Washington, DC—Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, announced today that it will be joining the American Bar Association (ABA) pledge and campaign to improve the mental health and well-being of lawyers. The campaign, created by the ABA Working Group to Advance Well-Bring in the Legal Profession, is designed to address the profession’s troubling rates of alcohol and other substance-use disorders, as well as mental health issues.

The program sets forth three key goals: to raise awareness, to facilitate a reduction in the incidence of problematic substance-use and mental health distress, and to improve lawyer well-being. From education to policies to culture, the seven-point pledge identifies the core areas on which firms should focus and the concrete steps they should take as they seek to achieve those goals.

“We applaud the ABA for taking this important step to address the challenges of the profession,” said Mike McNamara, Dentons US CEO. “We all know a lawyer or professional who has battled either substance abuse or mental health issues. As legal employers we have an obligation to take concrete steps to improve support for those who are struggling and to foster a healthy work environment.”

Last Spring, Dentons expanded its Wellness for Life program for lawyers, professionals and staff, which now includes monthly internal webinars on a range of topics, including work-life balance, mindfulness, prioritizing and managing holiday stress. The Firm is also currently testing a pilot program offering an onsite wellness coach to help address professional or personal issues and provide counseling or offer referrals. 

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