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Red Bee’s Innovative Research About Mental Health, Substance Use, Gambling and Wellness in the Legal Profession, and Paths Forward

Behind the briefs, the billable hours and the 11 p.m. emails, many thousands of lawyers are struggling, and too often without help.

Towards A Healthier Profession (full report, PDF), authored by Stephanie A. Scharf and Roberta D. Liebenberg of The Red Bee Group, LLC, presents the data and results of a landmark survey of one of the nation’s largest and most diverse bars, examining side by side the mental health, alcohol use, drug use, gambling, stress and overall wellness of lawyers throughout Illinois. The result is a rare, detailed portrait of a profession under strain.  Importantly, the authors present specific data-based “Best Practices for Promoting Mental Health and Wellness” that employers, individual lawyers, and bar associations can immediately implement.

Five findings that show why action can’t wait:

  • 1 in 5 lawyers say their mental health is only fair or poor. Among the youngest lawyers, it’s 1 in 3.
  • 5,400 lawyers are high-risk drinkers, and 82% of them haven’t sought help.
  • 1 in 8 lawyers frequently use drugs or misuse prescriptions to cope, and 1,700 show signs of problem gambling.
  • 39% of lawyers have watched a colleague show signs of cognitive decline.
  • 70% of lawyers have already quit a job because it was harming their health.

This study uniquely presents many first-of-its kind results.  It maps how mental health, alcohol and drug problems overlap in the same lawyers. It examines the extent of gambling, the profession’s blind spot. It shows how everyday struggles affect lawyers’ work, health, and their families. With an eye to implementing positive change, the authors present practical, real-world actions for employers, lawyers, and bar associations to support lawyers wherever they practice.

What you can do

Read the Report which presents the findings, the voices behind the numbers, and data-based best practices for a healthier profession.

Read it here: Towards A Healthier Profession (full report, PDF)

Bring the findings to your organization: Authors Stephanie A. Scharf, J.D., Ph.D. and Roberta D. Liebenberg, J.D. are available for CLE programs, keynotes and briefings.