JLAP: In my ‘grief era’: Doing the ‘heart work’ of grief
It’s impossible for me to forget June 26, 2003, a day that marks more than a cruel summer.
Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program
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Web Exclusive: Study confirms lawyer mental health concerns, highlights importance of connections
A recent study from the American Bar Association is confirming years of research into lawyer mental health: Lawyers are twice as likely as the general population to experience thoughts of suicide.
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Web Exclusive: Dementia takes toll on aging lawyers, colleagues
He wasn’t angry — he was just scared. Surrounded by loved ones and law partners, the aging attorney finally confessed that he needed help.
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Web Exclusive: Supreme Court in no hurry to find new attorney ethics director
With the search underway for only the third director of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, one thing seems certain: The court will take its time finding a successor for retired leader G. Michael Witte.
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Articles
JLAP: Embracing change: Lessons from a young attorney’s transition
A few months ago, I left a friendly, value-driven, modern work environment with exciting cases and great people. Making the decision to switch jobs is not easy, and the experience has inspired me to share a few insights I gathered along the way.
Darnell and Harrell: Promoting social connection at work: What employers can do
Many employers have had success with retaining employees by focusing on supporting employee well-being.
JLAP: We don’t have to do this alone: When you’re not good at it all
Surprisingly to many of us who pride ourselves on being independent and having an intellect above the average bear, most of us are not good at everything we attempt.
Kelly: Law student experience: Today’s students paint new picture
Research by Lawrence Krieger tells us that law students start law school with high life satisfaction and strong mental health measures, but within the first year of law school, they experience a significant increase in anxiety and depression.
JLAP: What if our memory (no longer) serves?
Words and language are the tools of the lawyer’s trade. What if we notice we become more forgetful and search longer for the right word or case name than in the past?
Hart: Building resilience when life throws you a curveball
Life isn’t always a sunny day at the ballpark with a cool breeze, a hot dog and tickets to the show in home run territory.
Weissmann and Harrell: Heads up: We’re all in this together in the fight against stigma
Mental health issues are important for lawyers to understand, because as mental health increasingly takes center stage in attorney offices and the courtroom, we must see ourselves in our clients’ struggles.
Kelly: 2023, the year of well-being: You deserve it
I urge you to consider making 2023 the year to focus on your well-being and to remember that you are not alone.
David appointed to JLAP committee, others reappointed
After the passing of Senior Judge Marc Kellams, the Indiana Supreme Court has appointed former Indiana Justice Steven David to the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program Committee.
Hanna: From jail to JLAP: A redemption story for the ages
There is nothing more sobering than Christmas in a federal prison. Glimmers of hope can be hard to come by. I first contacted the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program from a federal prison camp in Florida.
Oleksy: Meeting loss and grief with self-compassion, not judgment
Loss is a part of life. Why, then, do we shy away from talking about it?
2 Indy attorneys suspended
Two Indianapolis attorneys have been handed suspensions by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Van der Cruysse: Mental health issues but no insurance: JLAP’s answer
Lawyers and judges suffer from mental health and substance abuse issues at rates well above the U.S. population average, according to a widely published national study the American Bar Association conducted in partnership with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in 2016.
Terrell: Seconds acts for lawyers: Retirement is not always the end
Retiring isn’t necessarily an end. For many lawyers, it is a springboard to a new fulfilling aspect of life — a second act, if you will.
JLAP: ‘Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end’
Change is something that we all navigate, and over the past two years we have all certainly been navigating lots of rapid change collectively. In addition, maybe you, like me, have decided to make some changes in your legal practice. How is your heart feeling as you make these changes?
JLAP: The trap of setting New Year’s resolutions
Depending on whose research you use, between 80% to 92% of New Year’s resolutions fail, and U.S. News & World Report says most lose their resolve by mid-February. JLAP Deputy Director Loretta Oleksy says she doesn’t pretend to have the solution, but if you’re interested in exploring alternatives, she’d love some company along the way.
JLAP: Holiday cheers: One lawyer’s victory over addiction
For one young Indiana attorney, this holiday season is met with more gratitude and thanksgiving than in years past. It will mark year two of victory over a hard-fought battle with addiction.
New members appointed to JLAP committee
Monroe Circuit Judge Mary Ellen Diekhoff and attorney Katherine Tapp of Kightlinger & Gray are the newest appointments to the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program committee. They will begin their terms Jan. 1, 2022.
JLAP: Supporting members of the practice: JLAP taking DEI action
Since the summer of 2020, the Indiana Supreme Court’s Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program has had many deep discussions about the issues that are affecting people of color and what the program can do to support law students, attorneys and judges of color, as well as others who care about these issues and want to be meaningful and proactive allies.