Law360: Helping Make Sure Delaware’s Attorneys Are Mentally Fit

Law360 Pulse recently spoke with leaders of the Delaware Lawyers Assistance Program about their continuing work to support wellbeing and mental health in the legal profession, and the impact of heightened stressors due to the pandemic.

“This is not new to the legal industry,” said Morris Nichols partner RJ Scaggs who chairs the DSBA Lawyers Assistance Committee. “It was something people kind of didn’t talk about,” he told Law360 Pulse. “It is a very serious problem in our industry.”

In speaking with Law360 Pulse, RJ observed that the mindset that “lawyers are supposed to be problem-solvers” and the pressures of the job can make some in the legal profession reluctant to ask for help. It’s the “perfect setup to produce a lot of stress,” he said.

Over the course of his 30-year-career, RJ has seen law firms increasingly promote wellness. While he is hopeful attitudes are changing, RJ is concerned about the pandemic’s impact. “Everybody got isolated from the support system,” he said. “I’m worried if it has created an even worse reluctance to come forward.”

Read the full story on this important topic on Law360 Pulse.

The Delaware Lawyers Assistance Program provides support to any lawyer, judge, and others in Delaware’s legal community facing challenges such as life changes, depression, alcohol/chemical abuse/dependence, gambling addiction, and other problems regarding adulthood and aging. Check out DE-LAP’s website for more information or call Executive Director Carol Waldhauser at 302-777-0124.