Palo Alto – October 9, 2018 – Cooley has committed to improve the mental health and well-being of its lawyers – and those across the legal profession – by joining an innovative campaign launched by the American Bar Association to target substance-use disorders and mental health issues among lawyers. Organized by the ABA’s Working Group to Advance Well-Being in the Legal Profession, the initiative aims to combat the industry’s troubling rates of substance-use disorders and mental health issues. The campaign’s goals are to raise awareness, facilitate a reduction in the incidence of problematic substance-use and mental health distress and improve lawyer well-being. Many of the nation’s largest law firms have pledged to support the initiative by adopting its implementation framework. “Lawyers’ careers have historically been defined by tireless service on behalf of clients and a work-first culture with little room for focus on mental health and wellness,” said Joe Conroy, Cooley’s chief executive officer. “As a firm that emphasizes the value of a supportive and collaborative culture, it is imperative that we continue implementing new measures to address the needs of our greatest asset – our people. Cooley is proud to join industry peers in this collective effort to improve wellness in the professional workplace.” In cooperation with the pledge, participating firms will implement a seven-point plan aimed at changing the landscape through education, policies and culture. The ABA hopes all legal employers will take the pledge by January 1, 2019, to be included in the inaugural class.
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