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he doesn’t have work. People are doing what they
have to do to feed their families.”

Courthouse closures, municipal lockdowns and
economic uncertainty contribute to a nagging
anxiety, which led McPadden to start an attorney
COVID-19 support group.

To date, McPadden said, 18 lawyers have signed
up—mostly personal injury attorneys.

‘Waves of Depression’
The support group will be held at 4 p.m. virtu-
ally, every other Tuesday beginning Sept. 15. The
first 30 minutes of the Zoom meeting will identify Leslie Gold McPadden. Courtesy photo

key problems, while the next 30 will see participants “It’s the worst I’ve seen it in the 30 years I’ve been
work together for solutions. practicing,” he said. “Things are grinding to a halt,
“I get a sense that there are waves of depression but they will pick up again. At least, that is the hope.”
among attorneys out there,” McPadden said Thurs- Casey, a personal injury lawyer, expects the sup-
day. “My response to them is to let’s get together, port group to help many attorneys by letting them
connect, commiserate a bit, and try to be supportive know they are not alone in their worries.
of each other.” “One thing we will get out of these meetings is ca-
Uncertainty is the main stressor. maraderie,” he said. “It’s important to know that you
“The No. 1 worry out there is that the bigger jury are not the only one facing these problems. Business
trials have been moved to the spring, but perhaps is grinding to a halt for everyone, not just you.”
they won’t even take place then,” McPadden said. Casey said he hopes to come away from the at-
“We just don’t know when jurors torney support group gatherings
will feel comfortable sitting. The “taking the pulse of the future of
cases just sit there.” the practice from different attor-
Another big worry: change. neys.”
“What will life look like for “I also hope to get insights
personal injury lawyers and their “It’s the worst I’ve seen it about our business,” he said.
firms a year down the road?” Mc- in the 30 years I’ve been
Padden said. “Some might not Attorney Jean Hamer, a defense
make it. Personal injury attorneys practicing,” said West personal injury lawyer and senior
Hartford solo practitioner counsel with Hickey Smith, said

thrive on activity and there is not Peter Casey. “Things are she’ll be attending the support

as much activity now, as there grinding to a halt.” groups “to learn what other peo-
normally would be. We are seeing ple are doing to change and adapt
more motor vehicle cases, but it’s to the COVID times.”
still greatly diminished from what “It’s also important to be part
it used to be.” of a community and to have that
connection with your peers,” she said. “All attorneys
are in this together.”
Worst in 30 Years ¦
West Hartford solo practitioner Peter Casey said
the current atmosphere was “like being on a roller Robert Storace covers legal trends, lawsuits and
coaster.” analysis for the Connecticut Law Tribune. Follow
Casey is scheduled to take part in the Sept. 15 at- him on Twitter @RobertSCTLaw or reach him at
torney COVID-19 support group. 203-437-5950.

CONNECTICUT
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