So on Monday I had the opportunity to attend an awesome event in the Frey Moot Court Room sponsored by Dave Bateson and the Mentor Externship program, and hosted by Minnesota Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. While only lasting 45 minutes or so, the information presented struck me in such a way that I would not be a good law student if I did not pass it on.
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers is a non profit organization (I am sure you have seen the pamphlets somewhere on campus) that does exactly what you think it would, it is an organization that recognized the common reoccurring problems in the legal industry and established itself as a confidential resource where lawyers, judges and law students (and their immediate family members) can go to get the help they need.
I won’t bother regurgitating those big scary statistics regarding alcoholism, drug abuse, depression and anxiety (and other things) among lawyers. The fact that the presenters wanted to get across was that the statistics don’t matter, they aren’t saying that because you are a lawyer, chances are you will have these problems. The statistics mean that as lawyers we have an increased risk of susceptibility to these problems BUT with good management and recognition that you aren’t alone, and that there is help available, you will not become one of those statistics.
If you have any concerns do not hesitate to call (612) 332 – 4805 or 800 – 367 -3271, or visit their website at www.mnlcl.org (a link to their page is permanently on the right hand side of the blog) Likewise here in Minneapolis the University of St Thomas also provides free and confidential counseling services to students. Their office is located through the same entrance as the UST bookstore on the right hand side.
It is important to remember that there are resources available to you, utilize them.
