Support groups can offer significant benefits for attorneys, including enhanced emotional support, improved stress management, and increased resilience. Attorneys often experience high levels of stress and burnout, which can be mitigated through peer support. Additionally, support groups foster communication skills and provide a safe space for discussing professional challenges, leading to greater overall job satisfaction and mental well-being. By sharing experiences and coping strategies, attorneys can reduce feelings of isolation and develop a sense of community, ultimately improving their professional effectiveness.
The D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program offers several free and confidential online support groups designed to help D.C. Bar members and law students find support and connection.
Current Support Groups:
To join, fill out a short form and a member of our LAP team will be in touch with details.
For questions or more information, please contact us at [email protected]
D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program Lawyer Wellness Support Group
Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET
The D.C. Bar LAP welcomes D.C. Bar members and law students (who are enrolled in D.C. law schools and intend to become D.C. Bar members) to join our free and confidential discussion group. This group is designed for D.C. Bar members to find support and connection during challenging times for legal professionals.
We meet to discuss ideas about:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress and burnout
- Other mental health issues
D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program Women’s Support Group
The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each months at 12 p.m. ET via Zoom
The D.C. Bar LAP welcomes D.C. Bar members and law students (who are enrolled in D.C. law schools and intend to become D.C. Bar members) to attend our bi-monthly women’s support group. Each month we will address a specific topic related to the challenges that women face in the legal profession; you are not alone. Join us for confidential support and connection in a group aimed at the experience of women+. All self-identified cis and trans women are welcome.
Find support and connection with other women attorneys who face unique challenges in the legal profession such as:
- Managing expectations
- Pervasive sexism/emotional gymnastics
- Perfectionism
- Imposter syndrome
- Dealing with uncertainty
- Anxiety/depression
- Confidence
- Burnout
- Penalties for parenthood
- Career advancement barriers
- Self-compassion
D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program Bar Prep Group, a 4-week series
Sessions will be held weekly via Zoom at 4 p.m. ET leading up to the February and July bar exams
The D.C. Bar LAP welcomes recent graduates who are preparing to take the D.C. or UBE exam to participate in a four session support group. The group is designed to provide mental health tools to help navigate the stressors of the bar exam process. (While participants would benefit from all four sessions, attendance at all three is not required.)
Please join peers for this free and confidential support facilitated by Jessie Joachim, LPC and Sharon Greenbaum, LICSW.
Sessions will be held weekly via Zoom at 4 p.m. ET.
During the group meetings, we will explore a variety of topics including:
- Reduce test anxiety
- Back to basics: sharpen your tool (brain)
- Tame the shame: why self-compassion is a tool for resilience
- Build coping strategies for test day
D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program ADHD Support Group
This group meets on the third Thursday of every month at 1p.m. ET on Zoom
The D.C. Bar LAP welcomes D.C. Bar members and law students (who are enrolled in D.C. law schools and intend to become D.C. Bar members) to join our free and confidential group. ADHD can feel like a burden or a superpower. This support group is a free and confidential space designed for lawyers and law students who are dealing with the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD. Join us to connect with peers, share experiences, and harness your unique abilities in a supportive environment. Please note that you don't need a formal diagnosis to participate.
