New York State Bar Association and Bar Foundation Launch Attorney Well-Being Fundraising Campaign
1.20.2022
The New York State Bar Association and the New York Bar Foundation have launched a new fundraising campaign to address attorney well-being.
Contributions will help provide relief to those struggling with a wide variety of mental health and well-being challenges – from physical illness to substance misuse.
“In my decades of practice, I have found that people who can be their true selves are the most successful. Healthy lawyers lead to better outcomes for everyone involved,” said T. Andrew Brown, president of the New York State Bar Association. “The State Bar Association is fully committed to ending the stigmatization of those who seek help. Partnering with The New York Bar Foundation is an important step as we continue to create a culture of support and inclusion for our members.”
“The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us,” said Carla Palumbo, president of The New York Bar Foundation. “As lawyers, it is critical that we stay healthy to maintain the public trust and provide legal counsel to our clients in a professional and ethical manner. We believe that all of our members will want to give to this worthwhile cause.”
In October 2021, the NYSBA Task Force on Attorney Well-Being released a far-reaching report on the status of the industry’s collective mental and physical health entitled, “This is Us: From Striving Alone to Thriving Together.”
“The report makes clear that many New York attorneys are in crisis,” Brown said. “This was the case prior to COVID-19, but the stress and challenges of nearly two years of the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated an already troubling situation.”
Data provided by the Centers for Disease Control reveals that prior to COVID-19, 11% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. As of December 2020, that number had risen to a staggering 42%. And the legal profession is not immune to this phenomenon. A 2021 ALM study found 70% of practicing attorney respondents said the pandemic has worsened their mental health.
To learn more or make a contribution, please visit this site.
About the New York State Bar Association
The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Since 1876, NYSBA has helped shape the development of law, educated and informed the legal profession and the public, and championed the rights of New Yorkers through advocacy and guidance in our communities.
About The New York Bar Foundation
The New York Bar Foundation is a charitable and philanthropic arm of the New York State Bar Association. Founded in 1950, the foundation is dedicated to aiding educational, direct legal services, and charitable projects aimed at meeting the law-related needs of the public and the profession. The foundation solicits charitable contributions and provides funding to increase public understanding of the law; improve the justice system and the law; facilitate the delivery of legal services; and enhance professional competence and ethics. More information about the foundation can be found at www.tnybf.org.
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Contact: Susan DeSantis
sdesantis@nysba.org
201-575-5756
