Introducing the Wellness eBulletin
We are pleased to announce that we are partnering with the Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society (Assist) to publish a quarterly Wellness eBulletin. Check out the first edition here. Each Wellness eBulletin will focus on mental and physical health topics. If you have suggestions for topics to cover, we encourage you to email us.
We want to keep the conversations going within the legal profession to help reduce the stigma associated with asking for help. As the regulator of the legal profession in Alberta, we want to support lawyers so that you can continue to deliver high quality legal services in the public interest.
When the Benchers approved the Strategic Plan, they recognized that competence and wellness are inextricably linked. While you may be competent to practise law today, if you are not physically or mentally well down the road, it is only a matter a time before competence can begin to break down bringing consequences to all aspects of your life. Now, it is more important than ever to make physical and mental health a priority for yourself, in both your personal and professional lives.
We extend our well wishes to all Alberta lawyers and students as we all continue to navigate these changing times. On top of your own issues, it is also not easy bearing the burden of helping clients get through hardships exacerbated by the pandemic such as family issues, financial struggles, estate planning and more. As always, our Practice Advisors are available as a free and confidential service to help Alberta lawyers, legal support staff and articling students with legal, ethical and practice inquiries. Please reach out for help if needed.
Lastly, World Mental Health Day was recently recognized by the World Health Organization in October, with this year’s campaign focusing on many of the difficult mental, financial and physical circumstances arising out the pandemic. While it is good to have a designated day to reflect on these issues, it is also important that these issues and conversations remain relevant year-round. If you or any of your colleagues may need help, we are fortunate to have the resources of Assist available to lawyers, students and your families.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth J. Osler, QC
Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director