In a landmark 2016 study supported by the American Bar Association, 11.4% of responding practicing attorneys reported suicidal thoughts during some portion of their legal career. Since the study’s publication, many groups in the legal profession have sought to address mental health concerns within the profession, most notably with the annual Lawyer Well-Being Week held .
Va. judge rules Black defendant can’t get a fair trial in courtroom largely featuring portraits of White judges Justin Jouvenal A Fairfax County judge has ruled that a Black defendant can’t get a fair trial in a courtroom decorated overwhelmingly with portraits of White judges and has ordered the paintings to be removed for the man’s upcoming legal proceeding. Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge David Bernhard wrote in an opinion issued late Monday that the portraits of past judges from the Fairfax County Circuit Court could create the impression that the court is biased. Bernhard wrote that he won’t allow any portraits to be on display for any trial he presides over.