Featured

Evolution of Lawyers Assistance Programs

Our premiere episode discusses issues that affect quality of life and quality of professionalism for lawyers.  We then go more in depth to discuss the various confidential support resources of the Delaware Lawyers Assistance Program (DE-LAP) that are available to lawyers and judges in Delaware.

Postpartum Depression

Laura Najemy and Megan O’Hara join us to explore the continuum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), commonly referred to as postpartum depression. We discuss causes, symptoms, lack of support, treatment, coping skills and resources that are available.

Problem Gambling

Jeff Wasserman joins us to discuss problem gambling and its effect on personal and professional life. This includes lawyers, judges and law students impacted by this disease, statistics of its prevalence, recovery, and the resources and advocacy of the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems. 

Lawyer Wellbeing Begins in Law School

Dean & Professor of Law at the Delaware Law School, Rod Smolla discusses things he and the law school are doing to promote wellbeing of students, the responsibility of law firms and other legal employers regarding wellbeing of its new attorneys, and how the law school partners with the Delaware Lawyers Assistance Program (DE-LAP).

Delaware Lawyers, Stressors, & Disciplinary Matters

Chip Slanina joins us this week to discuss Delaware’s lawyer disciplinary process both historically and presently from the perspective of a lawyer who represents other lawyers facing disciplinary proceedings. Themes of diversion, mitigating factors, disability, and punitive vs. recovery (mental health, addiction and other issues).

Crisis management amid the pressures of practicing law

Maryland’s disciplinary process, both historically and presently are discussed from the perspective of our guest, Irwin Kramer, a lawyer who represents other lawyers facing disciplinary proceedings. Themes of diversion, mitigating factors, disability, punitive vs. recovery (mental health, addiction and other issues) actions, and ideas on how to implement an effective diversionary program.

Technology & The Law

Richard K. Herrmann, Esq. discusses law and technology, including how legal ethics relates to technology, how active has the Delaware bench and bar been in staying current with these issues, new trends in the development of law and technology, and areas where technology intersects with the law.

Mentoring, Legal Skills, & Professionalism

Delve into the Delaware State Bar Association’s mentoring program for new and seasoned lawyers. Our guest, David J. Ferry, Jr., Esquire of Ferry Joseph P.A. discusses building legal skills and professionalism, how to work with judges and opposing counsel, work life balance, managing the administration of a law practice, and the benefits to being a mentor.

A Personal Story of Addiction & Recovery

Chris Amalfitano discusses his personal story of alcohol addiction & recovery and how it affected his legal career (including the disciplinary process) and personal life. He also talks about the support and resources he received from the Delaware Lawyers Assistance Program (DE-LAP), including counseling and group counseling with a licensed therapist, with an emphasis on confidentially and encouraging lawyers to seek out these services before life becomes a crisis situation. 

Trauma, Recovery & Hope

Explore the issue of trauma generally with our guest, Rita Landgraf, and how it can affect lawyers and Judges including:  how can trauma at a person’s current age affect them (i.e., toxic work environment and verbal abuse can lead to a crisis situation), trauma at a young age can affect a person later in life (i.e., being bullied as a child can decrease self-esteem, cause depression, etc.), and what help is available to persons who have suffered trauma. 

The Rules of Professional Conduct & The O.D.C.

Luke Mette joins us to explore the role of Delaware’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel (the O.D.C.) and the experiences of attorneys following and not following the Rules of Professional Conduct. Other topics include the law profession’s high rates of mental health concerns and alcohol/drug abuse, internal and external stressors and how they can affect both the quality of life and quality of professionalism within the practice of law.