Celesq® Programs

What Should I Do? – Ethical Dilemmas and the Duty to Report an Impaired Colleague

"I think he drinks too much - but he's my boss!" 

“She's the firm's rainmaker, but something isn't right." 

"What will happen to our reputation if our clients find out he's in a mental health facility"? 

These issues are becoming more common as the prevalence rates for impairment due to substance and alcohol misuse, stress, anxiety and depression continue to rise. One out of three lawyers will require some form of treatment for these issues in their careers. Despite these startling statistics, the fear of asking for help remains. Many believe it is the very culture which has been created in the legal profession that has lent itself to the notion that overwork remains the norm and seeking assistance is a sign of weakness. 

This program will explore: 

1. The ethical dilemmas that can occur when a colleague, a supervisor or a subordinate exhibits signs of distress or impairment.
2. The duty to report misconduct as set forth in the Rules of Professional Conduct.
3. The responsibilities imposed by the Rules upon both supervisory and subordinate attorneys for the misconduct of attorneys and staff members.
4. The harm that can occur to all parties by "looking the other way" or ignoring new bad behaviors because it's "none of my business."
5. The stigma that surrounds substance misuse and mental health issues in the legal profession.
6. The free resources that Lawyers Assistance programs provide to help lawyers, judges, their families and law students.

Available in States

• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• New Jersey
• New York
• Texas Self Study

Program Categories

• Ethics & Professionalism
• Federal Courts
• Florida Eligible
• Mental health Awareness
• Substance Abuse

PROGRAM CREDITS

• Legal Ethics : 1 Credit