Have you noticed the repetitive nature of daily life?  We get up, go through the routine and before you know it we’re laying our head on the pillow for another night of rest.  Routines are not bad; it’s just the way we live. Most of us also seem to have what I would describe as “low level” addictions which range from chocolate and coffee (the lower end of the speed spectrum) to shopping, novels, and T.V. (Fun practices that cause little or no harm but which are difficult to quit entirely).

This article is not about daily routines or light addictions because there are several lawyers among us who have more serious addictions which have caused them to lose their privilege to practice law, destroy their families, and ruin their lives.

For the above-mentioned lawyers with such problems, the Baltimore County Bar Association has a “strike force.”  I want to acknowledge a group of BCBA members who are well known, but whose work is anonymous.  These are the members of the Lawyer Assistance Committee for the BCBA.  This wonderful group of lawyers and judges volunteer their time to help those who can’t help themselves.
I believe that all addictions begin from three points; (1) the desire of the eyes (2) the cravings of the flesh, and (3) the arrogance and pride of life. Concerning this desire of the eyes, we are aware of the seedier side of the internet; regarding the cravings of the flesh, we know about substance abuse, etc.; and concerning pride and arrogance we are all aware of mighty corporations which have crumbled because of the arrogant, prideful and greedy desires of misguided leadership. All of these unhealthy desires cause extreme damage to an individual’s life.

A major problem with addiction is that someone with any kind of addiction has their understanding of right and wrong, indeed their entire moral compass, crushed by an uncontrollable, overwhelming desire.  Many in our profession have seen the damage wreaked in a client’s life because of the measures they will take to be able to pay for their particular substance of abuse. Some go as far as to become career criminals merely to try and finance their own habit.  Others violate the trust of family and friends continuously in an effort to satisfy their cravings. It is hard to fathom what difficulties addictions cause some of our brothers and sisters in the profession of law.

If anyone sees a brother or sister with an addiction, you are immediately at a point of decision.  Do you confront, expose, intervene in order to help, change and ultimately restore an individual’s life, or do you say “What a shame.” or “It’s none of my business?”  Do you think “Well, that’s just good ole so and so… it’s no big deal?”

If you think instead that you would like to do something to help your friend, act on it.   You may be rebuffed but you may end up helping someone you care about change their life forever.  Get involved in a productive way to help those around you to become better lawyers and to live happier lives.  If you have no idea how to approach your colleague, call Jay Miller (410-583-6969), Chair of the Lawyer Assistance Committee.  Your call will be confidential.  His committee truly understands the concept of “tough love.”

On a lighter note, realize that there are also good addictions such as laughter, love, compassion, exercise and even golf.

For those of you addicted to bowling I would like to report that our annual bowling bash was an amazing success!  It is my understanding that there will be several “ringers” sprinkled throughout the teams next year.

By the time you receive this issue of The Advocate, Law Day will have come and gone; however, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Law Day Committee led by Carolyn Thaler for an outstanding day celebrating the law and involving every aspect of our community.  The awards to Carey Deeley and Judge Sandy Williams were well deserved.

Please remember that this is no time to relax concerning our goal of adding new members to the Association.  Therefore, I am again requesting that you contact young and old lawyers alike regarding their joining or rejoining our Association.  Your efforts are greatly appreciated.