The legal profession, and subsequentially legal education, is prone to trying working conditions. For far too long, little has been done to address the issues caused by long hours and high-intensity work within the profession. These conditions are trying on individual well-being, but this issue is no longer being ignored at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Cleveland-Marshall is at the forefront of law schools sponsoring initiatives and creating a culture that promotes student wellness.
In 2016, the American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation published the most comprehensive evaluations of lawyer well-being to date, with a study of nearly 13,000 currently-practicing lawyers. The study found between 21 and 36 percent qualify as problem drinkers and that approximately 19 to 28 percent of attorneys are struggling with some level of depression, anxiety or stress. Research further shows both attorneys and law students are predominantly averse to reaching out for help, citing fears of backlash from their colleagues or of appearing unfit to practice.
“Wellness is something that law students must learn to address early on in order to remain successful throughout their careers,” said Sarah Dylag Beznoska, C|M|LAW Assistant Director of Career Strategy and Employment.
Responding to concerns raised in the study, the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being released another report in 2018, “The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change.” This report offered a call to action for many stakeholders in the legal profession including the law schools, legal employers and bar associations.
The report, and lawyer well-being, was the subject of remarks given by ABA President Bob Carlson when he spoke on the Cleveland-Marshall campus in March. Citing examples in his local bar, Carlson called on students to recognize the importance of prioritizing wellness as a part of their careers.
Cleveland-Marshall takes pride in being at the forefront of changing the culture surrounding wellness and legal education. It starts with collaboration among silos of student support to promote wellness. C|M|LAW’s career service, bar preparation, student life and academic support offices are all working together to sponsor events related to wellness.
“At C|M|LAW, we recognize that well-being affects every aspect of performance as a student, faculty member, and staff member,” said C|M|LAW Dean Lee Fisher. “Taking care of our own health and wellness is something we must learn to prioritize, now and throughout our careers.”
At the beginning of the 2018-19 schoolyear, C|M|LAW created a Quiet Room in the Rawson Learning Commons. Instead of studying, students use this space for reflection, meditation and stress relief. An organized, bi-weekly yoga class takes place in the quiet room with Manager of Student Life Ivana Batkovic, as well as Mindfulness Minute, a twice weekly meditation session hosted by Director of Academic Support Nicholas DeSantis.
The C|M|LAW Law Library also has started a Mental Health and Wellness Collection. The topics of the books include happiness and well-being, depression, anxiety, addiction, suicide, work and stress, self-acceptance, meditation and yoga.
Other efforts by the law school to promote mental and physical health and well-being include:
- A Mental Health and Well-Being - Resources for Law Students research guide curated by law library staff.
- Wellness and mental health as topics included in both 1L- and upper-level orientation sessions.
- Law school faculty and staff receiving training on how to recognize the signs of mental health problems and how to direct students to help.
- The academic support staff offering direct coaching to students on mental health issues.
C|M|LAW students are also getting involved in the efforts directly as the Student Bar Association has formed a Wellness Committee.
“This committee was added for the first time this year because the SBA body, as well as Dean Fisher and staff, felt that mental health and total wellness should be a focus and spotlight here at C|M|LAW,” said C|M|LAW 2L Emily Kontur, acting chair of the SBA wellness committee.
“I chose to get involved and help get this committee off the ground because I believe that without a solid foundation in wellness, other aspects of our lives are negatively affected,” continued Kontur, who is training jiu jitsu twice a week at a self-defense institute as a means of self-betterment and destressing. “Law School is certainly not the time to stop focusing on our mental health and overall well-being.”
The resources available at C|M|LAW are just a part of support offered to students, faculty and staff on the Cleveland State University campus. Additional resources include:
- The CSU Counseling Center offers individual and group therapy, coping skills groups, crisis consultation and other services.
- The CSU Recreation Center offers yoga and other fitness classes, massages, a pool, free weights and a track.
- LGBTQ+ Student Services offers a safe space program, discussion groups and other support.
- Health and Wellness Services is the university’s health care center with primary care, health counseling, pharmacy and more.