Naming the Stress and Building Resilience CLE
Of all professions, lawyers are at the highest risk of mental health issues, such as depression and alcoholism, according to a recent study from the American Bar Association (ABA). But work is being done to change this reality.
On Friday, June 8, 2018, The Van Winkle Law Firm will host a free Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar, organized by the Buncombe County Judicial Bar Young Lawyers Division. The CLE will highlight mental health and addiction issues in the legal profession and introduce mindfulness skills as the solution.
The event is open to young lawyers (younger than 37 or within the first five years of law practice) in Buncombe and Henderson counties of North Carolina. As a feature, guest speakers, all of whom are attorneys, will share stories of their struggles with mental health and substance abuse. A two-hour presentation on mindfulness and neuroscience, taught by Laura Mahr of Conscious Legal Minds LLC., will follow.
The introduction of mental health and mindfulness education to the legal profession is an intriguing development that may benefit the lives of our attorneys at The Van Winkle Law Firm, as well as lawyers everywhere.
Mindfulness is a mental state characterized by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while consciously acknowledging and accepting personal feelings and thoughts. Ms. Mahr’s presentation will feature material on how the wiring of the human brain, and particularly lawyers’ minds, influences how we think, practice law, and experience our lives.
Ms. Mahr will also introduce practical theories and personalized mindfulness toolkits, which we, as lawyers, can use to combat mental health and addiction issues, as well as reduce stress, increase productivity, and more fully enjoy our personal and professional lives.
For their attendance, attorneys will be eligible for CLE credit, including up to one hour of mental health and two hours of general credit.
This free CLE will take place on June 8, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Van Winkle Law Firm offices at 11 N. Market St., Asheville, NC 28801. A light breakfast will be provided.
For more information, or to sign up, contact Matthew Holloway at mholloway@vwlawfirm.com.
The original press release for the Young Lawyers: Naming the Stress and Building Resilience CLE is available from The 28th Judicial District Bar.
