FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Denise Gaskin, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Institute for Well-Being in Law
denise@lawyerwellbeing.net
503.415.1101
Date: September 20, 2024
Institute for Well-Being in Law Commends Florida Supreme Court for Amendment on Mental Health Questions
The Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL) commends the Florida Supreme Court for its recent decision to amend Question 25 on the Florida bar application, which previously specified mental health diagnoses that could potentially disqualify individuals from practicing law. This significant change is a crucial step toward reducing stigma surrounding mental health and fostering a more supportive environment for future legal professionals.
Historically, these questions have created considerable uncertainty among law students regarding their ability to seek mental health counseling during law school, often due to fears of disclosure. The amended question will now focus on conduct, with two specific inquiries: whether mental health has been asserted as a defense in any legal proceedings and whether the applicant has been involuntarily hospitalized. This shift aligns Florida with other jurisdictions in the U.S. that have also moved in this positive direction and reflects a much-needed evolution in the bar admission process.
IWIL’s advocacy for the removal of mental health-related questions from bar applications has been supported by collaborative efforts with the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (COLAP), and Janet Stearns, Dean of Students at University of Miami School of Law who serves as the chair of the COLAP Law School Committee and active member of IWIL’s Law School Committee.
The removal of specific mental health inquiries is essential for several reasons:
- Reducing Stigma: Eliminating questions about mental health diagnoses fosters a culture of acceptance and understanding, encouraging law students and practitioners to seek help without fear of repercussions or judgment.
- Encouraging Help-Seeking Behavior: Law school can be a highly stressful environment, and students may struggle with mental health challenges. By removing potential barriers to disclosure, individuals are more likely to access the support they need, leading to better mental health outcomes.
- Setting Up Future Lawyers for Success: Proactively addressing mental health allows law students to develop resilience and coping strategies that will serve them throughout their careers. A well-supported legal workforce is better equipped to thrive in practice, ultimately benefiting clients and the legal profession as a whole.
IWIL believes that mental health should not be viewed as a barrier to entry into the legal profession. We advocate for policies that support the well-being of all legal professionals and promote a culture of inclusivity and support. The Florida Supreme Court’s amendment marks a critical milestone in that journey.
For further information about IWIL and our initiatives to support mental health in the legal profession, please visit https://lawyerwellbeing.net and specifically IWIL’s memo to the National Conference of Bar Examiners in 2022 regarding recommendations for elimination of mental health and substance use questions on bar applications.
About the Institute for Well-Being in Law
The Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL) is dedicated to advancing the well-being of legal professionals through education, advocacy, and the promotion of best practices. IWIL seeks to transform the legal profession by fostering a culture of support and understanding around mental health and wellness.
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