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Abrasive or burned out? Overworked or uncivil? Zealous advocate or bully?
The legal profession is currently navigating a critical crossroads where the traditional, often adversarial culture of lawyering meets an urgent need for practitioner well-being. Based on recent reports, it is widely believed that civility in the legal profession is under severe strain, with many arguing it is in critical condition. While not entirely dead, the standard of courteous, professional behavior is facing unprecedented challenges from rising polarization, digital communication, and a “win-at-all-costs” mentality.
Evidence shows that incivility—ranging from bullying and excessive, unreasonable demands to routine discourtesy—is directly linked to substance misuse, burnout, anxiety, and depression, issues which lawyers and are already experiencing at significantly higher rates than the general population.
Mr. Quinn will discuss:
Presenter Bio
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.
Mr. Quinn obtained his undergraduate degree in 1970, his law degree in 1973 and a certificate in Drug and Alcohol counselling in 2012, from Villanova University. A member of the Pennsylvania and Delaware County Bar Associations, he has been a private practitioner for over 45 years, having litigated both civil and criminal matters during his career.
Mr. 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.
Mr. 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
Lawyer Assistance Programs provide confidential services and support to judges, lawyers, and law students who are facing substance use disorders or mental health issues. If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact your state or local LAP.
The ABA LAP directory gives them contact information to the MN Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
The legal profession is currently navigating a critical crossroads where the traditional, often adversarial culture of lawyering meets an urgent need for practitioner well-being. Based on recent reports, it is widely believed that civility in the legal profession is under severe strain, with many arguing it is in critical condition. While not entirely dead, the standard of courteous, professional behavior is facing unprecedented challenges from rising polarization, digital communication, and a “win-at-all-costs” mentality.
Evidence shows that incivility—ranging from bullying and excessive, unreasonable demands to routine discourtesy—is directly linked to substance misuse, burnout, anxiety, and depression, issues which lawyers and are already experiencing at significantly higher rates than the general population.
Mr. Quinn will discuss:
- The link between incivility and poor wellness, with emphasis on stress and burnout in the legal profession.
- How uncivil conduct can be confused with “zealous” representation.
- Ethical issues created by incivility, including violations of Rules 3.3 (Candor Toward the Tribunal), 3.4 (Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel) and Rule 3.5 (Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal).
- A “master plan” for addressing mental health challenges facing lawyers.
- Initiatives that can be developed on an individual, firm and cultural level to support wellness and reduce uncivil conduct.
- How to access the free, confidential resources offered by Lawyer Assistance Programs.
Presenter Bio
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.
Mr. Quinn obtained his undergraduate degree in 1970, his law degree in 1973 and a certificate in Drug and Alcohol counselling in 2012, from Villanova University. A member of the Pennsylvania and Delaware County Bar Associations, he has been a private practitioner for over 45 years, having litigated both civil and criminal matters during his career.
Mr. 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.
Mr. 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
Lawyer Assistance Programs provide confidential services and support to judges, lawyers, and law students who are facing substance use disorders or mental health issues. If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact your state or local LAP.
The ABA LAP directory gives them contact information to the MN Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
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