THE SLOW BURN: Understanding, Preventing and Bouncing Back from Burnout
The Numbers Don't Lie
Attorneys report feeling burned out 42% of the time—a number that rises to 51% for mid- and senior-level associates (Bloomberg Law Well-Being Report).
Burnout is not a failure of endurance issue; it's the result of over-functioning on depleted systems. While lawyers are trained to be high performers, they are rarely taught how to protect their greatest asset: themselves.
This masterclass provides a framework to build a system that matches your ambition. One that builds you up rather than brings you down.
Faculty
- Wendy Tamis Robbins, Founder of CAVE Club, High-Performance Coach, and Well-Being Strategist. A former Big Law corporate finance attorney, Wendy is the bestselling author of The Box and a frequent lecturer at Harvard Law School on professional well-being. She leads the MBA's Lawyer Well-Being subcommittee on law school well-being programs. She also hosts the Perfectly Pan!cked Podcast.
What You Will Learn:
- This evidence-based session moves past general advice to provide practical, neuro-scientific tools for sustainable performance: Stress vs. Burnout: Understanding neuro-scientific distinctions on identifying early warning signs
- Cognitive Load Management: Strategies to audit and reduce your emotional and mental burden
- Nervous System Regulation: Immediate tools to regulate and restore balance and focus under high-pressure conditions
- The Boundary Framework: How to protect your time, focus, and energy without compromising your professional reputation
- Sustainable Mindsets: Shifting boundaries from “career threats” to the foundation of a long-term practice
This session is designed for the lawyers who want to stay—and thrive.
The SJC Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being and The Social Law Library
"Very helpful information and tips."
"Great CLE -- we could use more like this -- mindfulness. Thank you Wendy!"
"Very important information and well presented."
"I enjoyed this session. She was easy to listen to and kept my attention."
Registration & Logistics: This program is free, but self-registration is required.
Online registration is encouraged. For assistance with group registrations, disability accommodations, or out-of-state CLE credits, please contact CLE Coordinator Michael Saporito at [email protected].
Note on Recordings: Most Social Law Library CLE events are recorded. All registrants will receive a digital download link, typically within one week of the program.
Please note: CLE credit is only granted to those who attend at least 80% of the live webinar. To ensure you receive the video link, please register in advance.
Dr. Fortgang will review the concept of Vicarious Traumatization, specifically as it relates to the legal profession including:
- How it differs from PTSD
- Features and symptoms: how the clinical picture differs from (and overlaps with) burnout, depression, and moral injury.
- Types of legal work that pose particular risks for vicarious traumatization.
- The importance of finding ways to counterbalance traumatic exposure.
About the Series
Join Dr. Jeff Fortgang from Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers for a 2-Part series. The Legal Profession & Substance Use Disorders: Awareness. Recovery. Change.
- The first session will explore the scope and impact of substance use disorders within the legal profession.
- The second session will focus on treatment, recovery, and the process of returning to personal and professional well-being.
Faculty
- Tracey Meyers, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist with Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
This program will explore:
- How to recognize early signs of strain.
- The impact of stress on the nervous system.
- Highlight the resources available to support lawyers’ mental and emotional health using self-compassion tools.