This spring, Fordham Law’s Office of Professionalism will continue its efforts to build awareness around mental health and wellness within the Law School community through a wide range of programs and events. The upcoming spring semester lineup was developed to directly acknowledge and respond to the unprecedentedly challenging circumstances currently faced by all members of the Law School community, as well as to reinforce Fordham Law’s more general commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Office is also expanding its mental health services by offering two virtual support groups and a new online mental health screening platform for students.
“As we enter the new year, I felt it was really important to double down on our efforts to support our community members and honor the pain and trauma we continue to endure, but also to help instill a sense of hope and confidence that together we can—and will—move toward a brighter future,” said Jordana Confino, director of professionalism and special projects.
“We recognize that not all mental health and wellness initiatives are one-size-fits-all, and that, if we truly wish to provide inclusive wellness offerings, it is essential that we deliver programming and services that reflect the unique needs and circumstances of all subsets of our population—including the members of traditionally underrepresented groups.”
Tune into these virtual wellness events during February and March. Registration links are provided below.
From COVID Stress to Personal Growth: How to Maintain Wellness & Find Meaning & Growth in a Pandemic
In this program, attendees will learn more about this science as well as strategies for turning highly stressful events like the coronavirus into the launching pad for a better life going forward. Guest speakers include Jarrett Green and Rebecca Simon Green, stress resiliency, well-being, and peak performance consultants to the legal industry and corporate America.
This is also the inaugural program of the NYC Area Law Schools Wellness Consortium, which Confino co-founded with colleagues on the NYC Bar Association’s Mindfulness & Well-Being in Law Committee.
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Register HERE.
Voices of Recovery: Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Lawyer Well-Being Movement
In this program, panelists will share their personal stories about overcoming mental health challenges and discuss how their experiences were shaped by their membership in historically marginalized groups. The panelists will also offer strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion within the lawyer well-being movement, as well as tips and resources for diverse law students and lawyers who seek assistance, support, or a stronger sense of belonging within the legal community.
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 4:30-6 p.m. Register HERE.
The Lawyer’s Guide to Managing Stress & Burnout
In this program, psychologist and success coach Dr. Sharon Grossman will teach participants how to cultivate the skills and self-awareness necessary to build stress resilience, prevent burnout, and reinvigorate engagement at school and work.
All participants will also receive a free copy of Dr. Grossman’s book, The 7E Solution to Burnout: Transforming High Achievers from Exhausted to Extraordinary, as well as the accompanying workbook and online experience.
Tuesday, March 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Space is limited—register HERE.
What Our Work Does to Us: Identifying & Addressing Secondary Trauma in Public Interest Lawyering
In this workshop, staff attorneys from The Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Practice will present their research on recognizing the secondary trauma stress inherent to public interest lawyering. The presenters will discuss strategies for addressing vicarious trauma and professional burnout through trainings, protocols, and stress management methods developed in the course of their research.
Wednesday, March 24, 4:30-6 p.m. Register HERE.