With Regard to People:
Changes in behavior from the individual’s previously observed norm, which persist, worsen, or recur in a law setting such as:
1. Physical signs of alcohol or drug abuse (i.e., slurred speech, shaky movements, smell).
2. Delayed responses to e-mails or phone calls; missed appointments or deadlines.
3. Lack of preparation for meetings, conference calls, court appearances, etc.
4. Inattention to routine administrative activities, such as late or missing time, billing, or expense reports.
5. Unexplained absences or other changes in work habits, such as arriving early or working late.
6. Forgetfulness; misplaces files or other objects; disorganized.
7. Sudden weight gain or loss; deterioration in personal grooming or physical appearance.
8. Irritable, impatient, or angry behavior or unpredictable mood swings; nervous or agitated.
9. Social disengagement; lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
10. Displays poor judgment; defers to others in discussions and decision-making.
11. Suffers from fatigue, decreased energy, or lack of motivation; has difficulty concentrating.
12. Asks others (secretaries, paralegals, lawyers) to cover for the lawyer.
13. Evidence of financial problems, such as unusual requests for advances.
Source: ALAS, Inc. – Warning Signs of
Possible Impairment
With Regard to Clients:
1. Clients switching lawyers.
2. Sudden unexplained changes with clients, or “noisy withdrawals” by their counsel or accountants.
3. Smelly clients doing questionable things.
4. Clients raising funds with other people’s money.
5. Pie in the sky deals.
6. Unknown prospective clients not willing to pay reasonable retainers.
7. Keeping information from you.
8. Untruthful statements or documents.
Be careful out there. Watch out.
Sources (from ALAS, Inc.):
Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s disease, available at http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/basics/symptoms/coin-20023871?p=1
(last visited Mar. 6, 2014)
Alzheimer’s Association, 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s, available at http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp
(last visited Mar. 6, 2014)
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., Signs and Symptoms, available at http://www.ncadd.org/index.php/learn-about-alcohol/signs-and-symptoms and http://ncadd.org/index.php/learn-about-drugs/signs-and-symptoms (last visited Mar. 6, 2014)
Symptoms of Depression, WebMD, available at http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression
(last visited Mar. 6, 2014)
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