News

• Preliminary Findings from the Hispanic Lawyers Wellness Study Highlight Mental Health Challenges
  

By Raul Ayala, JD and Matt Thiese, MSPH, Ph.D.

The legal profession is notorious for its high-pressure environment, long working hours, and emotional strain, but new research from the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) in collaboration with the Institute for Well-being in Law (IWIL) and Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH) is shedding light on the unique challenges faced by Hispanic lawyers. Preliminary results from the first ever Hispanic Lawyers Wellness Study reveal significant levels of burnout, depression, and anxiety among Hispanic legal professionals, calling attention to an urgent need for tailored mental health interventions within the profession.

• Health and the Happy Lawyer: Six Simple Wellness Hacks for More Energy and Less Stress
  

By Missy Chase Lapine, The Functional Health Coach

Imagine a world where lawyers are among the happiest and healthiest professionals—where stress and time sheets don’t overshadow your passion for the law. What if we could redefine the narrative and prioritize well-being in our demanding field? You’re part of a new generation and a transformative culture of lawyers. This week and for the next 5 weeks, challenge yourself to take one small step each day toward that vision. Join the IWIL mission and be a catalyst for change, not just for yourself, but for your colleagues and the profession as a whole. Together, we can build a community that supports health, happiness, and overall well-being. It’s easier than you might think…

• Moving the Needle: From Performative to Active Allyship Part 2

By Mason J. Dunn, JD

With June’s Pride celebrations behind us, now is the time to reflect, and consider actionable ways the legal community might move the needle from performative allyship to something deeper and meaningful, especially in today’s frightening anti-LGBTQ+ political climate. Attorney and educator Mason Dunn provides practical ideas and includes helpful resources in “Moving the Needle: From Performative to Active Allyship, Part 2”

• Leading with Heart: Practical Strategies for Legal Workplaces

Jonathan Fisher, MD, FACC

Dr. Jonathan Fisher, cardiologist, author, mindfulness meditation teacher, and organizational well-being leader, shares the timeless traits of the heart that create healthy, thriving legal professionals and flourishing workplaces. Motivated by his mission to help “train the mind and heal the heart” and what he discovered through his own healing journey, he outlines an evidence-based approach to wholehearted living in Leading with Heart: Practical Strategies for Legal Workplaces.

• Moving the Needle: From Performative to Active Allyship, Part 1

By Mason J. Dunn, JD

June’s Pride Month can highlight active, meaningful, and authentic allyship for trans and gender diverse people. But it also exposes a unique but growing challenge: performative allyship. Lawyer and educator Mason Dunn shares their experience and asks the legal community to assess how we, advocates committed to justice, can do better in and for our communities.