Justice Solomon Named Chair of Supreme Court Committee on Wellness in the Law

Chief Justice Stuart Rabner today announced the formation of a special committee that will develop recommendations to support the mental health of attorneys, judges, and other members of the legal community.

The Supreme Court Committee on Wellness in the Law will be chaired by Justice Lee A. Solomon and will include representatives from the New Jersey State Bar Association and other legal associations, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of the Public Defender, as well as Administrative Director of the Courts Glenn A. Grant and Monmouth Vicinage Assignment Judge Lisa Thornton.

The announcement came this afternoon at an event, held at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex, dedicated to attorney wellness. More than 500 people participated in person and online.

“Today marks the beginning of an important conversation designed to raise awareness of the many issues facing law students, paralegals, attorneys, and judges. The Committee will work to develop a comprehensive understanding of both the challenges faced by members of the legal community and the resources available to deal with those challenges, so that we can learn how to take better care of ourselves and one another,” Chief Justice Rabner said.

The broad-based committee will examine the specific risks faced by all law professionals and the resources available for dealing with heightened rates of mental health challenges, substance abuse, and self-harm, so that it can identify strategies to address unmet mental health needs.

The committee will also analyze the obstacles confronted by law practitioners of color and other historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, as well as the risks that disproportionately affect solo and small firm practitioners.