Photo by Krists Luhaers via Unsplash

SUMMER WELL-BEING SERIES FROM THE STATES

To support wellness initiatives across the country, IWIL is compiling a resource list of summer group series from state bar associations and their affiliated lawyer assistance and/or wellness programs. Promoting community over competition, this resource aims to expand awareness and increase access. The catalog of groups is available to the public, showcasing free wellness programs produced specifically for lawyers across the country. As the content is finalized, check out the featured groups happening this summer. For bar associations and affiliated lawyer assistance and/or wellness programs, please send updated information to Jennifer Clayton (jclayton@nysba.org).

ARKANSAS – Free to legal professionals

Arkansas is offering a group series entitled “The Shame Train,” hosted on Wednesdays from July 9^th to August 27^th. This group explores the deep-rooted impacts of shame, facilitated by a licensed mental health professional.

• More information: Arkansas JLAP: Summer Group

FLORIDA – Free and available to all Florida legal professionals

The Florida Bar Association’s Lawyer Assistance Program has weekly groups focused on specific mental health diagnoses and stress management. There are also weekly groups for specific roles, such as law students, paralegals, caregivers, and working mothers.

• More information: Florida Bar Association – LAP Groups

MICHIGAN – Free to Michigan lawyers

The State Bar of Michigan’s Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program is offering a free, confidential virtual support group for attorneys to help each other work through stress, improve their overall well-being to maximize professional competency, and connect with their peers. Beginning on July 9^th, these virtual groups will be offered every Wednesday through August.

• More information: Michigan Bar Association – Summer Group
• Email Molly Ranns: mranns@michbar.org

MONTANA – Free and Available to Montana Legal Professionals

The Montana Lawyer Assistance Program offers a few groups on the topic of wellness and recovery. There is an addiction support group on Tuesdays at noon, and a Mental Health and Well-Being support group on Wednesdays at noon. Thursdays at noon are dedicated to a weekly women’s group.

• More information: State Bar of Montana – LAP
• Call Mike Larson for the Recovery and Wellness groups: (406) 660-1181
• Call Ann Goldes-Sheahan for the Women’s group: (406) 447-2201

NEVADA – Free and available to legal professionals

The Nevada Lawyer and Judge Assistance Program offers a weekly meeting for stress and anxiety. Hosted by the LAP Director, this is a closed-door meeting for attorneys to discuss how to navigate stressors in both their personal and professional lives. The group meets every Tuesday at 5:30 pm on Zoom.

• More Information: Nevada LAP – Wellness Resources

NEW JERSEY – Free and available to lawyers

The New Jersey Lawyer’s Assistance Program is hosting a pop-up event for all groups on July 19^th. This virtual event will feature offerings from the Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers groups, as well as specific groups for both men and women. Registration for the groups opens soon.

• More information: New Jersey LAP: Summer Pop-up Event

NEW YORK – Free and available to all

The New York State Bar Association is offering weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly groups on various pillars of wellness. As a community-based approach to productivity, a co-working group meets every Tuesday afternoon. Weekly meditations are offered every Friday afternoon and facilitated by trained legal professionals. There is a bi-weekly somatic healing group facilitated by a lawyer trained in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as Tapping. There is also a new monthly self-care group starting on July 9^th, as well as a monthly student support group scheduled to begin in the fall.

• Register for individual sessions on the NYSBA – Event Calendar or,
• Email Jennifer Clayton: jclayton@nysba.org for direct access.

TEXAS – Free and available to all Texas Attorneys

In addition to statewide recovery groups, the Texas Bar Association’s Lawyer Assistance Program offers Monday Night Wellness Rallies at 6:30 pm, Wellness Wednesdays, and a group for attorneys with depression. These groups are designed to foster peer connection within the legal community, providing comprehensive support for a range of topics.

• Learn more: Texas Bar Association – LAP Groups

SOUTH DAKOTA – Free and anonymous

The South Dakota Bar Association promotes a virtual coffee break every other Thursday at noon. There is an option to maintain anonymity, and the intention is to bring legal professionals together to support one another during the busy workday and in chaotic times.

• Learn more: South Dakota Bar Association – Legal Community Assistance
• Email: lawyersconcernedforlawyers@gmail.com

WASHINGTON

The Washington State Bar Association is hosting a meditation workshop this summer, running on Thursdays at noon through the end of July. Rev. Soko Mackay will guide the meditation workshop, which was specifically designed for busy legal professionals. Discover how Zen practices can help you reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve productivity in your high-pressure environment.

• Learn more: Washing Bar Association: Member Wellness Program
• Email Adely Ruiz: adelyr@wsba.org

Be Part of the Well-Being Movement

Join IWIL today as a member for full access to on-demand presentations, workshop materials, well-being resources, networking opportunities, and more.

About the Author

Jennifer Clayton works as the Attorney Well-Being Program Manager for the New York State Bar Association. As a licensed social worker, her past experiences fuel a strong passion for burnout prevention and self-care.