Mental Health Forum for Legal Professionals 2021


Course Date: September 14, 2021

Full Course Materials
Total: 4h 15min
Total Ethics: 4h 15min

Welcome and Land Acknowledgement (9:00 – 9:10)

Brook Greenberg, QCFasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver

The "Lived Experience" (9:10 – 10:10)

Ian D. Aikenhead, QCAMJ Law, Vancouver
Orlando Da Silva, LSMChief Administrator, Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada, Ottawa
Sandra L. KovacsKazLaw Injury Lawyers, Vancouver
 

BREAK (10:10 – 10:20)

Legal Employer Perspectives (Breakout Sessions) (10:20 – 11:20)

SESSION A: Mental Health Challenges in the Large Employer Context: Things We Are Seeing and Initiatives We Are Trying

Mental health issues—including stress, burnout, anxiety and depression—affect all of us in the legal profession, and never more so than over the past year. This session focuses on how to support our leaders, colleagues, juniors, and assistants in managing their mental health and staying engaged in the legal profession. Join us for an interactive session that will cover:

    • initiatives to address mental health and wellness
    • ways to connect with people at your organization to increase engagement and support and reduce stigma about mental health issues
    • suggestions for engaging in conversations with individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges

Amy BinderEngagement Strategy and Culture Director, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Calgary
Jillian FrankChief Talent and Practice Officer, Dentons Canada LLP, Vancouver
Andrea RaymentDirector of Professional Development, Clark Wilson LLP, Vancouver

SESSION B: Creating a Culture of Mental Health as a Small/Medium Employer

Leaders in their organizations will discuss:

    • initiatives they are undertaking to support mental health
    • how they establish a culture of mental health at their organizations
    • strategies for keeping staff engaged during the pandemic and beyond
    • challenges and opportunities that small/medium employers face

Sara ForteForte Law Corporation, Surrey
Nicole L. GartonHeritage Law, West Vancouver
Lou PoskittMiller Titerle + Co., Vancouver

BREAK (11:20 – 11:30)

Resources and Support for Legal Professionals Experiencing Mental Health Issues (11:30 – 12:30)

In this session, legal and mental health professionals will provide tips on:

  • how to change the culture of the legal profession
  • how to take care of your own mental health
  • how to create culture change in our everyday communications
  • how to support an employee or a colleague who has a mental health condition
  • do's and don'ts for managers and employers

Jonathan ChapnickPortage Legal Services, Vancouver
Michael Kahn, JD, M.Ed.Lawyers Assistance Program of BC and ReelTime CLE, Vancouver
Derek C. LaCroix, QCExecutive Director, Lawyers Assistance Program of BC, Vancouver
Erin PetersErin Peters Counselling, Vancouver
Bena Stock, LLB, MC, RCCRegistered Clinical Counsellor, Bena Stock Counselling and Consulting, Vancouver

Closing Remarks (12:30 – 12:35)

Brook Greenberg, QCFasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Vancouver