The Wounded Attorney

In The Wounded Attorney, authors Young and Packman explore how mental health issues appear in the legal profession by examining attorney disbarment records and arguing for a therapeutic approach to attorney discipline that destigmatizes mental health issues.

[This book’s] value is in its collection of statistics, survey of the psychological literature, and understanding of the legal profession as woven together by authors who are lawyers and psychologists…. A real strength of the text, and the format through which it makes its point most forcefully, is a series of 38 case examples. These are derived from real issues that lawyers and disciplinary boards have confronted and help to contextualize an acutely problematic misunderstanding of mental disorder found among lawyers. The text concludes with recommendations based on the authors' observations and supported by the case examples…. Recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals.

The Wounded Attorney delves deep into the often overlooked intersection between psychology and law. This book highlights relevant research related to the impact of mental health on lawyers, and provides insight into issues prevalent within this sector of law and mental illness. Young and Packman give unique perspectives into the research and cases they analyze which provides increased insight into these prevalent and important issues. The authors provide wonderful commentary and thorough research on these issues, contributing to the much needed base of information within the intersection of psychology and law.

While the practice of law is often fraught with high levels of responsibility and pressure, the potential massive impact of these stressors on mental health is rarely discussed. Packman and Young take their vast understanding of the intersection of law and psychology to bring forth a book that should be required reading for all students seriously considering a legal career. Using illustrative case studies combined with current research, the authors underscore the importance of understanding mental health needs, specific support considerations, and best practices in discipline and treatment.

Catherine Young is licensed attorney and clinical psychologist.

Wendy Packman is professor emerita of psychology at Palo Alto University (PAU) and the director, emerita of the Joint JD-PhD program in psychology and law at PAU and Golden Gate University Law School.