The State Bar of Michigan announced on Mar. 25 that its Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program will begin offering two free, confidential virtual support groups for attorneys starting April 7. The initiative aims to help legal professionals manage stress, enhance well-being, and connect with peers.
The program matters because attorneys often face unique pressures in their work, which can impact both personal health and professional performance. Providing a structured environment for peer support is intended to address these challenges.
According to the announcement, one group will meet on Tuesdays and the other on Wednesdays via Zoom from 6-7 p.m., with each session facilitated by a Clinical Case Manager from the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program. Topics covered over the eight-week series include identifying personal strengths, addressing the myth of work-life balance, practicing mindfulness, developing distress tolerance skills such as distraction and relaxation techniques, managing impulsivity during crises, reframing stressful situations, and discussing profession-specific stressors.
Participation is flexible; interested attorneys may join at any point during the eight weeks without being required to attend every session. To register or obtain more information about these virtual support groups, individuals are encouraged to contact LJAP at contactljap@michbar.org or call (800) 996-5522.
This effort reflects ongoing recognition within the legal community of the importance of mental health resources tailored specifically for those working in law.
