 1.20 Legal Ethics, etc.

Earn Credit Until: December 31, 2029

This presentation is approved for one hour of Ethics CLE credit in Alaska, one hour of Wellness Competence CLE credit in California, one hour of Enhanced Ethics CLE credit in Delaware, one hour of Ethics CLE credit in Hawaii, one hour of Professional Responsibility - Mental Health / Substance Abuse CLE credit in Illinois, one hour of Professional Responsibility CLE credit in Nebraska, one hour of Professional Well-Being CLE credit in North Carolina, one hour of Attorney Professional Conduct CLE credit in Ohio, one hour of Ethics, Professionalism, or Substance Abuse CLE credit in Pennsylvania, one hour of Substance Abuse/Mental Health CLE credit in South Carolina (all levels), one hour of Professionalism and Civility CLE credit in Utah, one hour of Attorney Wellness CLE credit in Vermont, and one hour of Legal Ethics, etc. CLE credit in West Virginia. This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 1.20 hours of total CLE credit. Of these, 1.20 qualify as total hours of credit for Ethics/Professionalism. This course has been approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of Texas Committee on MCLE in the amount of 1.00 credit hours, of which 1.00 credit hours will apply to Legal Ethics/Professional Responsibility credit.
This presentation is approved for one hour of Wellness Competence CLE credit in California from 2026-07-01 to 2028-06-30.

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