Stress and the Legal Profession: Sounding the Charge
By Dan Murdock, OBA General Counsel

Growing up watching television as I did, I heard the sound often. The familiar sound of the bugler leading the charge of the cavalry telling everyone help is on the way. We lawyers know that life can be difficult at times. It is just a fact of life. Most of us function adequately during those times and find suitable ways in which to cope with the enormous amount of work, stress and the pressure which can be present some or all of the time during our careers.

However, we know there are those who do not or cannot, for whatever reason, manage these times successfully. In June 2005, ABA Director Robert A. Stein reported that one out of every four lawyers suffers from the effects of stress, and out of 105 occupations, lawyers rank first in the incidence of depression.

Statistics are always interesting to quote but what do they really mean? In my work world, they mean that clients of impaired lawyers are harmed and cases are being neglected, mishandled or ignored. Money is being converted and the funds for client security or client protection are being used to compensate those clients whose money has been converted.

The ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs research shows that while 10 percent of the public suffer from alcohol abuse, the percentage of lawyers who suffer the same disease is from 15 - 18 percent. These percentages mean that these lawyers almost inevitably will need to respond to grievances and subject themselves to the disciplinary process. We as members of the organized bar shouldnot and cannot allow this to continue without greater training, assistance and intervention.

Since I was appointed general counsel in February 1989, my philosophy has emphasized prevention rather than prosecution. I want to assist in providing a more effective program to help these lawyers before they become part of the disciplinary process. This cannot happen without the unified support of local bar associations and the OBA working together under the direction of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. This cannot happen without our sounding our bugle to let lawyers know that help is on the way.

Most lawyers want to help. Not all recognize the signs. Real knowledge about alcohol and drug addiction, mental health issues and depression are needed. Continuing legal education programs can educate lawyers about these issues and teach us to respond in appropriate ways. We as bar association members united together need to sound the charge. We must let lawyers and the public they serve know help is on its way.