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Live ECBA Lunch-n-Learn: When Good Enough Isn't Good Enough: Perfectionism in the Legal Profession

ECBA Seminars
Thursday, September 19, 2024
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

TIME

Registration: 11:45 a.m.
Seminar: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

COST

$50 - ECBA Members (Judges & Attorneys) and their Paraprofessional Staff
$65 - Non-members

NOTE: All lunches are $10 in addition to the rates.

This course has been approved for 1 Hour Ethics CLE Credit

SPEAKER

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. Atty. Quinn obtained his undergraduate degree in 1970, his law degree in 1973 and a certificate in Drug and Alcohol counseling in 2012, from Villanova University. A member of the Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations, he has been a private practitioner for over 40 years, having litigated both civil and criminal matters during his career. Atty. Quinn also worked in the field of alcohol and drug counseling in suburban Philadelphia from 2011 to 2017, allowing him to gain both practical and clinical experience with individuals suffering from alcohol, substance use and mental health disorders. Atty. Quinn is a past member of the Board of Directors of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania and served as a peer volunteer for over six years prior to accepting his current role as the organization’s Educator in 2017. He has written articles and made presentations on many lawyer wellness topics to law firms, Bar Associations, professional organizations and legal education providers on a state, national and international level.

SEMINAR

Everyone tells me I’m doing a great job. My clients, my colleagues, my family. Why do I feel like I don’t measure up — that my work just isn’t that good?” “If I ask for help, everyone will know the truth about me.” “I’m ok. I can work this out for myself.” Sound familiar? If so, you may be struggling with the perfectionism and self-doubt that has plagued members of the legal profession for years. When the pressure placed on lawyers externally to succeed is outweighed by the pressure lawyers place upon themselves, the impact on mental health can be devastating if left untreated. There is a misconception among lawyers that only people who have “hit bottom” need or ask for help. The statistics say otherwise as recent surveys indicate that the overwhelming majority of legal practitioners believe they have suffered negative mental health consequences as a result of their chosen profession. 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.

Atty. Quinn will discuss:

  1. The early warning signs of distress and impairment due to substance misuse and mental health issues.
  2. Perfectionism as both a commonplace and manageable condition among members of the legal profession.
  3. Why legal professionals are at higher risk to develop mental health and substance use disorders.
  4. Strategies for a realistic work/life balance.
  5. The free, confidential services provided by Lawyers Assistance Programs.

Reservations due to the ECBA office by Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Cancellation Policy for ECBA Events/Seminars: Cancellations received on or before the last reservation deadline will be fully refunded. Cancellations received after the deadline or non-attendance will not be refunded. If you register for an event without payment in advance and don’t attend, it will be necessary for the ECBA to send you an invoice for the event.

Registration Cost: See registration form for details