Editor's Note: I developed a CLE for my state bar convention called "Attorney Mental Health Profiles in Courage and Leadership." It inspired me to launch a new series on the blog. To launch the new series, I couldn't think of anyone better than legal tech innovator, Colin Levy. As you can read below, he's an advocate for more than tech in the legal profession.
1. Tell me about yourself and your mental health story.
I am Colin Levy, a corporate lawyer, author, and speaker in the legal technology world. I am the author of "The Legal Tech Ecosystem" and the editor of the "Handbook of Legal Tech," I have established myself as a thought leader, guiding professionals through the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of legal technology. With a career deeply rooted in the intersection of business, technology, and law, I believe that I have demonstrated an ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.
My passion for embracing change and sparking innovation has been the cornerstone of my professional journey, leading me to my current role as the Director of Legal and an Evangelist for Malbek, a prominent player in the Contract Lifecycle Management space. The foundation of my success lies in my ability to engage in meaningful conversations with legal and tech leaders and visionaries, showcasing portions of these discussions on my personal website. As a collaborator, write, and author, I actively participate in the legal tech community, contributing to publications, co-hosting podcast discussions, and engaging with those driven to push the boundaries of legal technology.
I also openly share my fight against anxiety and depression, two things I have been battling for most of my life. I post regularly on social media about mental health given the need I feel to help others feel more comfortable sharing their own stories about mental health. My mental health story began during my first full-time legal role where my feelings of never being good enough, feeling unworthy, and feeling incompetent led me to taking some time off from working to directly address my mental health over a period of many months. That time was well spent helping me learn tools to manage my anxiety and depression and effectively navigate when those feelings become stronger.
2. Without revealing any confidences, how did you manage your law practice/work as you addressed your mental health needs?
They handled it professionally, e.g. allowed for me to leave work and address the issue, but those I worked most closely with lacked much empathy or sympathy for my struggle. To be fair, I also didn't share a lot about my struggle as I wasn't particularly personally close with them, so I didn't feel comfortable sharing what I was experiencing. Their approach I think largely reflected what seems to be common within the legal industry, e.g. ostensibly recognizing the issue and people' s struggles but failing to dive too deeply into taking steps to make it less common of an issue within the workplace.
I ended up not returning to the role I had since after my time away I was cognizant I needed a change of environment, change of culture, and a slower re-entry back into the workforce. I will give much credit to the boss of my direct manager who remains a deeply empathetic individual and whom likely would been a great listening ear had I shared more with them at the time I was struggling and remains someone I maintain touch with.
3. What supports, people, groups, or resources helped you the most in managing your mental health?
I'll answer this in terms of importance, my husband has been and remains my rock and the one person in my life who has, without fail, been by my side throughout my struggles and throughout my winding career. My family and close friends have also been deeply supportive. As for helping me most directly with my mental health, my therapist has been instrumental. The work has been emotional, time-consuming, and challenging, but well worth it for I would be who I am today or have achieved what I have achieved without their help and that of my husband, family, and friends.
4. What is the most important thing you wish the legal profession understood about mental health?
Mental health is just as important as any other part of our overall health. One's mental health also can directly impact other areas of health. The legal profession shows a consistent disregard for this and continues to pay only lip service to the importance of mental health. I have had several friends and acquaintances who have suffered because of this and, sadly, a few whose suffering led to the most tragic of outcomes – suicide. The legal industry needs to start treating its people as human beings and not as automatons able to ceaselessly work without breaks and without a hint of emotion or emotional intelligence.
5. How did you find the courage to start being open about your mental health story?
I realized that if I wanted to truly support others and let them know that they were not alone, I needed to share some of my own struggles. In doing so, I have been reminded of several things – the power of community, the power of the human spirit, and the power of empathy. Because of the powerful response to my first post on the topic of mental health, I realized I should make use of the response that was generated and help further position myself as both a legal tech advocate AND a mental health advocate.
I did just that and now make it a habit of sharing posts on mental health and offering my support for those who may be struggling and unsure of where to turn to for help or just an ear to listen. I still get a little nervous sharing only because I tend to be fairly quiet about the deeply personal aspects of my life, but mental health is one of those things I strongly feel one cannot be quiet about.
6. How has your experience managing your own mental health affected your life and work?
I've learned that I need to listen to myself. I need to be more open with myself and those closest to me when I am feeling off, down, or struggling. I need to take time to recognize and address these feelings and not simply dismiss them or try to ignore them. I've learned that if one ignores such feelings, they become internalized and can wreak havoc on all parts of your health and life, if not addressed holistically and comprehensively. We are all human beings and emblematic of our inherent humanity are our emotions. The more we understand that and take that to heart, the better of we will be as will those around us.
Bio: Colin S. Levy is a lawyer, speaker, and author of The Legal Tech Ecosystem.Throughout his career, Colin has seen technology as a key driver in improving how legal services are performed. Because his career has spanned industries, he witnessed myriad issues, from a systemic lack of interest in technology to the high cost of legal services barring entry to consumers. Now, his mission is to bridge the gap between the tech world and the legal world, advocating for the ways technology can be a useful tool for the lawyer's toolbelt rather than a fear-inducing obstacle to effective
legal work.
This post is the first of an ongoing series. If you are in the legal profession and are interested in sharing your story, please submit a query here. If you are not sure about sharing your story, there is no shame in taking your time. For a bit of inspiration about the benefits it might offer, however, check out my post here.
Want to learn more about mindfulness and compassion? Check out my new book, How to Be a Badass Lawyer, for a simple guide to creating a meditation practice of your own in 30 days. And to share mindfulness with your little one, check out my new children's book, Mommy Needs a Minute.
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