On January 16, 2025, over thirty legal professionals attended the San Diego Federal Bar Association’s competence MCLE webinar presented by Certified Addiction Specialist, Greg Dorst, J.D., of The Other Bar—a nonprofit network of recovering lawyers and judges throughout the state, dedicated to assisting others within the profession who are suffering from alcohol and substance abuse problems. Dorst's presentation, "Reaching Out When Times Get Tough", explored the harmful effects of substance use and abuse in the legal profession, how we can recognize it in ourselves and others, and how we can seek help. The presentation provided various resources for attorneys to consider and highlighted the role The Other Bar can play in the recovery process.
Dorst underscored the importance of recognizing burnout, noting that it is "a gateway to alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, and depression." He also shared the results of a 2016 study involving over 12,000 attorneys, finding that "attorneys experience problematic drinking (21%) that is hazardous, harmful, or otherwise consistent with alcohol use disorders at a higher rate than other professional populations" and that depression and anxiety are significant issues affecting practicing lawyers. Dorst offered insights on when it may be time to seek professional help and preserve one’s health and career, and throughout his presentation, used his own personal journey and experience to bring these important issues to the forefront.
Chief among the resources provided was The Other Bar's 24/7 confidential hotline for all California lawyers, judges and law students, as well as a thought-provoking article on addiction and the brain. The MCLE materials for this event are available here. And if you missed the live webinar, you can view a recording of it on our MCLE On Demand page here.
The San Diego Federal Bar Association thanks Greg Dorst for sharing his time and expertise on this very important subject with us, and to our Vice President of Legal Education (Civil) Hannah Ohara for organizing this event.