The Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program has announced that Kirby, its beloved therapy dog who was a staple at many legal events around the state, died Jan. 29 after a brief illness. He was 14.
In his 20-plus years of serving the legal community of Indiana, Frank Kimbrough has perfected the most vital aspect of any helping venture: the connection.
When my colleagues first expressed a vision for healthier lawyers — not merely helping those already struggling with addiction and mental health diagnoses, but helping all lawyers to thrive — some laughed. Someone even suggested to me that the title for a presentation I was giving should be “Is Lawyer Well-Being an Oxymoron?”
Lawyers are fixers. We fix things other people have messed up. So, obviously, we like to project a persona that is not in need of fixing. We hold ourselves to a high standard to get new clients, bill more hours, finish an opinion, bring that next charge, defend the next client … always perfectly. And that’s the crux. Because, of course, we are not perfect. But that desire to be so affects our wellness and can lead to substance use disorder, anxiety, depression and grief.
Replacements have been selected to fill upcoming vacancies on the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program Advisory Committee, the Indiana Supreme Court has announced.
An attorney for Indianapolis-based Anthem Inc. received a stayed suspension from the Indiana Supreme Court and will undergo a year of substance abuse monitoring after a drunken-driving conviction arising from a property damage car crash nearly two years ago. Jonathan T. Tempel was suspended for 90 days with automatic reinstatement, stayed subject to completion of one year of monitoring by the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program.
During my initial campus visits to Indiana law schools, I encountered several students who manifested the stressors of their academic environment in a number of ways. Some had turned to alcohol and other drugs, sometimes resulting in serious consequences such as DUI arrests and academic probation. Others demonstrated noticeable signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
A day in the life at Indiana’s Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program often begins with a phone call, sometimes late at night or early in the morning, which could be a lifeline.
Law students, lawyers, judges, and members of the legal realm are no more immune to grief and loss than the next person; it does not discriminate.
The recent emphasis on lawyer well-being is not limited to private law firms. Corporate legal departments, the public sector and other legal employers are embracing some of the wellness initiatives being implemented at many law firms.
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law students headed to the library for final exam cramming were met with a pleasant surprise when several furry, four-footed friends greeted them at the door.
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law students headed to the library for final exam cramming were met with a pleasant surprise Wednesday when several furry, four-footed friends greeted them at the door.
The Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program is staffed by five passionate individuals. We all have different specialty areas but are well cross-trained to jump in and do whatever needs to be done.
Lying down, surrounded by empty wine bottles and dozens of strewn Xanax, Brian Cuban opened his eyes and had no idea where he was. It was then he realized he had a problem.
Indiana Supreme Court justices gathered Tuesday morning to answer questions about e-filing goals, bar exam concerns and increased rates of self-reported lawyer and judge wellbeing, among other highlights of the court’s 2017-2018 annual report.
With the development of the JLAP support group, I started working with other lawyers, trying to find ways to help them deal with their depression while successfully practicing law. What I have learned is that, as in many support groups, talking openly with fellow attorneys allows group members to discuss their issues while getting emotional support from their fellow lawyers.
Their stories are as varied as the lawyers and judges they help. JLAP volunteers are like a baseball team: there are specialists and there are utility players. What they all share is a desire to help and a willingness to listen.