by Kelsey Sadoff
The Law Practice Management Session: Avoiding Lawyer Meltdown
session gave attendees the opportunity to learn what technology is
available to help attorneys avoid burning out.
Lawyer meltdown can manifest itself in different ways -
sometimes similar to symptoms of depression - and can occur by
"ignoring little things along the way," said panelist Gina Y.
Walcott of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers in Boston. Walcott
outlined how positive lawyer traits can often have negative
consequences. For example, a lawyer who is a perfectionist might
not know "when to say when," or be so focused on work that other
interests don't have a "role in your life."
"LCL is a place to go for yourself - but a place for your
friends and family as well," said Walcott, who manages the only
lawyer assistance program in Massachusetts.
Allison C. Shields, president of Legal Ease Consulting Inc. in
New York, provided attendees with the "tools to give you a feeling
of not being overwhelmed," and ideas on how to make the most of
your time by:
- Organizing your activities: How to manage what you are doing in
the time you have;
- Prioritizing: Focusing on your core tasks/clients;
- Systems and Structures to support your practice; and
- Delegating effectively.