Litigators face a variety of intense stressors including tight deadlines, conflicts with opposing counsel, traumatic issues facing clients, and the competitive nature of litigation. It’s a daily battle. What can lawyers do to maintain their mental and physical well-being, and how can courts engage, recognize, and help address these problems?Host Dave Scriven-Young welcomes three professionals who are actively seeking better methods for lawyers to care for themselves and for the legal system and firms to deliver assistance. Guests Shawn Healy, Ph.D., and attorneys Mala Rafik and Gavin Alexander are deeply involved in lawyer well-being programs. Their work has confirmed that there is a greater need for mental health support and care for lawyers, and also that many in the profession are either unaware of available services or are unwilling to seek help for fear of stigma. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has been a leading voice in the struggle to support those in the legal profession who are struggling with mental illness, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. More support is needed.Litigation is a difficult profession. Are you yourself—or is someone you know—struggling? You are not alone. It is OK to ask for help. Learn about available resources and services. And share this episode of Litigation Radio.Mentioned in this Episode:“The Full Weight of the Law: How Legal Professionals Can Recognize and Rebound from Depression,” by Shawn Healy and Jeffrey FortgangMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-BeingLawyer Well-Being MassachusettsLawyers Concerned for LawyersAmerican Bar Association, “Well-Being in the Legal Profession”“Mental Health Initiatives Aren’t Curbing Lawyer Stress And Anxiety, New Study Shows,” ABA Journal“Making It Back: Bruce Simpson Tried To Take His Own Life, Then He Started Healing,” ABA Journal (ABA membership required)988 Suicide And Crisis Hotline, Free Confidential Support For People In CrisisAmerican Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation Section

George Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020, during a brutal arrest by Minneapolis police in public view. His death sparked protests across the country—a call for an end to police brutality. Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder and pleaded guilty to federal charges, and the three other officers were convicted of state and federal charges. The city of Minneapolis paid George Floyd’s family $27 million. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joins this episode to discuss his oversight of the prosecution and conviction of Derek Chauvin, as well as his book, Break The Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence, a reflection on that trial and lessons learned. Attorney General Ellison explores the findings of his book and his experience representing victims of police violence. He walks us through Chauvin’s prosecution, the trial strategy, jury selection, and how the infamous video shot by a 17-year-old bystander was used in the trial.Can we change policing and rebuild trust between police and communities? What steps can be taken in the fight against police violence?Attorney General Ellison also shares his career path from law school to U.S. Congress, and then becoming the first African American and Muslim America elected to Minnesota statewide office. It’s an inspiring story and proof that following your passion can make a difference.Plus, in our Quick Tip segment: Incorporating storytelling into your legal writing.Resources:George Floyd Justice and Policing Act“Break The Wheel,” by Attorney General Keith Ellison2024 Environmental & Energy, Mass Torts, and Products Liability Litigation Committees' Joint Regional CLE ProgramAmerican Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation Section

Americans owe a combined $1.7 trillion in student loans, and the past few years have been a roller coaster ride. Now that the pandemic forbearance is over, what’s next? You may have your own debts, or you may be helping clients deal with these new pressures. What happens if you or your client can’t make a payment or can’t reallocate finances? Now that the pause is over and the bill collector is coming, what options are available to you and your clients?This episode features attorney Latife Neu, who operates her own law firm specializing in student loans and bankruptcy. Student loan repayment is anything but simple, and the pieces are in constant flux. Loan policy has bounced between the Supreme Court and the White House, and the policies are anything but clear. Talk about student loans, parent plus loans, bankruptcy, the pause-restart-pause rules, and it gets complicated in a hurry. There’s nothing simple about this stew of public and private loan borrowing, forgiveness, and repayment. But we can help you understand the questions to ask and the paths to explore. Join the Litigation Section’s virtual book club on December 12 at 1 PM ET to discuss books and other content focused on personal growth and mental health and wellness! Visit https://www.jotform.com/233055582985163 for more information and to register. RESOURCES:Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)IDR (Income Driven Repayment) Account AdjustmentMore IDR Account Adjustment informationGarnishments and Offset Orders for Student Loans Student Loan Bankruptcy Discharges and Limits (Oh, It’s Complicated)Federal Rules On Discharging Student Loan (Justice Department) IRS Student Loan Forgiveness Rules, IRS.govAmerican Bar AssociationBar Association Litigation Section

Let’s talk about international arbitration, an indispensable tool for resolving cross-border conflicts. But first, forget everything you think you know about civil procedure, because home court rules might not apply.In this episode, Dave welcomes guest Aurore Nicaud, an associate with Greenberg Traurig and an international arbitration attorney. Listen in as they discuss how this fascinating field differs from standard U.S. civil practice. Discovery is more limited. There are no depositions. Direct examinations are virtually nonexistent. And when the case is over? Winning is one thing, but enforcement across borders is another, and it depends on which countries are signatories to the New York Convention. When you mix competing legal systems, contracts, and languages, things can get complicated in a hurry. Up for the challenge?Mentioned in this Episode:American Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation Section

Let’s talk about the elephant in the courts: judicial ethics. Recent events in the U.S. Supreme Court have refocused the legal profession’s understanding of ethical, unbiased, and fair behavior in our nation’s courts. Guests in this episode include Charles Geyh, a law professor who studies and writes about judicial ethics, and the honorable Pamela Gates, an Arizona judge actively involved in reviewing ethics policies and the public perception of judicial behavior. Bias is all around us. We’re human. So are judges. External influences can interact with our own, internal biases, potentially creating conflict. When should judges disqualify themselves for a case where there may be a conflict or the appearance of a conflict? Campaign donations and lobbying in an increasingly politicized judicial environment are creating new questions. Hear potential solutions being developed today to ensure there truly is justice for all. Honesty, both with ourselves and with others, clear communication, and an intentional review of the issues and cases before us can help ensure public confidence in our judicial system. Protecting the integrity of the judicial branch isn’t easy, but it’s critical to the sustainability of the American court system. Plus, a quick tip from attorney Marty Truss at the firm Steptoe & Johnson. Truss penned the article “Eating The Elephant: Tips For Navigating Project Induced Anxiety And Intimidation.”Mentioned in this Episode:“Eating The Elephant: Tips For Navigating Project Induced Anxiety And Intimidation,” By Marty Truss“Alito Caught In Crosshairs Of Latest Supreme Court Scandal”“Impartial Enough For Government Work”American Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation Section

The locations of airports, polluting factories and incinerators, and other environmental hazards in disadvantaged or predominantly minority communities isn’t an accident, and it’s not fair. In a changing world and climate, ensuring transparency, fairness, clean water and air, and a safe environment for all is more important than ever. In this episode, guest Abre’ Conner, Director of the NAACP’s Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, discusses the fight for fairness and the right for all to live in a safe and clean environment. No matter where you are on your career path, learn how you can get involved in the emerging field of environmental justice, which ranges from constitutional and civil rights to voting laws, transparent governance, and environmental regulation and protections. The sector is so broad that there is no one “right path,” only the will to do good and protect the planet and the people who live on it.Mentioned in this Episode:United Church of Christ (UCC), “Toxic Waste and Race at Twenty”U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water ActNAACP report, “Jackson Water Crisis”Sackett v. EPA, Supreme Court of the United StatesU.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Title VI of the Civil Rights Act”Abre’ Conner testimony before the Congressional Committee on Homeland Security, Sept. 21, 2022, transcriptThe White House, Council on Environmental Quality American Bar Association Environmental, Social Justice, and Sustainability CommitteeAmerican Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation Section

Burnout: It’s real and it can affect all of us. In this episode, Dave invites a panel of experts to tackle this important and potentially damaging syndrome as it affects attorneys who volunteer their time in a pro bono setting. The demands never seem to end, but volunteering is meant to “fill your cup,” not overflow it.  A Bloomberg survey found burnout is a major problem, and it’s getting worse among attorneys. For the first time the survey found reports of attorney burnout exceeded 50%. Reports of wellbeing and job satisfaction are in decline too. But it’s not just in corporate practice, burnout affects those who want to volunteer. With so much need it’s easy to forget you’re only one person, and you can’t do it all. How can we get involved in pro bono work without burning out? It can start with being aware of the syndrome, adjusting our workflow to the right level, adopting “virtual” programs to balance time, sharing the load, and focusing on areas of passion. Learn to recognize the signs of burnout in the pro bono space and how you can help yourself, and others, deal with stress and feeling overwhelmed. And for all who volunteer their services to help others: Thank you.Mentioned in this Episode:Bloomberg Law, “How to Rethink and Encourage Attorney Well-Being in Firms”World Health Organization, “Burn-out an occupational phenomenon: International Classification of Diseases”American Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation SectionAnne Geraghty Helms previous appearance on Litigation Radio, “The Need For Pro Bono”Children’s Law Center Of MassachusettsAmerican Bar Association Children’s Rights Litigation Committee

Guest Stephen Vladeck, a constitutional law expert, discusses the Supreme Court's lack of accountability and its use of the 'shadow docket.' The podcast also explores the complexities of execution procedures, the lack of explanation and accountability in rulings, and the power struggle between branches of government. Additionally, there are tips for navigating discovery challenges with third-party collaboration apps.

Richard Finkelman, expert in AI applications in the legal profession, discusses the impact of AI in the practice of law. AI is already widely used in e-discovery and document review, improving accuracy and workflow. Incorporate AI into your practice, provide disclosures, and avoid pre-trial agreements without knowing what's coming next in the field.

This is a tough episode because this could be any of us. Guest Jason Ward is a retired, highly successful lawyer. But behind his growing firm, substance abuse took hold even as Ward maintained the veneer of health and professionalism.Ward put constant stress on himself that morphed into mental wellbeing and substance abuse issues. He came to realize his drinking was taking over, not just on vacations, but also at home.At its peak, substance abuse damaged both Ward’s family and professional relationships. When he quit drinking, he found his behavior had altered and he moved on to THC to cope. Ultimately, he was forced to take full control of his own mental health, retire from the culture of legal litigation, and seek professional help. Today, Ward is sober. His is a success story. This is a brutally honest discussion, but it’s one we need to have. As you devote yourself to your clients and practice, are you paying attention to your own health and habits? It’s easy to lose sight when you are focusing on your practice. The business of law can deliver its own form of PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. Please be good to yourself. Help is available.Mentioned in this Episode:National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare, U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesSubstance Abuse Assistance, Government of Canada“Resolving Grave Disputes - The Law Of Dead Bodies In Ontario,” By Jason WardMental Health Awareness, American Bar AssociationWell-Being Programs, Canadian Bar AssociationAmerican Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation Section