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At our first virtual meeting on May 17, 2023 we identified priorities to guide our work, including the urgent need for:

fuller understanding and recognition of the dire seriousness of the mental health issues facing law students and the trial bar;
de-stigmatization and acceptance of mental health problems in law schools and in the trial bar, including senior lawyers and law professors willing to say “no I’m not ok” and “it is ok” to talk about the issues;
greater input from law students and young lawyers on mental health issues;
places and spaces for law students and trial lawyers to talk about mental health issues with peers and obtain help;
identifying resources and best practices for law firms and other organizations to address mental health issues;
mental health first aid training and similar education to recognize the signs of mental illness;
law firm “wellness pledges” similar to the ABA “7-point” pledge; and
other measures to promote cultural change to accept mental health issues and illness as unchosen, and not a weakness.
recruiting a nationally prominent speaker on mental health issues to address Fellows at meetings of the College;
arranging for Task Force members to speak at state bar meetings, law schools, and regional College meetings about the importance of addressing the mental health challenges of our profession;
analyzing surveys and studies addressing mental health issues in law schools and the trial bar to gain a better understanding of the nature, depth and breadth of the problem;
consulting with nationally recognized mental health professionals;
publication of articles on mental health issues in the ACTL Journal , e-Bulletin and on the College’s website;
developing · opportunities for willing Fellows and others to share their stories;
identifying mental health resources in each State and Province that can be shared on a “mental health awareness” page on
the College’s Website; and
developing and publishing a set of best practices for law firms to address mental health issues.
The Task Force has discussed several short- term and mid-term goals that will be finalized and presented for consideration by the Board of Regents. Some of these ideas include:
YOU WILL BE HEARING FROM US SOON.
The Task Force will be presenting their recommendations to the Board of Regents and we will be asking Fellows to help us as we move forward. Please don’t hesitate to contact any of us with your suggestions and ideas. The needs are urgent and action is long overdue. We are going to make a difference!
James A. Brown New Orleans, LA
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JOURNAL