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The Dave Nee Foundation’s Uncommon Counsel Program achieved its primary goal for 2010 this spring by speaking to each first year student at Fordham Law School about law students’ susceptibility to depression, available assistance in the Fordham Law community, and the effectiveness of treatment. Board Members Andrew Sparkler, David Stoner, Wynne Kelly, Erica Sparkler, Anne Buckman, and former Board Member Mike Stanitski all shared Dave Nee’s story, explained the statistics and research regarding law school and depression, and distributed brochures outlining specific resources available on campus and in the New York legal community. The feedback received from students, faculty, and administration has been incredible and we look forward to continuing this program and expanding it to additional law schools immediately.

Additionally, Andrew Sparkler, President of the Foundation, spoke to the Queens County Bar Association. The New York Lawyers’ Assistance Trust invited Andrew to serve on a panel that led a discussion regarding various issues facing lawyers. Andrew addressed the high rates of depression in the legal community and the need for vigilance, effective treatment, and elimination of the stigma associated with depression, particularly among lawyers.