Signs of Lawyer / Judge Impairment

Signs that suggest a Lawyer/Judge may be impaired due to a disease and/or other condition affecting his or her health may vary according to the type of problem, its severity and the stage of development.

ATTENDANCE PROBLEMS:

• Often late and/or leaving early
• Taking “long lunches” and/or not returning after lunch
• Missing appointments or scheduled appearances
• Taking frequent days off without good reason

PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS

Missed deadlines Inadequate follow-through Decreased efficiency Lack of attention Poor judgment Inability to concentrate General difficulty with recall

Difficulty getting started Does not return phone calls Complaints from staff and/or clients Poor performance in afternoon Blaming others for mistakes Making excuses for poor performance

GENERAL BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE PROBLEMS:

• Deterioration of personal appearance or hygiene; large weight gain or loss
• Persistent complaints of not feeling well
• Withdrawal or avoidance of others
• Insomnia, falls asleep at work, complains about not sleeping
• Unable to retain, or often fires, secretary, associate or other staff
• Overreacts to real or imagined criticism; other problems with supervisor
• Disagreements with or unable to work with colleagues; uncooperative
• Irritability; angry outbursts; hostile attitude; rapid mood swings

IDENTIFYING ALCOHOLIC BEHAVIOR:
Source:  Alcohol and Drug Administration

• Individual has a high breathalyzer test result
• Individual attends office meetings, court appearance, or other functions after drinking
• Individual drinks in the morning or during business hours
• Individual drinks substantial amounts of alcohol and drinks often
• Individual becomes defensive about drinking
• Individual experiences memory loss (blackouts)
• Individual experiences increased or decreased tolerance
• Legal problems in combination
• Individual has made past attempts to stop drinking
• Individual makes statements about his/her drinking that signals a drinking problem