Elevating Legal Practice: Professionalism and Substance Abuse Prevention

This course traverses beyond a basic demonstration of professional conduct and competence to challenge attorneys to use aspirational standards of professionalism as a life paradigm. It differentiates between professional v. unprofessional behavior, distinguishing between violations of ethical rules, potentially subject to disciplinary action, and violations of norms of civility, potentially subject to a loss of public or court confidence in an attorney’s competence and ethics.

Through these comparisons and contrasts, the program evaluates the intersection of ethics and professionalism. The program encourages participants to broaden their general conception of attorneys and professional conduct. Mr. O’Donnell also pays particular attention to illicit substance abuse in the legal profession, specifically, how it can derail one’s conduct, why there’s been a swell in prevalence, identifying warning signs, and how illicit substance abuse in the legal profession goes beyond just mere “stress.” Various case studies and major research findings will inform participants on how to recognize, combat, and handle cases of illicit substance abuse in the legal profession.

Attorneys of all law practice areas are encouraged to attend this program.

Learning Objectives: 

• Differentiate between essential professional conduct and aspirational standards of professionalism.
• Identify signs of attorney's illicit substance abuse and strategies to mitigate such.
• Explore the increased prevalence of illicit substance abuse in the legal profession.
• Investigate how aspirational standards of professionalism can shape your personal life and behavior outside of the courtroom.
• Determine how to cultivate a culture of care so attorneys feel supported and empowered in navigating burnout and immense responsibility.
• Broaden the conventional narrative of how a lawyer should act and look.
• Reflect on maximizing public trust and confidence in the legal system.