Virtual Isolation: Is Hyperconnectivity Helping or Harming the Workers’ Compensation Professional?

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Virtual Isolation: Is Hyperconnectivity Helping or Harming the Workers’ Compensation Professional?

Program Originally Presented Friday, March 27, 2026

Since the litigation of workers’ compensation claims has transitioned predominantly to virtual practice, and we stopped to think about what we look at most during the day, the answer would likely not be our family or friends, nor our clients or colleagues. The most probable option would be our desktop, laptop or mobile phone. Smartphones are now our companions for work, social, leisure and even family life. Though virtual practice has many benefits, including streamlined and efficient adjudication of claims, it may also lead to feelings of being simultaneously connected and isolated. Practitioners today are never “turned off.” Like our devices, we only go on standby at the end of the day, as we crawl into bed exhausted. 

Gradual, incremental increases in responsibilities, duties, pressures and demands upon lawyers, at home and at work, combined with long workdays and weeks, has placed our profession at risk. This is especially true with the reintroduction of in-person events at a greater frequency which entails greater demands on the practitioner’s time. Between virtual work which allows for 24/7 reachability and the time demands reintroduction to in-person events requires, at some point work may dominate our lives and keep us at a chronically elevated level of distress; yet we are often unaware that we have lost balance in our lives. Since it does not appear that the “always-on” culture will be switching off any time soon, we need to develop key strategies that can help safeguard our personal life.

Recent studies have shown that there has been a dramatic increase in impairment due to alcoholism, addiction, and mental health disorders among members of the legal profession. The statistics are compelling and clearly indicate that 1 out of 3 attorneys may have a need for substance use or mental health services at some point in their careers.

And Technology? What role does it play in perpetuating this public health crisis?

Panelists will address:

• The early warning signs of impairment, with special emphasis on stress, anxiety and trauma, including the mental health impact of technology in the post-virtual practice world.
• The ethical challenges created by virtual practice, including the role technology plays, and its possible long-lasting effect on the legal profession.
• A close look at what barriers exist that prevent lawyers and judges from seeking the help they need and the role that education plays in breaking the stigma and fear associated with addiction and mental illness in the legal profession.
• The free services that Lawyers Assistance Programs provide to lawyers, judges, their family members, and law students.
• Wellness strategies recommended for legal professionals and their families.

Attend this program to examine how the rise of virtual practice and constant connectivity is impacting the mental health and well-being of workers’ compensation professionals and learn strategies for maintaining balance in today’s legal landscape.

Panelists:
Joseph A. Conlan, Esq.
Partner, Martin Law

Valerie H. Lieberman, Esq.
Naulty, Scaricamazza & McDevitt, LLC

Brian S. Quinn, Esq.
Education and Outreach Coordinator
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL) of Pennsylvania

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