Wellness Resources

It is no secret that the adversarial nature of the legal profession presents unique challenges. In fact, studies have documented that lawyers struggle with mental health issues at levels substantially higher than both the general population and other highly educated professionals, and that they are more than twice as likely to contemplate suicide as compared to the general population. The TBA has developed this page of resources to help lawyers, legal employers and law students educate themselves about wellness issues and encourage those who are facing difficult situations to reach out for help.


Resources from the TBA

Attorney Well Being Committee – The Attorney Well Being Committee works to enhance the understanding of issues associated with well-being through education and other awareness activities. The committee also explores programs, accumulates data and provides analysis to enhance attorney well-being.

Tennessee Bar Journal Articles – Read articles written for the Tennessee Bar Journal over the years about attorney well-being:

TBA Law Blog – Wellness articles that have run in past issues of TBA Today are available in the TBA Law Blog. 

TBA HealthyBar Podcast – This show from the TBA Podcast Network focuses on attorney well-being, offering best practices and tips to keep lawyers healthy.

TBA Well-Being CLE – The TBA offers a number of continuing education programs on wellness and well-being topics. See those currently available.


Resources from Other Organization

Institute for Well-Being in Law – The Institute for Well-Being in Law was formed to continue the work of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being following publication of the 2017 “Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change.” Through advocacy, research, education, technical and resource support, and stakeholder partnerships, the institute strives to lead a culture shift in law to establish well-being as a core centerpiece of professional success.

Mindfulness in Law Society – The mission of the Mindfulness in Law Society is to promote well-being in the legal profession by educating it about the benefits of mindfulness meditation, yoga and other contemplative practices.

National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being – The task force was formed by the American Bar Association to create a movement towards improving the health and well-being of the legal profession. The task force completed its work in 2017 with publication of the “Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change.” The report's 44 recommendations reflect an effort to change the culture and discussion surrounding attorney well-being.

Center for Bar Leadership – The ABA’s Center for Bar Leadership offers resources to help legal professionals remain emotionally, mentally and financially sound. Content includes national research and reports, selected bar wellness efforts, state task forces and commissions and surveys.

Clio – TBA's member benefit partner Clio has produced a number of attorney wellbeing resources, including the article "Lawyer Mental Health and Wellness: Changing the Conversation" and a webinar on Mindfulness and the Practice of Law.


Resources for Employers

ABA Well-Being Toolkit for Lawyers and Legal Employers – The toolkit offers tools and practical guidance for legal employers who want to join the lawyer well-being movement by launching organizational initiatives.

Well-Being Toolkit Nutshell: 80 Tips for Lawyer Thriving – This guide summarizes 80 of the ABA Well-Being Toolkit’s key items to help get legal employers started on a lawyer well-being initiative.

ABA Well-Being Template for Legal Employers – The template provides suggested guidelines for responding to an employee who is experiencing impairment due to a substance use disorder, mental health disorder or cognitive impairment.

ABA Well-Being Pledge – The pledge, a part of the ABA's Well-Being Campaign, is designed to help legal employers support a healthy and sustainable work environment. The pledge indicates that employers (1) recognize that substance use and mental health problems represent a significant challenge for the legal profession, (2) believe that more can and should be done to improve the health and well-being of those in the legal community, and (3) support and prioritize the pledge’s seven-point framework for building a better future.


Awareness Events

Well-Being Week in Law – To align with Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Well-Being Week in Law occurs annually the first full week of the month. Attorneys, law firms, corporate legal departments, bar associations and law schools are encouraged to coordinate or participate in activities. Sponsored by the Institute for Well-Being in Law, the initiative is designed to raise awareness about mental health and encourage action and innovation across the profession to improve well-being. 

National Self-Care Awareness Month – Held each year in September, Self–Care Awareness Month is a time to focus on taking care of oneself. Self-care is often neglected in daily life, but we cannot fill another’s cup from our own empty vessel.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about this highly stigmatized topic. In addition to shifting public perception, efforts include spreading hope and vital information to people affected by suicide.

Mental Illness Awareness Week – Held during the first full week of October, Mental Illness Awareness Week is designed to raise awareness, fight discrimination and provide support for those experiencing mental health issues. Learn more from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

For Those in Crisis

 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 to reach the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention and crisis resources for loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
 

Tennessee Statewide Crisis Phone Line – The free Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day/365 days a year for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. All calls are routed to trained crisis counselors in the caller’s area, who provide support, guidance and connection to appropriate community supports. Call 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471).
 

Family & Children's Service – The Nashville-based service offers a Crisis Contact Center at 615-244-7444 as well as counseling services and support for those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program – TLAP is a confidential, professionals’ program serving lawyers, judges, bar applicants and law students who suffer from physical or mental disabilities that impair their ability to practice law. Services include crisis counseling, consultations and interventions; referrals to appropriate assessments and diagnostic and treatment providers; and monitoring that supports long-term recovery. All inquiries are confidential and free. Call (615) 741-3238 or (877) 424-8527.