About Lawyering While Human

Profile of Founder and Chief Enthusiasm Officer, Mike Kasdan

Mike is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and received his J.D. from NYU School of Law, where he now teaches as an Adjunct Professor.  He has worked in law firms (large, mid-sized, and small), practicing IP litigation for over 20 years. Mike is presently a partner in the IP Group at Wiggin and Dana LLP in their NYC office, and has served on their diversity and pro bono committees. 


For the last ten years, Mike has also been in leadership at The Good Men Project, where he has served numerous roles on both the editorial and business side, including editing and running its mental health section, and now serves as Director of Special Projects (and Sr. Sports Editor).  He has written articles, appeared on television, radio, and podcasts, developed videos and social media campaigns (#NotWeakJustHuman, #WeRageForLove), and created and led training and workshop groups focused on mental health for over a decade. 

Follow Mike on Socials

 

Most recently, Mike has married his interests in mental health advocacy and the legal industry under the umbrella of Lawyering While Human, which he founded in 2022. In this regard, he also serves on the Communications Committee of The Institute for Well-Being In Law. His own personal experience with depression, while working as a practicing lawyer, has given him some unique insights, and he is happy to have this opportunity to share his perspective and what he has learned with others in the field.

Certifications & Honors

Certifications:

  • Mental Health First Aid (“MHFA”) (April, 2022)

  • Question, Persuade, Refer, Ask a Question, Save a Life, QPR Institute (October, 2022)

Honors/Memberships:

  • Member, Institute for Well-Being In Law, Communications Committee (2021-2022)

  • Well-Being Mentor for Integrative Law Course at Quinnipiac University Law School (Prof. J. Kim Wright, Fall 2022)

  • Well-Being Accountability Mentor for Integrative Law Course (Prof. Kara Perry, Spring 2023)

  • Ambassador, This Can Happen (August, 2022 - ) 

  • Judge, This Can Happen Global Workplace Well-Being Awards, 2022

  • Board Member, Peace Harmony Joy Foundation (August, 2022 - )

  • Affiliate Member, NYC Bar Lawyer Assistance Program Committee (May, 2022 - )

  • Co-Chair Mindfulness and Mental Health Sub-Committee, American IP Lawyers Association (AIPLA) Committee on the Profession (Feb, 2023 - )

  • Selected Expert, NALP Professional Development Committee (May, 2022) (mental health and wellbeing, diversity equity and inclusion, leadership and cultural/institutional change)

What Fellow Legal Professionals Have to Say

  • Mike has opened up the conversation about being vulnerable, about mental health, and how lawyers can support each other. He's talking about this worldwide - and it's rippling out.

    I hope that the legal profession in every country will relax a little, be kinder, become more open, become more.... dare I say it.... HUMAN.

    Thank you Mike for stepping forward and being that light so we can all see ourselves.

    - Animah Kosai

  • Mike Kasdan is creating a world where we all have permission to be more human. Every day I’m deeply grateful for his work growing a more vibrant working world of expression and connection. You’re one of the best, Mike!

    - Mark Greene

  • I admire him a lot because he decided to take a step forward in the legal industry and send a strong message to the business world: it's okay to talk about mental health in the workplace.

    Furthermore, considering that he is a partner of a big law firm, his actions have an incredible impact on young lawyers.

    - Manel Atserias Luque

  • Thoughtfulness, compassion, authenticity - these words come to mind when I think about Mike Kasdan. As a speaker, Mike has a gift for sharing his experiences with others in a way that is relatable, demonstrating how certain moments in one's professional life transcend the individual and have the power to unite attorneys as humans, above all else.

    - Gabriella C. DiSilvio, Esq.

  • So proud of my friend @michaelkasdan who has taken his own story of depression and mental health and used it as a narrative to help fellow lawyers and all humans. #Mentalhealth IS health - for lawyers and everyone! You're killing it, buddy!

    - JM Stebbins

  • Michael Kasdan is a hero in this movement, one truly remarkable & courageous human being, to champion this cause & not back down, putting the reality & the facts in the face of law.

    - Anne L. Christman

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