CBA Lawyer Well-Being Committee Co-Chair Dr. Traci Cipriano had a conversation with Judge Trial Referee John A. Danaher III about the work he has done to foster programming in support of the mental health and well-being of state troopers, as well as some of the well-being insights he gleaned during his distinguished career working as an associate at then Day Berry and Howard LLP, and serving as Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, and as a superior court judge. Judge Danaher has been spending his time this summer relaxing at his home near the bay in Maine, enjoying the temperate weather with daily walks and sea kayaking.
Judge Danaher’s career choices reflected a recognition of his priorities and a desire to have some measure of control over his work schedule. During his time in public service, he also came to appreciate the value of helping others, recognizing how helping others improve their lives provides meaning in our own lives.
Mental Health and Well-Being Programming
While leading the state police, Judge Danaher’s ongoing message to troopers was that seeking help takes strength and does not reflect a weakness—also an important lesson for attorneys. The well-being related programming changes he brought to the state police included several programs that provided various levels of supports to state troopers, from mental health professionals with law enforcement expertise, chaplains, and peers. One of these programs was a veteran support program for troopers who returned to work post-deployment in distress, which was so successful it became the basis of a program adopted by the US Department of Defense 12 years ago. He brought together everyone who had been deployed, and asked them three important questions (which can be revised to reflect law student and attorney experiences):
- What did you need that you did not get before being deployed?
- What did you need that you did not get while deployed?
- What did you need that you did not get once you returned?
When thinking about law firm life today, Judge Danaher acknowledges it must be exceedingly difficult to maintain a healthy semblance of work-life balance, with constant accessibility to clients via technology (even when on vacation) and tremendous billing requirements.
Insights and Recommendations
- Follow the “Three Principles”—Simple principles, yet hard to accomplish:
- Never let go of your “family,” whoever they are (friends, spouse, siblings, extended family).
- Avoid self-medicating distress with alcohol or other substances.
- Take care of yourself physically. Stop what you are doing and get outside.
(Referencing the books Spiritual Survival for Law Enforcement by Cary A Friedman and Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement by Kevin Gilmartin)
- Create boundaries. Considering accessibility by clients brought about by technology, drawing boundaries is key. Clients should not be calling you at all hours of the night or while you are on vacation and expecting an instantaneous response. Protect your valuable personal time. “There is no time to relive that day.”
- Plan ahead. Take the time to think about retirement and stop earlier than expected. Don’t plan on working until you are 70 or older. Those five years between 65 and 70 make a big difference to an aging body. Give yourself the time to enjoy life while you are still physically able to do so.
- Allow yourself to live in the moment. Take the time to appreciate today. Your time is valuable; be more deliberate in your choices and make the most of your time and your life. Develop other interests outside of the law. “All we have is today.” Make the most of it.
- Broaden your personal network. Don’t fall into the habit of only associating with lawyers. A broader network will make it easier to have downtime when you are not talking shop.
- Pause. It is extremely easy to get caught up in work. Recognize this and allow yourself to step back and make adjustments. Take stock of what you are doing. When you are squabbling with opposing counsel over minutiae, ask yourself if it is really necessary. Know when something is worth fighting for, and when to let things go and move on.
- Career Path.You need to think about what will bring your life meaning and make you most happy. Are family, relationships with colleagues, self-care, and/or outside interests a priority? Look for a firm or other work environment that shares those values.
- Leading by Example. Listen more to your colleagues, instead of talking, and give them the space to share what is on their mind. Appreciate the importance and value of listening to everyone working in the office, and respecting everyone as a person, regardless of their title or role.
- Seeking Assistance Reflects Strength. When feeling distressed, do not take the easy road and self-medicate; instead, take the courageous step to seek help.