In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Litigation partner and Chief Wellness Officer Lori Pines has authored a New York Law Journal article titled, “World Mental Health Day: A Reminder to Legal Professionals to Accept What Cannot Be Controlled and to Focus on What They Can Control.”

While Lori notes that there are many aspects of a lawyers’ work that they cannot control, such as their matters, the judges who hear them, the behavior of opposing counsel or when a deal is signed, she urges them to focus on what they can influence.

“Lawyers can control their own professional conduct and how they treat others,” she wrote. “No matter what the circumstances, they can be steadfastly ethical and honest in their practice and not hide any mistakes. They can treat judges, co-counsel and opposing counsel with courtesy without taking every interaction personally. They can provide clear explanations to their clients about processes, procedures, risks and benefits, and set reasonable expectations.”

Lori also reminds attorneys they can also control how they treat themselves. Getting enough sleep, exercising, having good posture and not sitting too long hunched over a desk are all important for self-care, she wrote, as well as scheduling and attending regular healthcare appointments.

Additionally, Lori wrote that lawyers can choose not to work at a firm that doesn’t prioritize well-being or stigmatizes seeking help for mental health issues.

“As a community, we should continually aspire to ensure that no one feels pressured to suffer any mental health challenge in silence or without support.”