Your well-being is important to us
The legal profession is demanding of our time, attention, and energy, which can exact its toll on our physical and mental health. JLAP's staff can help you learn about new ways to merge healthier living with your legal practice. By implementing simple daily wellness strategies, you can better manage the inevitable stress that accompanies the practice of law.
Also see the Institute for Well-Being in Law.
- Mindfulness
An Introduction to the Brahmavihāras: For Lawyers, Law Students, & Judicial Officers
Longtime JLAP volunteer Jill Carnell has recently completed her masters degree in mindfulness studies. In her academic paper she outlines the research around the tremendous suffering the legal profession is experiencing.MILS Guided Meditation
The Mindfulness in Law Society (MILS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to educate, coordinate and promote activities in the legal profession relating to mindfulness meditation, yoga, and other contemplative practices. Find upcoming virtual events with MILS open to ANYONE. - Stress, anxiety, and depression
The demands of the legal profession are real—deadlines, court dates, and hearings, to name a few—and can lead to anxiety, stress, and depression. Research shows that 46% of attorneys experience depression at some point in their career. Factors that can contribute to depression include a persistent high level of stress, a pessimistic outlook developed through law school and practice, long hours, and a low tolerance for failure. JLAP's staff includes professionals with clinical training and those who have lived with anxiety and depression. We provide individual and group support as well as referrals to other professionals and resources.
Mental Health America of Indiana
An affiliate of Mental Health AmericaNational Institute of Mental Health
National Institutes of HealthLawyers with Depression
Articles, information, and resources for attorneys coping with depression.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you are in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or TTY: 1-800-799-4889Facts About Anxiety Disorders
From the National Institute of Mental Health - Substance use and addiction
A recent study by the American Bar Association and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation found that approximately 21% of participating attorneys scored consistent with drinking that is hazardous, harmful, or otherwise generally consistent with alcohol use disorder. For lawyers under age 30 or in practice less than 10 years, the rate of problem drinking rises to almost 1 in 3. JLAP provides individual and group support as well as referrals to professionals who are familiar with the challenges of the legal profession. JLAP also can provide referrals to professionals who treat process addictions, such as gambling, internet, sex, and pornography.
The Besden Redemption
Laurie Besden is an attorney and the Executive Director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania. Laurie had a privileged upbringing. She graduated college with a 3.97 GPA, and was in the top 15% of her law school class. On paper, Laurie is the definition of success. Laurie is also a drug addict. In "The Besden Redemption," Laurie candidly shares her remarkable story of crippling addiction, and ultimately, redemption.AlcoholScreening.org
A service of Join Together, a project of the Boston University School of Public Health.Love First Website
Intervention for Alcoholism and Drug AddictionAlcoholics Anonymous (AA) - Indiana
Local Resources that provide AA meeting informationAlcoholics Anonymous (AA) - Indianapolis
Local information and a link to the AA General Service OfficeNarcotics Anonymous (NA) - Central Indiana
Local information and a link to NA Global ServicesNarcotics Anonymous (NA) - Indiana Region
Links to NA Indiana Area ServicesSMART Recovery®
Assistance with recovery from addictive behaviors - Aging and cognitive decline
As attorneys age, some develop a loss of cognitive abilities, which impacts their competency in handling client matters. Unfortunately, some lawyers are finding themselves in the disciplinary system often because of some of these health issues, which go deeper than just having a forgetful memory. Missing deadlines, forgetting court dates, losing case files, and lack of comprehension of facts are just a few examples of problems that have resulted in grievances being filed against an attorney in these circumstances. JLAP can help through education and other resources.
Alzheimer's Association
Greater Indiana Chapter - Compassion fatigue and secondary trauma
Any lawyer who works with people in distress on a regular basis is exposed to secondary trauma which may result in compassion fatigue and significantly decrease effectiveness at work and in life. This can impact professional conduct, including competence, diligence, and communication. JLAP’s team is here to help legal professionals recognize when their work is impacting them in ways that reduce effectiveness and develop plans to increase their resilience and mitigate their risk of developing compassion fatigue.
- Caregiving, grief, and other situational stressors
Life doesn’t stop for the practice of law, and issues such as relationships, parenting, caregiving, and grief can impact legal professionals personally and professionally. JLAP staff is here to provide support and connection for those experiencing bumps in the road of life.
Because of the sensitive nature of mental health and substance use issues, law students, attorneys, or judges who need help—or want to assist someone else who might need help—are often reluctant to seek assistance. Recognizing this concern, and in order to foster early and confidential contact, the Indiana Supreme Court authorized the creation of JLAP with the passage of Rule 31 of the Indiana Rules on Admission to the Bar and Discipline of Attorneys.