State Bar of Michigan - Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program header

Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program


To be a good lawyer, one must be a healthy lawyer. However, too many lawyers experience chronic stress and the profession struggles with higher than average rates of depression, problem alcohol use, and suicide.

Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program telephone helpline buttonThe Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program's goal is to support Michigan legal professionals to optimize their general wellness and/or to facilitate involvement in our monitoring program. LJAP serves attorneys who are in good standing, suspended, disbarred, and candidates for reinstatement as well as law students, bar applicants, judges, family members, colleagues, and others.

All services offered by LJAP are confidential as regulated by HIPAA. Services include:

  • Free Consultations for legal professionals and their families
  • Clinical assessments
  • Short-term counseling for law students
  • Monitoring
  • Referrals to properly trained, credentialed, and effective providers
  • Professional training and educational presentations
  • Virtual support group for lawyers
  • Virtual support group for law students

Here to help

Contact us at contactljap@michbar.org, (800) 996-5522, or using this online form.

Recent Updates


Virtual Support Groups buttonVIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP

New virtual support group for attorneys starting soon! 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. Our next sessions begin January 8, 2025, and continues through February 6, 2025. Contact us to sign up and learn more here.

 

 

Virtual Support Groups buttonVIRTUAL WELLNESS EVENT

Jordana Confino returned for her second wellness session with the State Bar of Michigan. "The Paradox of Perfectionism: How to Shift Your Mindset for Greater Satisfaction and Success" was hosted on October 25. The session focused on how perfectionism, often seen as a strength, may actually hinder professional and personal growth.

 

 

Commission on Well-Being in the Law buttonWELL-BEING IN THE LAW

The Michigan Supreme Court created the Commission on Well-Being in the Law September 20, 2023, in response to a task force report calling for a series of reforms. The Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program is a partner in this effort. Learn more about the ongoing work to improve lawyer wellbeing here.