Becky Howlett, Cynthia Sharp – Cheers to a Mindful New Year: How to Overcome Substance Abuse Disorder and Avoid Legal Ethics Issues

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Summary

• Credit Type:Substance Abuse | General | Law Practice Management | Legal EthicsFaculty:Becky Howlett, Esq | Cynthia Sharp, Esq.Course Levels:IntermediateDuration:1 Hour 04 MinutesDescriptionThe ABA and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s (ABA/HBFF) groundbreaking 2016 study confirmed devastatingly high rates of both mental health concerns and substance abuse amongst lawyers.

• For example, between 21-36% of attorneys qualify as problem drinkers—3—5x higher than the general population.

• Moreover, 25-30% of attorney disciplinary matters, 60% of all malpractice claims, and 85% of all trust-fund violation cases were caused by a lawyer’s substance-use disorder issues.Even though the problem is pervasive in the legal community, most lawyers aren’t equipped to seek help if in distress or to have sensitive conversations with those who need help.

• In fact, the ABA/HBFF’s 2016 study indicated that 93% of attorneys didnot receive helpfor alcohol or other drug abuse.

• As we struggle to cope with life in post-COVID-19 world, lawyers are particularly vulnerable to worsened mental health and substance abuse issues.In this eye-opening program, veteran attorney Cindy Sharp will share her struggles with alcohol, reveal how she got sober, and how she has remained alcohol free for over 11 years.