Loneliness and isolation often dramatically affect older adults. Debilitating illnesses, giving up the car keys and surviving the death of a spouse after a long-standing marriage all contribute to these feelings. The less mobile older adults become whether because of chronic or sudden illness the more isolated they feel. Access [...] Read more »
Ten Important Truths About Aging
A s the legal profession debates various ethical issues pertaining to the “graying of the bar,” it’s important to consider the neuropsychological perspective. According to up-to-the-minute research, aging by itself does not mean decline. As we grow older, we improve in some areas, we get worse in others and, up [...] Read more »
One Lawyer’s Short Story About Depression
I’ve been depressed for a while. I think it really set in last year after I had a couple of really awful outcomes in high conflict family law cases. I get so much pleasure and enjoy the sense of being in sync with my talents when I write, mediate or [...] Read more »
We’re Culturally Inclined To Separate Mind And Body
Recently I spent two days at the county courthouse being processed as a potential juror. It was a unique opportunity to observe the many lawyers arriving and leaving the building as they spoke with clients, paralegals, and other lawyers. I noticed that, to a person, regardless of age, gender, race [...] Read more »
High-Functioning Alcoholics: Lawyers Are Not Above The “Bar”
Alcoholics drink every day. Alcoholics are unable to maintain their careers. Alcoholics are unable to provide for their families. Alcoholics always drink alone. Alcoholics are usually homeless and uneducated. These are just a few of the prevailing myths and stereotypes about alcoholics that allow high-functioning alcoholics (HFAs) to minimize and [...] Read more »
Alcoholism Is A Hidden Disease Among Lawyers
I confess I had doubts about the wisdom of writing this piece. As an alcoholic, I am aware that disclosure may have unpredictable consequences. I’ve had advice both pro and con. But in the final analysis, the reasons for writing outweighed those for not. First, my history with alcohol has [...] Read more »
A Mindful Practice Is A Sustainable Practice
21st century lawyering is demanding. Technology seduces us to be present, always, to everyone-except ourselves. Two decades ago, in the midst of a hectic time in my legal practice, I stepped out of my routine to spend time with Thich Nhat Hahn, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk who was traveling around [...] Read more »
Bias Towards Aging Affects Seniors’ Medical Treatment
In many cultures in the world, elderly people are revered and their advice is sought and respected. In our culture, we often overlook the wisdom of the elderly and focus instead on their mental and physical deficiencies. Older people in our society are generally regarded as less than valuable. Young [...] Read more »
The Ten Principles of a Healthy Diet for Lawyers
In your busy life as a practicing lawyer, you probably feel overwhelmed, tired, unable to focus, and even depressed. You may think it is the nature of practicing law to feel this way, but a simple look at your diet might prove otherwise. You may not be eating enough protein. [...] Read more »