AGENDA

Registration and Light Breakfast/Coffee @9:15am

Welcome and Introductory Remarks @9:30am
Western New England University School of Law Dean Zelda B. Harris

Panel: Training Lawyers to Thrive in Today’s Legal Profession @9:45am-11:00am

This panel explores how legal education can better equip students with the emotional regulation, stress management, and interpersonal skills essential for success in today’s legal profession. Panelists will share clinical insights and practical strategies for integrating well-being into the curriculum while addressing how to bridge the gap between law school and the realities of legal practice. 

Speakers include Traci Cipriano (Yale School of Medicine), Elizabeth Knowles (Northeastern University School of Law), Natasha Varyani (Roger Williams University School of Law), Sarah McConnell (Roger Williams University School of Law), Nicole Pardo (Proskauer), Peggie Krippendorf (Norfolk District Attorney’s Office), and Melanie Lewis (Western New England University Law School). Moderated by Heidi Alexander (SJC Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being).

Refreshment Break @11:00am-11:15am

Speed Conversations:
Engage in Four Different Speed Conversations on Relevant Topics with Colleagues. Facilitated by Law School Faculty and Experts @11:15am-1:00pm

Caring for Yourself and Colleagues
Leaders: Filippa Marullo Anzalone (Boston College Law School)
and Beth D. Cohen (Western New England University Law School) 
Beth D. Cohen, Professor and Director of Legal Research & Writing, Western New England School of Law, and Filippa Marullo Anzalone, Professor and Associate Dean for Library & Technology Services, Boston College Law School, will lead discussions about taking care of ourselves and our colleagues in a law school environment.  Caring for ourselves and our colleagues is essential to maintaining well-being, fostering a collaborative and respectful atmosphere, and creating a positive work environment. They will discuss the challenges as well as provide suggestions for creating a culture of care.

Having Difficult and Crucial Conversations
Leader: Kara Simard (UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law)
Kara Simard, Visiting Assistant Professor and Interim Director of Legal Residencies at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law will lead discussions about teaching skills to engage in and successfully navigate difficult conversations in the legal profession. These skills are essential for working effectively with people with opposing views, to help strengthen relationships while solving problems, and for elevating capacity to influence decisions. Effectively navigating difficult conversations can reduce stress by fostering clearer communication and reducing misunderstandings, lead to better relationships with colleagues, clients, and opposing counsel, build resilience, contribute to positive workplace cultures, and promote career advancement through improved leadership skills, all leading to greater professional fulfillment and well-being. 

Addressing Substance Use and Addiction
Leader: Shawn Healy (Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers)
Shawn Healy, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Administrative Operations, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, will lead discussions about why legal professionals are at risk of substance misuse, how to recognize warning signs of substance use (and other unhealthy coping mechanisms), strategies for assessing the ways in which you manage your distress, healthy coping mechanisms that help manage distress, and practical ways to model and encourage others to prioritize healthy coping mechanisms.

Navigating Trauma and Grief
Leader: Stacey Best (Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers)
Death of a loved one is an expected and accepted reason for grief, but any significant loss or change can cause grief. Repeated exposure to distressing events can cause one to be traumatized. How can we manage ourselves and our environments when everything is moving so fast, and no one knows we’re hurting? Stacey Best, Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers will be available to moderate a discussion about finding ways to build resilience as we navigate trauma and grief, as well as our response to others who may be struggling.

Understanding Mental Health and Accommodation Requests
Leaders: Pota Kaldis (Mass School of Law) and Kandace Kukas (Board of Bar Examiners)
Addressing questions and concerns regarding law school accommodations as well as bar exam accommodations, and strategies for managing law student stress and expectations around these issues.

Working Lunch & Closing Reflection @1:00pm-1:30pm

Reflect on the Day’s Sessions, Share Key Takeaways, and Explore Next Steps for Applying What You've Learned.