I am writing this post almost one month into my sabbatical. It is going well although I admit that it took about 2 weeks being off to really feel like I was disconnected from client matters. Now that the firm has found a new rhythm, I’ve been able to truly relax for the first time in ages.
I decided to write this post after a talk with a young lawyer who thought their career was over - despite having worked at two of the most reputable firms in the country. The end of the relationship with the last firm was difficult (and could well result in a successful lawsuit if they were to pursue it), but that does not mean their career in law is over. They are very much just getting started and, I am sure, will go on to have a successful career at a much better firm who does not support bad actors in their midst.
I write a lot about what is wrong with the legal profession. I was personally hurt and disappointed by some aspects of it and am recovering from trauma. The trauma has more recently manifested itself as a full blown panic disorder that I am spending much time treating while I am off work.
I am trying to change my perspective and focus more on the good things about a legal career. We are privileged to be an advocate in a time of great need for a client. We are privileged to be trusted advisors. We are privileged to earn a reliable and healthy income. I am privileged. I often forget that.
There are many people out there who use their privilege for good. Not just for their clients, but for other lawyers and the profession as a whole. That can be difficult to believe if you are a young lawyer or student stuck in a horrible situation, but it is true.
I’d like to take a moment to thank some of those good people. These are people who I would trust (and often have trusted) in times of crisis and people who would likely make the time to help another struggling lawyer. I consider these people to be kind, trauma informed, brave and worthy of public recognition. They are also people that my network should feel comfortable reaching out to if they need kind advice while I am generally unreachable. I expect there are far more people out there than those who are listed here and I encourage them to comment either on Substack or LinkedIn if you wish to help out lawyers in need.
I’d like to thank Breanna Needham, Atrisha Lewis, Gillian Hnatiw, Pam Hrick, Erin Pleet, Bhuvana Rai, Katherine Cooligan, Jonathan Richardson, Douglas Judson, Natalia Rodriguez and Sandra Lebrun for being true champions and allies for equality.
Several lawyers out there are also always willing to meet with others experiencing challenges with mental health or addiction. You can find lawyers with lived experience and their stories and words of advice in “The Right Not To Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in the Legal Profession”. Those lawyers who have been there for me and others include, but are not limited to, Orlando Da Silva, Beth Beattie, Leslie Anne St. Amour, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Mullington, Doran Gold (the lawyer therapist), Mike Van Dusen, Tom Ozere, Beverley Moore, Sanam Goudarzi and Lonny Rosen. I consider them all to be a safe place to turn when you are struggling - and we all struggle sometimes.
There are also people willing to help when you need career or business advice. People I have turned to, or would turn to, include Jennifer Mathers McEnery, Alexi Wood, Gillian Hnatiw, John McIntyre, Harpreet Saini, Murray Gottheil, Clay Horner, Norman Bacal, Mark Ross, Lonny Rosen, Andrea Girones, Brenda Hollingsworth, Mike Van Dusen and Tom Conway.
Despite all the bad that is happening in the world generally, and in the profession specifically, there is much good work by good people to be recognized. I will try and do more of that moving forward. I am sure I have missed many of them on this list.
Leave a comment if you’d love to be a mentor to a lawyer who needs help. Also leave a comment if there is someone who you wish to recognize for their mentorship. No one should feel like they are alone.
Erin Durant
I’m honoured to be included in this company! And yes, reach out if you need an ear or a hand. I’m here for my colleagues, just as so many have been there for me.
I am happy to speak to anyone who can benefit from my (often hard earned) experience.