CBA Presentation March 20, 2013 Linda Siderius The Confidence of Trusted Counsel

Identifying and Assisting our Clients and Colleagues with Major Medical Issues Case Studies High Risk Clients Warning Signs Rules of Professional Conduct Resources

Case Study Recovery Reinstatement of licensure Hard work and accomplishments Were there warning signs? Suicide What happened? Surviving a suicide

Case Study Dr. A Long time client Physical injury left doctor in chronic physical pain Inability to care for self or to create an environment to heal Financial pressure Lost license

Warning signs American Association of Suicidology Someone threatening to hurt or kill themselves Someone looking for ways to kill themselves: seeking access to pills, weapons, or other means Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide Call 911

Warning Signs American Association of Suicidology Hopelessness Rage, anger, seeking revenge Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking Feeling trapped Increasing alcohol or drug use Withdrawing from friends, family, or society

Warning Signs Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time Dramatic changes in mood No reason for living; no sense of purpose Referral

Confidentiality of Information CPC Rule 1.6 (b) A lawyer may reveal information relating to the representation of a client to the extent the lawyer reasonably believe necessary: (1) to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm;

Client with Diminished Capacity CPC Rule 1.14 When a client’s capacity to make adequately considered decisions in connection with a representation is diminished, whether because of minority, mental impairment or for some other reason, the lawyer shall, as far as reasonably possible, maintain a normal client- lawyer relationship with the client.

CPC Rule 1.14 (b)” When the lawyer reasonably believes that the client has diminished capacity, is at risk of substantial, physical, financial or other harm unless action is taken and cannot adequately act in the client’s own interest, the lawyer may take reasonably necessary protective action, including consulting with individuals or entities that have the ability to take action to protect the client and, in appropriate case, seeing the appointment of a guardian…”

Questions? The Confidence of Trusted Counsel