9:10 – 10:00 a.m.

Vicarious Trauma in the Legal Profession

Speakers:
Emily Hartz, Executive Director, Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program
Danielle M. Hall, Chief of Professionalism and Outreach, Office of Judicial Administration

Vicarious trauma—sometimes also referred to as secondary trauma or trauma exposure response—is the emotional duress that results when an individual is indirectly exposed to the first-hand trauma experience of another. Studies have shown that secondary trauma can negatively impact one’s mental health and those working in the legal profession are at high risk of experiencing the distress symptoms associated with secondary trauma. As a result, it is important that those working in the legal profession recognize the symptoms associated with secondary trauma and seek help when needed. During this presentation, attendees will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of secondary trauma and how to implement effective coping mechanisms to prevent the related effects of secondary trauma. Additionally, the speaker will address common barriers reported by legal professionals to seeking treatment and services for mental health conditions related to secondary trauma, such as fears over confidentiality.

10:10 – 11:00 a.m

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle While Working in a Demanding Field

Speakers:
Dr. Josh Hypse, Forensic Clinical Psychologist, Acumen Assessments
Dr. Alex Latham, Psychologist, Acumen Assessments

Lawyers work in a highly demanding and stressful field that often requires working long hours with competing expectations. Over time, this can make it challenging to manage and maintain a balance between one’s personal and professional lives. Research indicates that as many as 52% of lawyers will experience burnout at some point in their careers. This can present in various ways. More than 45% experience depression, with nearly 12% reporting a history of suicidal ideations. 36% of lawyers also struggle with alcohol abuse. Unfortunately, many find it difficult to know when or how to seek support and fear the additional hazards that may present from doing so. In this presentation, we will discuss the unique challenges commonly seen in this field, our experience working with professionals, and how these challenges translate into potentially career-disrupting events. Additionally, we will discuss common risk factors and trends that increase one’s vulnerability toward burnout, professional misconduct, substance use, boundary violations, or other ethical concerns. We will also discuss the increased use of stimulant and sedative medications among the professionals who were evaluated at Acumen Assessments between 2022 and 2024. Approximately 5% of the population will meet DSM-V-TR criteria for ADHD, but roughly 31% of professionals who were evaluated at Acumen were taking stimulant medication. We want to discuss how the use of stimulants may be an attempt to meet the high demands of practicing law or a way to manage symptoms that are mistaken for ADHD. Finally, we will review methods for effectively coping with the unique challenges of working in an ever-evolving and fast paced profession.

11:10 – 12:00 p.m.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle While Working in a Demanding Field Continued

Speakers:
Dr. Josh Hypse, Forensic Clinical Psychologist, Acumen Assessments
Dr. Alex Latham, Psychologist, Acumen Assessments

1:00 – 1:50 p.m.

Anatomy of a KALAP Agreement

Panelists:
Brynn Mroz, Program Director, Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program
Stan Hazlett, Of Counsel, Stevens & Brand
Matt Vogelsberg, Chief Deputy Disciplinary Administrator, Kansas Office of the Disciplinary Administrator

During this session, panelist will provide an overview of the KALAP monitoring process, as well as applicable rules and procedures. The panelist will also discuss the role monitoring agreements play in an individual’s recovery or treatment, as well as the disciplinary process when a diversion or probation plan is required.

2:00 – 2:50 p.m.

KALAP Best Practices

Panelists:
Amy Elliot, KALAP Board Chair, Law Offices of Amy Elliot
Bryan Smith, KALAP Board Vice Chair, Smith Law Firm
Cal Williams, KALAP Board Member, Retired

During this session, panelist will discuss KALAP’s role in providing assistance to lawyers in need and the best practices for working with KALAP clients, including KALAP volunteers who are assigned to monitor or mentor a KALAP client.