IBA Annual Conference Mexico City 2024

15 Sep - 20 Sep 2024

PALACIO DE CANAL 1, LEVEL E1

Session information

The loneliness of the long-distance lawyer: remote practice and attorney wellbeing

Tuesday 17 September (1615 - 1730)

PALACIO DE CANAL 1, LEVEL E1

Committee(s)

IBA Professional Wellbeing Commission (Lead)
IBA Legal Policy & Research Unit

Description

Wellbeing in the legal profession is being challenged by a growing tension between those who prefer to work remotely and those who are seeking to restore in-office presence. The advantage of remote practice eliminates time lost in commute for many, as well as providing a certain flexibility in the work-life balance. On the other hand, the give and take, as well as mentoring, among lawyers and the sense of working within a team is missed by others. Of concern is the growing research and publicity about alienation in society as a whole. Those working in the legal profession around the world are already challenged by factors unique to the practice of law, this concern of the impact of remoteness is not limited to them. However, as part of the overall mix, the question is whether remote working it is taking a toll on wellbeing and what can be done about it. The panel will discuss this increasingly public phenomenon in connection with the overall work of the IBA Wellbeing Commission and provide expert speakers in an interactive forum that encourages audience participation.

Session / Workshop Chair(s)

Deborah Enix-Ross Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, New York, New York, USA; Co-opted Member, Credentials Committee
Steven Richman American Bar Association, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chair, Bar Issues Commission Policy Committee

Speakers

Rossana Di Lieto Ontario Teacher's Pension Plan, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Christopher Owen , London, England; Member, European Regional Forum Advisory Board
Desi Vlahos Australian College of Applied Professions, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Co-Vice Chair , Academic and Professional Development Committee