Law students and State Bar applicants are eligible for all the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) services. You can access free presentations, a free assessment with service referrals, short-term counseling, and longer-term support groups.
The LAP hosts free, 30- or 45-minute virtual or in-person presentations on wellness strategies for law students. Topics include addressing substance use and mental health issues that can impair the ability to prepare for a career in law. These presentations are appropriate for:
To schedule a presentation, please complete a request form and send it to Lita Abella at Lita.Abella@calbar.ca.gov, or call 213-765-1165.
Law students and State Bar applicants can access a free professional mental health assessment and an opportunity to participate in the Lawyer Assistance Program without making a long-term commitment.
When you call, you will speak to someone who can discuss your problem and find out what services you need. Remember, all communications are strictly confidential.
“At the intake I expected that I was going to be judged before I walked in the door, but the case manager was spectacular.” —LAP Participant
The State Bar provides free, short-term counseling for those who need help with a difficult personal problem or career transition. You can access up to two free one-on-one counseling sessions with a local therapist who specializes in working with legal professionals around any personal issue or concern impacting work productivity—stress, burnout, depression, career concerns, or relationship issues.
You can access up to two free sessions with a career counselor experienced in working with newly licensed and provisionally licensed attorneys who are looking for work and developing their careers.
“The experience was necessary for me to have guidance through a very transitional period in my life, where I had to really examine what I was doing with myself.” —LAP Participant
For information on short-term counseling services, please call 800-341-0572 or email the Transition Assistance Service.
Law students and State Bar applicants interested in ongoing support can participate in a weekly group meeting with peers. Groups are facilitated by a qualified mental health professional. There is a fee for group participation.
“Here, it was about personal development. Here, it was an openness…this is really so that you can heal, so that you can go out and help other people by doing your job right.” —LAP Participant
After several months of monitored participation in the LAP, State Bar applicants can request that the LAP provide documentation (also known as an insight letter) regarding the applicant’s substance use or mental health issue that can be submitted to the Office of Admissions for use in the moral character determination process.
Want to know more? Your call or email is confidential.
Michelle Harmon Lawyer Assistance Program 877-LAP-4HELP/877-527-4435 LAP@calbar.ca.gov