Cosponsored by the Association of Corporate Counsel Northeast Chapter
When the NORC study was published in February 2023, it revealed high rates of depression, burnout, and hazardous drinking among Massachusetts lawyers, reflecting a national trend. Since then, what progress has been made?
Join us to review signs of movement, on the part of law firms, bar associations, law schools, and other legal organizations, toward improving the well-being of the over 60,000 lawyers across Massachusetts.
We’ll explore:
- Where we were: A review of the NORC study findings from one year ago.
- Where we are now: A glimpse of initiatives and programs launched since the study.
- Where we are going: A discussion on emerging trends and aspirations for the future of lawyer well-being in Massachusetts.
This is an opportunity to learn more about how the legal profession in Massachusetts is addressing mental health and creating a more supportive environment for its members.
MEET OUR PRESENTERS
Dr. Jeff Fortgang Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist at 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.
Jeff graduated Yale in 1971, and, after a few years as a musician/songwriter, completed his PhD in Clinical Psychology (from Adelphi University) 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. In addition to seeing clients at LCL, he also writes articles and makes presentations in the community. He is also 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.
Amy Levine
Director of Programs and Volunteers at LCLMA
Amy Levine joined LCL in 2023. As Director of Programs and Volunteers, Amy coordinates our organization’s educational programming as well as contributions to our organization from across the Massachusetts legal profession.
Amy has over 20 years working in the legal industry including working at Goulston & Storrs and Hale and Dorr (currently WilmerHale) and spent the last 15 years working as a vice president and legal recruiter at one of the top legal staffing firms in New England. She has experience in recruiting, coaching, counseling, professional development, and career management. She has presented at Boston University Paralegal Certificate program, the Massachusetts Paralegal Association and resume workshops. Additionally, she has coached Attorneys, Paralegals and Business Professionals on resume writing, job search techniques, and other elements of this process to find their ideal job. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Boston University and has dedicated her career to improving people’s lives.