COMMUNITY
stress and increase mental wellbeing . If you are a solo practitioner , being the lawyer , the paralegal and the assistant can be isolating , not to mention stressful ! When you work in a firm with other people , you have resources to help you , in addition to other lawyers that can appear in court if you are sick or have a family emergency . Even if you are not a solo practitioner , just having that support from someone you know you can call will help rehabilitate all that negative energy and worrying and turn it into creative flow and mental focus . For example , there are several lawyers at my firm , Cheves | Briceno , so if you are at a firm like that , I recommend chatting with your fellow colleagues and find someone that you both can agree to hold each other accountable and be there for each other when needed . Simply knowing that is an option can significantly reduce your stress .
The YLD Wellness Committee is also planning on hosting a book club starting this spring , featuring the book , “ Emotionally Intelligent Lawyers : How to Navigate the Psychological Implications of Becoming a Lawyer ” by Esperanza Franco . The Committee is planning on meeting every other month , in person , while also featuring a virtual option . This event will be hosted by Virginia Josey , YLD Secretary , and I . This book came highly recommended and provides specialized knowledge and experience from a lawyer ’ s perspective on how to create a “ blueprint for a healthier professional formation … with improved mental health and resilience ”. This book is an easy read and the book club format offers a safe space to share .
In conclusion , your mental and physical health depend on you . You have to put yourself first sometimes in order to continue representing your clients to the best of your ability , while maintaining a healthy work / life balance . There are activities and options for everyone ! So , get excited for the YLD activities upcoming this spring , find yourself an “ accountability partner ”, and start shedding your mental burdens while soaking up the sun outdoors .
CAMERON SIMONE ROBERTS Cheves | Briceno Law YLD Wellness Committee Chair
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