CPD 367 – Mental Health and the Legal Profession: Improving Lawyer Well-Being

Recorded 2023-10-04
Qualifies for 3.5 CPD hours, all of which qualify for Ethics

What can legal organizations, firms, law societies and legal educators do to improve lawyer well-being? In this virtual seminar, Dr. Nathalie Cadieux and moderator Erin Kleisinger, K.C., discuss the recommendations and findings of the National Study on the Psychological Health Determinants of Legal Professionals in Canada. Erin was the Chair of the National Well-Being Study Steering Committee with the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, which partnered with the Université de Sherbrooke and the Canadian Bar Association to conduct the study. Phase I of the study, conducted by Dr. Cadieux and published in October 2022, surveyed legal professionals to determine the scope of the problem, distinguish regional differences and explore the causes of substance abuse and poor health outcomes in the profession. High levels of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, burnout and suicidal ideation were reported across all practice areas.

Following Dr. Cadieux’s presentation, moderator, Michelle Ouellette, K.C., explores this further with panelists Retired Judge Robert Philp, K.C., Ronni Nordal, K.C., Hayley Pitcher and Patricia Barkaskas who share personal experiences and speak on reducing stigma in the profession, power dynamics for new and Indigenous lawyers, and implementing the study’s recommendations.

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This content has been prepared for use in conjunction with a CPD program hosted by the Law Society of Saskatchewan. Reproduction of any portion of the program content, for purposes other than personal use, without the express written consent of the Law Society is strictly prohibited. The presenters have assumed that viewers will exercise their professional judgment regarding the correctness and applicability of the program content. The Law Society can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions and expressly disclaims any such responsibility.