PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
MARCH / APRIL 2024
4
“ Wellness is valued in an abstract way . Firms realize that it is to their benefit to have healthy employees , but the billable hour and earned dollars always take precedence . In firm meetings that discuss annual goals , wellbeing is not one of those goals .” – Anonymous
The anonymous quote above is a response from a wellness survey completed by members of the St . Petersburg Bar Association ( SPBA ) a few years ago . In the survey , we asked members to share their thoughts about how wellness is viewed within the law profession .
This feedback resonated with the SPBA leadership . It also mirrored the statistics released by the American Bar Association ( ABA ) in the 2017 report The Path to Lawyer Well-Being : Practical Recommendations for Positive Change . The 73-page report not only detailed the undeniable statistics related to burnout , suicide , anxiety , substance abuse , and depression , but also encouraged stakeholders to take action to meaningfully communicate that lawyer well-being is priority . The report stated , “ Lawyer wellbeing is part of a lawyer ’ s ethical duty of competence .” The SPBA leadership agrees .
So , how do we get there ? We begin by supporting one another , individually and collectively , in implementing self-care and wellness strategies . We begin to accept the notion that self-care is a strength that boosts the bottom line , reduces turnover , and creates a winning culture . We also begin to identify wellness principles that can be implemented in our firms , such as not sending after work emails , creating strategies to assist fellow attorneys while on vacation , and opening the door to genuine conversations to better understand staff needs . We also need to trust that this won ’ t lead to being taken advantage of by staff or a profit loss .
Four years ago , the Paraclete wellness issue included quotes by several bar leaders on the cover , including myself . My quote stated , “ When I finish my day , I turn off from all work and outside distractions and focus on enjoying the moment with friends and family . I do not check my email past 7 p . m . or before 6 a . m .” To be completely honest , I initially had trepidation about that quote being featured on the cover . I was concerned about how it would be perceived by others . I understood that transparency
By Ryan Griffin
was needed to help reframe how firms and attorneys view wellness , but it was a little uncomfortable . Perceived weakness or lack of dedication doesn ’ t sit well with most attorneys .
As to my wellness priorities , in addition to putting parameters on emails at night , I do the same on the weekends . If I do not go into the office during the weekend , I do not check my work emails . I believe that you need to recharge yourself from the daily stresses associated with the practice of law . If you do not compartmentalize your work time and intentionally set aside time for your family and personal life , you may find yourself very overwhelmed and worn down seven days a week . I also am a firm believer that you can only do so many things in a day . There will always be more work tomorrow ; I guarantee it . I have never gotten to the end of my “ to do ” list . I have come to terms and am at peace that I never will , as it is always growing and evolving . I have found it is critical to be able to compartmentalize work from personal life .
When I reflect on the quote at the beginning of this article , my fear that my self-care priorities may possibly be frowned upon by others dissipates .
So , how can you become part of the change ? We encourage law firms to join this year ’ s wellness challenge to help us in our goal of changing the law firm culture ( see page 5 ). We also encourage members to consider joining this year ’ s Alcohol Experiment led by SPBA Executive Director Melissa Byers ( see page 30 ).
Melissa passionately supports attorney well-being and leads the charge around the state as a preeminent wellness speaker . Her speaking engagements have included presenting at the 2023 Life Over Death Public Defender Conference and The Florida Bar Voluntary Bar Leaders conference . She has presented to several groups including the 17th Circuit Family Unified Court , the 12th Circuit State Attorney ’ s Office , the National Conference of Bar Presidents , Martin County Bar Association , Manatee County Bar Association , etc .
I believe that wellness and profits are not mutually exclusive . I also believe that the SPBA needs to continue to be at the forefront of creating meaningful change . I hope you and your firm agree and will join us in changing the narrative .