SIGNS OF LAWYER/JUDGE IMPAIRMENT
Signs that suggest a Lawyer/Judge may be impaired due to a disease and/or other condition affecting an individual’s health may vary according to the type of problem, its severity and the stage of development.
ATTENDANCE PROBLEMS:
- Often late and/or leaving early
- Taking “long lunches” and/or not returning after lunch
- Missing appointments or scheduled appearances
- Taking frequent days off without good reason
PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS:
Missed deadlines
Inadequate follow-through
Decreased efficiency
Lack of attention
Poor judgment
Inability to concentrate
General difficulty with recall
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Difficulty getting started
Does not return phone calls
Complaints from staff and/or clients
Poor performance in afternoon
Blaming others for mistakes
Making excuses for poor performance
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GENERAL BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE PROBLEMS:
Deterioration of personal appearance or hygiene; large weight gain or loss
Persistent complaints of not feeling well
Withdrawal or avoidance of others
Insomnia, falls asleep at work, complains about not sleeping
Unable to retain, or often fires, secretary, associate or other staff
Overreacts to real or imagined criticism; other problems with supervisor
Disagreements with or unable to work with colleagues; uncooperative
Irritability; angry outbursts; hostile attitude; rapid mood swings
IDENTIFYING ALCOHOLIC BEHAVIOR:
Source: Alcohol and Drug Administration
- Individual has a high breathalyzer test result
- Individual attends office meetings, court appearance, or other functions after drinking
- Individual drinks in the morning or during business hours
- Individual drinks substantial amounts of alcohol and drinks often
- Individual becomes defensive about drinking
- Individual experiences memory loss (blackouts)
- Individual experiences increased or decreased tolerance
- Legal problems in combination
- Individual has made past attempts to stop drinking
- Individual makes statements about his/her drinking that signals a drinking problem
The De-LAP Zone: Woman and Alcohol – Chilling Out vs. Chilling Reality
Identifying Addiction
Complete checklist for identifying illness based impairment.
Researchers Identify Alcoholism Subtypes, NIH News (June 28, 2007)
Every aspect of an addicted or depressed attorney’s life is affected. If you recognize the warning signs in yourself or a colleague, call The Delaware Lawyers Assistance Program (De-LAP) (302) 777-0124 or toll-free 1-877-24DELAP or e-mail cwaldhauser@de-lap.org.
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