Apparently, not everyone got that the ABA Journal’s “Lawyer of the Year” is kind of like Time’s “Person of the Year.” In other words: no, people, this is not an award honoring the erstwhile AG for being such a mensch.

CARYN TAMBER, Legal Affairs Writer

Tomorrow night should be hopping.

At least, according to Evite.com, which reports that 100,000 e-mailed invitations have been sent through the site for 100,000 parties on Dec. 15.

Me? I’ll be home, avoiding the impending wintry mix.

JACKIE SAUTER, Multimedia Editor 

Soaring gold prices have lifted Duckburg’s Scrooge McDuck to the top of the Forbes’ “fictional 15″ this year.

Even Forbes notes that the duck’s hoard of coins and bullion – estimated at almost $30B – is “more than you can shake a tail feather at.” It’s worth following this link to read the rags-to-riches story of the Scottish-born duck.

Here’s the list:

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Our Maryland Business Friday feature story today highlights The Leffler Agency‘s 400-person holiday soiree – one of Baltimore’s annual traditions.

I was struck by a quote from one attendee:

“I literally changed my vacation plans because I’ve missed the party for the last three years,” said Roy Deutschman, an account executive for WERQ–FM 92.3 and WOLB-AM 1010 in Baltimore who rescheduled a trip to Italy just so he could party down with Leffler and friends.

Now, I’m sure the party spared no expense – but rescheduling a trip to Italy? It’s hard for me to imagine that. If I hadn’t attended The Daily Record’s, I would have missed out on a great buffet, an open bar, and a few memorable karaoke performances. But I don’t think it could hold a candle to a trip to Italy.

Did your holiday party offer up a truly can’t-miss opportunity? (Remember, you don’t need to provide your name to comment here).

Maybe something as regrettable as this YouTube clip?

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JACKIE SAUTER, Multimedia Editor

The legal field is notorious for being filled with Type-A personalities. But the same traits that drive many to succeed in the profession may also lead to something many lawyers choose to remain silent about: depression.

An article in The Wall Street Journal this week addressed the negative impact that the lack of discussion about mental health has on lawyers. Many attorneys choose to remain silent about their suffering, something which James Webb, a partner at McAfee & Taft in Oklahoma, is trying to change. After almost committing suicide himself, Webb is speaking about his own bout with depression in hopes that it will encourage others to seek help before it’s too late.

According to the article, leading researchers have found that about 19 percent of lawyers suffer from depression, and one in five is a problem drinker. Possible causes of the tendency for attorneys to suffer from depression include the adversarial nature of the profession and the constant pressure to bill as many hours as possible.

Does your firm provide mental health services, and if so, would you be comfortable utilizing them? How about the MSBA’s Lawyer Assistance Program? Why do you think so many lawyers want to keep quiet about their battle with depression?

CHRISTINA DORAN, Assistant Legal Editor