To the Editor:

Mental health and mindfulness are on the “minds” of all, more lately than ever before because of recent suicides in our legal community. Depression, anxiety and stress disorders together with corresponding tragedies know no bounds personally or professionally and certainly impact across the spectrum of work places, families, colleagues, partners and clients.

The legal profession and particularly trial practice has its own unique set of stressors that contribute to angst, anxiety and depression. I don't minimize other professions stressors such as medicine and the battle to save a life, but doctors and other health care providers aren't facing an antagonist looking to “kill” their patient. No one in accounting, engineering or science is trying to sabotage the other side. Typically there isn't even an “other side.” The trial lawyer (criminal or civil) and many corporate practitioners have an opponent on the other side looking to destroy their case, argument, evidence and negotiations for the better result or deal. This produces a whole independent set of stress to overcome.