The State Bar of New Mexico is participating in a national research project focusing on lawyer mental health and well-being. This initiative is a collaboration between the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs and Patrick Krill, a specialist in lawyer behavioral health and well-being. The study is led by Krill and his research partner Justin Anker from the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
The study aims to update and expand upon the 2016 ABA-Hazelden Betty Ford study, offering insights into current trends, attitudes, and barriers related to mental health and well-being in the legal profession. Since the last decade has seen significant changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased technology use in legal practice, a new assessment of attorneys' mental health and substance use is deemed necessary.
Methodological enhancements will be included in this survey, such as using a random sample to reach a broader cross-section of lawyers. The survey will remain anonymous and confidential, investigating individual risk factors like stress, anxiety, depression, along with cultural and workplace factors such as workload and burnout. It will also explore protective factors for mental health to highlight behaviors associated with good health.
A total of 5,969 members will be randomly selected to participate in this study. Those chosen will receive an email from the State Bar of New Mexico with details about the study and a link to complete the survey. Completion time for the survey is approximately 20 minutes.
Raw data collected will not be shared with the State Bar of New Mexico; only aggregate summaries will be provided. All responses are anonymous and sent directly to the University of Minnesota which ensures confidentiality by de-identifying all data including IP addresses.
Questions can be directed to Dr. Justin Anker or Patrick Krill:
Dr. Justin Anker
Office: (612) 751-0386
anke0022@umn.edu
Patrick Krill
Office: (724) 719-2134
Patrick@prkrill.com
