Creating Greater Well-Being in the Legal Profession | A Client and Counsel Partnership Model

A Presentation Collaboration Series led by the MSBA Well-Being Committee

In a pioneering initiative, U.S. Bank and seven top law firms developed and implemented outside counsel engagement guidelines focused on well-being. These guidelines, addressing areas such as out-of-office norms and communication strategies, aim to positively influence lawyers’ daily lives and work culture.

Join Ben Carpenter from U.S. Bank, along with representatives from Dorsey & Whitney and Faegre Drinker who participated in the initiative, as they share the practical application and benefit of these guidelines. This program not only covers these innovative guidelines, but also provides a framework to initiate a cultural transformation within the legal industry, showing how making small changes to how we work together can drive real, meaningful change.

During this program, panelists will share their insights on how outside counsel well-being guidelines:

Catalyze Cultural Change: When change happens in the legal profession, it’s often (if not always) driven by clients. Learn how small, strategic changes, as outlined in the guidelines, can lead to significant shifts in legal practice culture.

Create Well-Being through Daily Interactions: Discover techniques for using everyday moments to improve well-being and fortify client-counsel relationships.

Drive Effective Communication: Explore methods to improve communication between clients and outside counsel to bolster well-being, prevent misunderstandings, manage expectations, and clarify needs.

Rely on Insights from Data: Analyze research, including Gallup studies, to understand the role of client influence on legal partners’ well-being and the effectiveness of the guidelines.

This program offers the unique opportunity to hear from those on the leading edge of client-driven well-being prioritization and focus. You’ll learn what works, what's still needed, and what it’s like to work in a client/counsel relationship where well-being guidelines are in place.

At this critical time in the “well-being movement,” client-driven change and innovation may be a missing piece in helping the legal profession transform into one in which lawyers and legal professionals can thrive, both professionally and personally.

This CLE is approved for credit through January 27, 2026.

Special Guest:
Welcome and introduction by Chief Justice Natalie E. Hudson

CLE Credits:
1.0 Standard CLE Credit approved | Event Code: 500665

Cost:
MSBA Members:  $29.95
Non-MSBA Members:  $64.95