Alcohol has long been ingrained in legal culture—whether at networking events, firm gatherings, or post-trial celebrations. While we know that alcoholism has derailed the careers and lives of many lawyers, what about those who drink only socially? Is moderate drinking truly harmless?
Emerging scientific research suggests that even casual and moderate alcohol consumption can have long-term impacts on physical health, cognitive function, and overall longevity. As legal professionals who operate in high-stress environments, it’s worth reconsidering the role alcohol plays in our lives—both personally and professionally.
Join us for an insightful discussion with LCL psychologist Dr. Jeff Fortgang as we take a fresh look at the science, the risks, and the cultural norms surrounding alcohol in the legal profession. Whether you’re reassessing your own habits or simply curious about the latest research, this session will provide valuable insights and a new perspective on social drinking in the legal world.
Meet Our Presenter
Jeff Fortgang, Ph.D.
Staff Clinician, LCLMA
Dr. Jeff Fortgang joined LCL in 1998. As a Clinical Psychologist, HSP, he meets with clients regularly, leads groups, writes articles, and makes presentations to the legal community.
After graduating from Yale and working for a few years as a musician/songwriter, Jeff completed his PhD in Clinical Psychology in 1980. His dissertation, internship, and fellowship focused on treatment of alcoholism. Jeff has held positions at Mass. General, Mt. Auburn, Newton-Wellesley, and McLean Hospitals, worked with various employee assistance programs, and directed programs at Westwood Lodge Hospital and Bay Colony/Spofford Hall Outpatient Services.
A former Instructor in Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry of Harvard Medical School (1993-2016), he has been in his half-time LCL role since 1998. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the National Register of Healthcare Providers in Psychology, and Mass.-licensed as both a psychologist and alcohol/drug counselor. His private practice office is in Newton Highlands.
He is the coauthor of the book The Full Weight of the Law: How Legal Professionals Can Recognize and Rebound from Depression (ABA publication, 2017 – available in our lending library) with another LCL Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Shawn Healy.
Jeff runs our Solo | Stress Connection Support Group and our Immigration Lawyers Support Group.
Jeff can be reached at (617) 482-9600 or drjeff@lclma.org.