Lawyer Wellbeing

Lawyer wellbeing is part of a lawyer's ethical duty of competence.

Today, I get to speak on a topic near and dear to my heart: how our ethical rules support making different (better) choices in support of our wellbeing.

The above statement comes from the ABA's definition of lawyer wellbeing:

"Lawyer wellbeing is a continuous process whereby lawyers seek to thrive in each of the following areas: emotional health, occupational pursuits, creative and intellectual endeavors, sense of spirituality or greater purpose in life, physical health, and social connections with lawyers. Lawyer wellbeing is part of a lawyer's ethical duty of competence."

With this definition in mind, I ask you:

Can you provide the competent and diligent work and representation required of you if you are not paying attention to your own wellbeing?

I believe the answer to that is a resounding no.

And, it's not just about mental health, although that is very, very important.

It is about recognizing your whole human self and supporting all the various aspects of you.

Yes--you cannot support all of it, all day, every day.

But--you can take small, daily action and build a practice (and life) overtime that supports your whole human self, even through just five minutes a day.

So, today, I challenge you: take five minutes and do one thing that is wholly yours, just for you. A funny tiktok video or your favorite game (Play Nine over here). Deep breathing or reading a book for fun. Walking a lap around your office. Enjoying the oddly warm February weather. You name it--whatever it is, make it just for and by you.

That is how you start taking back some autonomy over your day and your wellbeing.

♥️🔥✌🏻