Finding Purpose Through Pain: Dan Lukasik on Depression, Service, and Connection

Tim welcomes Dan Lukasik, former trial lawyer, law professor, and Judicial Wellness Coordinator for New York State, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about mental health in the legal profession. With over 30 years of experience as a trial lawyer and decades of advocacy in mental health, Dan brings a unique perspective shaped by both professional insight and lived experience. After being diagnosed with depression 25 years ago, he founded Lawyers With Depression, one of the first platforms dedicated to mental health in law.Tim and Dan explore the unique pressures faced by lawyers and judges, including isolation, high-stakes decision-making, and the ethical constraints that can limit connection and support. They talk about generational shifts in how mental health is perceived, the importance of early education in law schools, and why many lawyers struggle in silence until a breaking point. Dan also opens up about the profound personal loss of his brother to bipolar disorder, which led to the creation of the documentary My Brother Lost in Time, and a second documentary, Travels with George, which tells the story of an unlikely and transformative friendship. Through these relationships, Dan highlights the healing power of connection, purpose, and service, especially in combating the isolation that often accompanies depression.This episode is a moving exploration of resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of building a more compassionate legal profession.About Dan LukasikDan Lukasik is a former trial lawyer with over 30 years of experience and currently serves as the Judicial Wellness Coordinator for the New York State Unified Court System, supporting approximately 1,600 judges.He is the founder of Lawyers With Depression, a widely recognized platform dedicated to supporting mental health in the legal profession. Dan is also a law professor at the University at Buffalo, where he teaches a course on mental health and well-being in law.A nationally recognized speaker and advocate, Dan has been at the forefront of the mental health movement in law for decades. His work includes producing two documentaries exploring his personal journey with mental health, connection, and healing.Resources discussed in this episode:My Brother Lost in Time: A Bipolar Life (documentary)Travels with George (documentary)—Contact Tim Culbert: LinkedInPurvis Culbert Law LinkedInInstagramFacebookContact Dan Lukasik: Website: Buffalo Depression ProjectWebsite: Lawyers With DepressionInstagramLinkedin