{"id":13089,"date":"2021-01-03T15:12:17","date_gmt":"2021-01-03T20:12:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.law.duq.edu\/juris\/?p=13089"},"modified":"2021-01-03T15:12:17","modified_gmt":"2021-01-03T20:12:17","slug":"how-lawyers-are-dealing-with-covid-fatigue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.law.duq.edu\/juris\/2021\/01\/03\/how-lawyers-are-dealing-with-covid-fatigue\/","title":{"rendered":"How Lawyers Are Dealing with COVID Fatigue"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of Pexels.com.<\/em><\/p>\n

By Samantha Dorn, Staff Writer<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cCOVID fatigue\u201d is the name given to the widespread mental exhaustion affecting many people due to the effects of the current pandemic. [1] <\/sup> This fatigue has been brought on by the \u201cconstant threat of illness, layoffs, and deaths while being denied our typical coping methods,\u201d such as social gatherings or going out to eat or do other activities. [2] <\/sup>\u00a0 Normally, stresses are not meant to be long-term; our psychological \u201cfight or flight\u201d responses are triggered and then we can use coping skills to calm ourselves when the stress ends. [3] <\/sup>\u00a0 Our minds are not prepared to handle stress that lasts as long as the pandemic. [4] <\/sup>\u00a0 As a result, people either \u201cfreeze\u201d (become paralyzed in the face of a threat) or \u201cfaun\u201d (give in to the threat), thus causing COVID fatigue. [5] <\/sup><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Many lawyers have stated in interviews that they and their staff are \u201cfeeling the effects of isolation\u201d and miss being with their colleagues. [6] <\/sup>\u00a0 As another wave of the coronavirus continues to spread, firms are preparing for a difficult season. [7] <\/sup>\u00a0 Former litigator and licensed psychotherapist Stacey Dana told Law.com that people are reaching their tolerance limits \u201cpersonally, relationally and professionally.\u201d [8] <\/sup>\u00a0 She says, \u201cWinter can be a very challenging time for our mental health under the best of circumstances, and many are already feeling profound isolation and cabin fever.\u201d [9] <\/sup><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the pandemic continues into the foreseeable future, it is important that lawyers and staff strive to maintain connections with each other. [10] <\/sup>\u00a0 Among other things, law firms should be supportive of their associates and staff by staying connected with employees, mentor associates to foster professional development, and recognize that staff may need accommodations for their mental health needs. [11] <\/sup>\u00a0 Partners have also relied on communication through emails and Zoom meetings to keep others informed and engaged. [12] <\/sup><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lawyers also need to maintain their ethical obligations to their clients and the court despite the temptation to let their guard down.\u00a0 As one blog on JDSupra succinctly stated, \u201c[t]he legal profession\u2019s ethical rules do not contain exceptions for pandemics.\u201d [13] <\/sup>\u00a0 Despite the long work days and the weariness of isolation and social distancing, lawyers must continue to be competent, diligent, communicate effectively and timely, maintain confidentiality and properly supervise their associates and staff. [14] <\/sup><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While lawyers may not be able to avoid the additional stress that COVID-19 has brought, there are several healthy strategies that one can use to cope.\u00a0 These include the following:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n