Washington Lawyer - January/February 2020 - 25

FEATURE
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP started a well-being program 10
years ago, but the firm keeps it relevant and forward-thinking by seeking
employee input. Feedback from a recent 20-question survey helped usher
in fresh programming ideas that will be implemented in the near future.

work. We need to break the cycle. It's not that we shouldn't work hard
and be responsive to clients, but we can emulate better behavior for
junior attorneys so they can pass it on to the next generation."

In a monumental move, the firm partnered with Lyra Health, a company
that connects employees to mental health providers. Pillsbury attorneys,
their spouses, and their children will receive 16 sessions of complimentary
therapy and coaching sessions, in addition to what's offered in the company's health plan.
"They get you plugged into the most appropriate professional, and you
can be seen within eight days on average," says Jonathan Gill, senior
human resources generalist and manager of Pillsbury's well-being
program. "I'm optimistic that it will be well received."
The firm can also expect the launch of a new well-being committee to
enhance and grow its existing services.

HOPE FOR FUTURE ATTORNEYS
The early success of many wellness programs, the legal industry's positive
reception to testimonials like Goldstein's, and the signing of the ABA
pledge by a great number of law firms are all steps in the right direction.
But some say the key to decreasing the statistics and removing the
stigma of mental health is to focus on the future generation of attorneys.
"A lot of people have told me that their issues started in law school, while
they were studying for the bar," Goldstein says. "I remember having to
pull all-nighters, work weekends unnecessarily, and go through the grunt

Here's a hint of hope: Some young attorneys don't wish to work in the
same way as their predecessors. According to the 2019 Millennial Attorney
Survey, work-life balance is a top priority. Nearly 75 percent of millennials
would trade a portion of their compensation for either more time off, a
flexible work schedule, or a cut in billable hours. With more firms encouraging work-life balance, their wants aren't off the mark.
Drinker Biddle's Hardwick says she hopes that a holistic way of thinking
becomes a prominent part of attorneys' lives. Her wish would be to see
pro bono lawyers, who often work under incredibly stressful conditions,
get access to the wellness benefits enjoyed by corporate firms. "I'm going
to propose ways to include them in our programs. We are grateful to have
them as resources."
Overall, there is an excitement around the mission and all that it represents for the outlook of the profession. Perme of the D.C. Bar says the
pledge and report were integral to getting the legal community as far
as it is today, but there's still a long way to go.
"It's going to take hard work and effort from every player and every
stakeholder in the legal profession," she says. "Still, it's a very exciting time
to be involved in lawyer wellness."
Stacy Julien is a Washington, D.C.-based writer, fitness coach, mom, and
self-care advocate.

PRACTICE
A DAY FOR

PRESENTED BY THE

LAWYERS & LAW FIRMS

D.C. BAR

SAVE THE DATE! Friday, May 15, 2020
Join us and revolutionize the way you manage your law firm. Topics include:

Law Firm Automation ■ Ethics ■ Wellness ■ Marketing
■

Cutting-edge content and experienced speakers ■ A showcase of product and service vendors
■ Networking opportunities (breakfast, lunch and afternoon reception)
■ Opportunity for discounted onsite CLE

For more information, visit www.dcbar.org/practice360

http://www.dcbar.org/practice360

Washington Lawyer - January/February 2020

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