Order in the Court? Study Finds Alarming Gambling Problems Among Lawyers

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission’s Lawyers’ Assistance Program (LAP) says in its new “landmark” study that mental health and gambling problems are widespread within the profession. The Illinois state flag is pictured behind Lady Justice holding judicial scales in a stock illustration. A review of Illinois lawyers finds that many younger attorneys are battling gambling problems and other vices, hampering their mental health and job performance. (Image: Shutterstock) Billed as the first comprehensive look at mental health, substance use, gambling, stress, and cognitive decline among Illinois lawyers and judges, the LAP study, “The Weight of Practice,” sounds the alarm regarding the well-being of the legal industry’s main players. LAP sent a survey to all 56,268 lawyers registered with the state to gauge their mental health, alcohol and drug use, gambling, stress, and memory. LAP said 6,778 responses were usable, or about 12% of the profession. The survey found that about 6% of lawyers in Illinois have a gambling disorder, with rates significantly higher among younger attorneys (aged 25 to 35) at 13%. Is the Law Profession a Risky Gamble? The “Weight of Practice” study found that among the lawyers who meet the criteria to be classified as having a gambling problem, more than one in two (53%) gamble at least weekly, and 12% do so daily. Of the problem gambling population, 30% admitted that their gambling had negatively affected their personal lives by financial strain, mood swings, and worsening mental health. About 16% said gambling hurt their job performance. I feel like problem gambling is not well known; people don’t know how to recognize the signs (even in themselves), and now sports betting is so pervasive,” said a female lawyer in government. “I think that’s an area where additional education would be helpful.” “My gambling is my form of entertainment,” another lawyer responded. Another attorney, described as a “white male in a law firm,” said gambling is “just another bad habit” among many lawyers. Along with gambling, the LAP results suggested that nearly one in three lawyers conceded that they could not control their drinking. And a majority of respondents said alcohol plays a central role in the industry’s work culture. Younger lawyers had similar rates of alcohol use to older attorneys, but they struggled more with drug use, gambling, mental health, and work stress, LAP reported. Study Calls for Action Dr. Diana Uchiyama, the executive director of LAP, says the “Weight of Practice” should be a wake-up call for the law profession, especially considering the findings show that younger lawyers are struggling the most. “We can no longer turn a blind eye to the negative impact of current standards and norms, and we cannot say that this information does not apply to your agency or firm,” said Uchiyama. “We must take this information seriously and implement necessary changes so that we can turn lives around for the many who are suffering and not doing well. We must encourage people to work hard, but also take time off for rest and restoration, and not encourage the workforce to always be available to the agency or the client,” Uchiyama concluded. The post Order in the Court? Study Finds Alarming Gambling Problems Among Lawyers appeared first on Casino.org.