The Art of Healthy Lawyering

Evidence supports overwhelming stressors in the legal profession can cause attorneys and judges to suffer from depression, anxiety, substance use, compassion fatigue, burnout, and other serious issues at higher rates than the general population, often contributing to legal competency problems.

In this talk, Dr. Diana Uchiyama will explore the personality traits and characteristics common to attorneys and judges that can increase their risk of developing maladaptive coping methods, offer solutions for healthier ways to deal with stressors, and share techniques for identifying well-being issues in your colleagues – even virtually.

As the profession continues to be impacted by COVID-19, Dr. Uchiyama will share ways attorneys can increase their personal and professional health, wellness, and resiliency, leading to happier and more fulfilling lives and legal practices.

Speaker Bio

Dr. Diana Uchiyama is the Executive Director of the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program (LAP). Prior to joining LAP, she was the Administrator of Psychological Services for DuPage County where she oversaw a DASA-licensed outpatient substance use treatment program and ran a Domestic Batterer Intervention Program. Dr. Uchiyama also worked for the Kane County Diagnostic Center as a Staff Psychologist and Juvenile Drug Court Coordinator.

Prior to obtaining her masters and doctorate in clinical psychology, Dr. Uchiyama was an Assistant Public Defender in Cook County. She obtained her law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law and holds an Advanced Mindfulness Training Certificate.