Today, we must report on some unfortunate news from New York, where an associate in Dechert’s New York office was found dead just last week. Sources say the associate died by suicide.
Cameron Schladenhauffen, 31, a 2015 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, was an associate at Dechert, where he worked in the firm’s real estate practice group, concentrating on commercial real estate finance. Schladenhauffen had lateraled to the firm from Dentons a little over one year ago.
Insiders tell us that Schladenhauffen was incredibly stressed at the firm, but “had to keep working as he deteriorated mentally.” According to one of his fellow associates, “We all knew he was cracking, but we thought he’d probably just quit eventually.” Others lamented that if only Schladenhauffen had been given a leave of absence, perhaps he’d still be with us today.
A spokesperson from the firm released this statement on Schladenhauffen’s death:
We are profoundly saddened about Cameron’s passing, which is a loss to all who knew him at the firm. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
Cameron Schladenhauffen (Photo via LinkedIn)
Lawyers are more likely to suffer from depression than any other profession, but they often suffer in silence for fear of alerting their colleagues about their mental health conditions. It should be easier for lawyers to take leaves of absence from their firms, and the incredible mental health resources out there for attorneys who need them should be highlighted by their firms. For example, the Lawyers Depression Project is an online support group for lawyers and other members of the legal profession that was started by a Biglaw partner with depression. The stigma against seeking — and providing — help must come to an end. Life is more than a billable hour, and law firms should acknowledge the fact that they must help attorneys in need of mental health assistance.
We here at Above the Law would like to extend our condolences to Cameron Schladenhauffen’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
If you or someone you know is depressed and in need help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or a lawyer assistance program in your state (don’t be fooled by the name; these programs also provide services to law students). Remember that you are loved, so please reach out if you need assistance.
Staci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.
Overworked, Young Biglaw Associate Dies By Suicide In New York curated from Above the Law
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