Published on May 1, 2023 by Morgan Black  
Robinson Hall Spring Flowers

The Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL) was formed after the 2017 American Bar Association (ABA) commissioned a report about lawyer mental health and well-being. The first week of May has been deemed Well-Being Week in Law by this organization, and this is the second year that the institute provides material and promotes activities for lawyer well-being.

Lynn Hogewood, Cumberland School of Law's assistant dean of Academic and Bar Success, said, "The ABA notes that maintaining well-being is part of a lawyer’s ethical duty of competence.  Lawyer wellness contributes to the well-being of the community at large because lawyers who are well can better provide competent legal representation and serve as better advisors to their clients.  This wellness is a continual process of thriving in a holistic way--emotionally, occupationally, intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially.  The ABA has now adopted rules for licensing requirements and law school programming to enhance mental health and well-being in the profession.  The impact and significance of being a lawyer begins in law school; cultivating healthy habits while a law student provides a foundation for thriving and satisfied lawyers.  Plus, these healthy habits of wellness contribute to deeper learning and better critical reasoning and thinking skills."

Cumberland School of Law will align with the IWIL's emphasis week, May 1-5, 2023, to encourage focusing on these areas of wellness:

Monday: Stay Strong - Physical Well-being

Eat well, get enough sleep, recover from stress. Minimize addictive substances. Seek help when needed.

Tuesday: Align - Spiritual Well-being

Foster a sense of meaning and purpose in all aspects of life. Align life and work to serve your values.

Wednesday: Engage & Grow - Occupational & Intellectual Well-being

Continuously learn and develop. Strive for personal satisfaction and growth at work. Aim for financial stability.

Thursday: Connect - Social Well-being

Build connection, belonging and a reliable support network. Contribute to groups that matter to you.

Friday: Feel Well - Emotional Well-being

Understand, identify and use emotions well. Seek help for mental health when needed.

Additionally, these resources can support you during your recognition of Well-Being Week in Law 2023:

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.