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Virtual Isolation: Is Hyperconnectivity Helping or Harming the Legal Professional?

If we stop to think about what we look at most during the day, the answer would probably not be our family or friends, nor our clients or colleagues. The most feasible option would be our mobile phone. Smartphones are now our companions for work, social, leisure and even family life. However, excessive use can lead to problems of dependence, addiction and fear. We find ourselves simultaneously connected and alone. Workers today are "never turned off.” Like our mobile phones, we only go on standby at the end of the day as we crawl into bed, exhausted.

Gradual, incremental increases in responsibilities, duties, pressures, and demands upon lawyers, at home, and at work, combined with long work days and weeks have placed our profession at risk. At some point work may dominate our lives and keep us at a chronically high level of distress, yet we are often unaware that we have lost balance in our lives. Since it doesn’t appear that the “always-on” culture will be switching off any time soon, we need to develop key strategies that can help safeguard our personal life.

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.

And technology? What role does it play in perpetuating this public health crisis?

Duration of this webinar: 60 minutes

Originally broadcast: October 27, 2023 11:00 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 Introduction

Brian S. Quinn is introduced as the speaker, highlighting his extensive experience as a licensed attorney and his role in Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania. Brian shares his personal connection to lawyer assistance programs, noting that many attorneys are unaware of these resources. He stresses the importance of confidentiality in lawyer assistance programs, citing fear of disclosure as a major barrier to utilization. Brian explains that lawyer assistance programs exist in all 50 states.

05:48 Lawyer Assistance Programs

Brian emphasizes the confidentiality of information shared with lawyer assistance programs, which cannot be disclosed in civil or disciplinary proceedings in California. He advises attorneys to familiarize themselves with their state's lawyer assistance program and the rules of professional conduct. Brian provides resources and links to national and state directories for lawyer assistance programs, encouraging their use. He highlights the prevalence of mental health issues in the legal profession, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Brian discusses the impact of virtual isolation and hyperconnectivity on lawyers, noting the longstanding issues of stress, anxiety, and depression.

11:32 Mental Health and Substance Use in the Legal Profession

Brian clarifies that lawyer assistance programs address more than just substance use issues, noting a shift towards mental health concerns. He shares findings from Patrick Krill's study, revealing high rates of depression, anxiety, and problem drinking among lawyers. The study shows that lawyers have higher prevalence rates of mental health and substance use issues compared to the general population. Brian explains that the legal profession's elevated risk factors make lawyers more vulnerable to the impacts of events like the pandemic. He stresses the importance of acknowledging and addressing these issues within the profession.

17:32 Impact of Technology and Hyperconnectivity

Brian discusses the collective trauma experienced during the pandemic and its impact on mental health, including grief and loss. He highlights the role of virtual tools in substituting for lost person-to-person contact, leading to additional problems. Brian references studies showing the negative effects of quarantine on mood, anxiety, and depression. He explains the concept of secondary or vicarious trauma experienced by lawyers due to their work with traumatized clients. Brian cites a survey indicating that many lawyers feel their mental well-being has worsened due to their career in law.

23:32 Isolation and Loneliness

Brian explores the effects of hyperconnectivity and technology on mental health, noting the constant connectivity to social networks. He discusses the negative impacts of screen time, including increased anxiety, depression, and poor sleep. Brian distinguishes between solitude, loneliness, and isolation, emphasizing the health risks of widespread loneliness. He cites the Surgeon General's declaration of loneliness as a public health epidemic, exacerbated by technology. Brian highlights the symptoms of depression among lawyers, including social and occupational isolation.

29:33 Digital Device Addiction

Brian examines the addictive nature of digital devices, focusing on the brain's reward system and dopamine release. He shares statistics on television and smartphone use, highlighting the prevalence of screen addiction. Brian discusses the impact of excessive screen time on mental health, including anxiety and distraction. He introduces the concept of 'phubbing,' or phone snubbing, and its negative effects on relationships. Brian warns of the dangers of distracted driving due to smartphone use, citing statistics on accidents.

47:32 Strategies for Well-Being and Work-Life Balance

Brian outlines strategies for managing digital device addiction and improving well-being, such as setting boundaries and limiting screen time. He encourages intentional disconnection and mindfulness practices to achieve work-life balance. Brian suggests practical steps like not charging phones near the bed and using airplane mode to reduce distractions. He emphasizes the importance of self-care, using the 'Oxygen Mask Challenge' to prioritize personal well-being. Brian advocates for gratitude exercises and meditation to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce stress.

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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North Carolina CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.00 Professional Well-Being

Earn Credit Until: February 28, 2026

South Carolina CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.00 Substance Abuse/Mental Health

Difficulty: All Levels

Earn Credit Until: December 31, 2025

Texas CLE

Status: Approved

Credits: 1.00 Legal Ethics/Professional Responsibility

Earn Credit Until: January 31, 2026

This presentation is approved for one hour of Professional Well-Being CLE credit in North Carolina, and one hour of Substance Abuse/Mental Health CLE credit in South Carolina (all levels). 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.

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