This course is designed to educate attorneys about perfectionism in the legal field and how although it can appear as a desirable trait, it is highly correlated with higher incidence of depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. This course will cover perfectionism generally and explain its evolution from mental health problem to desirable trait to precursor to mental health problems over time. It will set forth the characteristics of perfectionism that tend to cause emotional difficulties for lawyers. This course will pay special attention to the features of legal practice that do not lend themselves to a rigid, all-or-nothing mindset that is common of perfectionistic tendencies.

Perfectionism is a known risk factor for the development of anxiety, depression and substance use disorder. Because the mindset and tendencies relate to an unattainable goal, it often also causes burnout in lawyers sooner than mentally healthy lawyers. Each of these subjects will be discussed as well as setting forth strategies to effectively manage our perfectionistic tendencies including reframing, self-compassion practice, mindfulness and connection. This includes consultation with LCL, EAPs and other resources that assist attorneys and their staff with these complicated issues.