YLS Hosts Virtual CLE with NC Lawyers Assistance Program

The Greensboro Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section had the opportunity to host Candace Hoffman of the North Carolina Lawyer Assistance Program for a virtual CLE, Mental Health and Well-Being During COVID on December 3, 2020 via Zoom. Ms. Hoffman is a former litigator whose work sparked her passion for the mental health and substance abuse treatment fields.

Ms. Hoffman spoke on an array of mental health issues associated with the COVID pandemic and identified profession-specific frustrations during these unprecedented times. Notably, Hoffman described lawyers as “control enthusiasts” who seek to remain prepared at all times. In a world where many circumstances are beyond our control, Hoffman identified specific strategies that we as lawyers can implement to reduce our stress and anxiety when presented with uncertainty. Those strategies included a variety of self-care techniques, and exercises to increase relaxation and mindfulness.

North Carolina Lawyer Assistance Program (NCLAP) is a service of the North Carolina state bar which provides free, confidential, non-disciplinary assistance to lawyers, judges and law students in addressing mental health issues. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, unmanageable stress, or burnout, I encourage you to explore the invaluable resources NCLAP has to offer to our profession. Visit the NCLAP website at www.nclap.org for more information.

Explore the following link for a list of helpful resources for the legal profession during COVID-19: https://www.nclap.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/RESOURCES-FOR-THE-LEGAL-PROFESSION-DURING-COVID-19.pdf.