NC Lawyers Assistance Program

The North Carolina Lawyer Assistance Program, a program of the NC State Bar, offers free, confidential support to lawyers, judges, and law students.

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

As a lawyer, you are like a brain surgeon. Imagine the patient is laid out on the table in front of you. It is your job to operate and save his life. You are bringing all of your training, knowledge, and skills to bear to try to save the patient’s life. Now imagine that you have another doctor standing on the other side of the table—equally skilled, equally trained—and his primary goal is to kill the patient that you are trying to save. Now imagine you have 10 to 12 of these patients a day. And now imagine that after you have saved these patients’ lives (and sacrificed time with your own family to do it), the patients are all complaining about your fee and refusing to pay.” Read the article, “Stress, Burnout, and Balance”, here: https://t.co/5Y9hywaP5P

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Communication is a fundamental aspect of work in the legal profession. Often, we take the process for granted. Effective communication is a key component of success and satisfaction. Lawyers often see their job as getting to a solution- fast. Read the article, “Better Listening Skills Make Better Lawyers”, here: https://t.co/glArgsqNMM

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Have you checked out Sidebar, NCLAP's newsletter? Sidebar connects lawyers and judges through personal stories, wellness insights, and community events — covering everything from stress management strategies to inspiring perspectives from across the profession. Subscribe today and stay connected with the NC legal community! https://t.co/nsYkRYDgTU

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Anxiety is a normal response to an abnormal situation. Any psychological stressor can cause anxiety. Law school creates a prolonged fight-or-flight-freeze response for many people while also teaching us to shed our personal values in order to advocate a position zealously. Read more here: https://t.co/X6oCgysmrf

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Practicing law is one of the most emotionally strenuous and challenging jobs one can do. Aspects of the profession itself, combined with the personality of those who self-select to join the profession, put lawyers at greater psychological risk than the general public or most other professionals. We offer free resources and confidential help. Visit our website for more
information: https://t.co/yN60mfYeLX

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Join on Thursday, May 21st at 12pm for "From Habit Awareness to Habit Change: Applying the Stages of Change in Law Practice," presented by Luz Carrion, Esq. This virtual session will explore how legal professionals can move beyond awareness and create meaningful, lasting change in their habits and well-being.

Register today: https://t.co/fPq3OaPxro

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Most people know from the outset that law school will be tough, but many lack the resources for adequately coping with the stresses law school can bring. Studying law is a rigorous and ruthlessly competitive undertaking and can cause mental health repercussions before one’s law career has even begun. Read more here: https://t.co/lp2nM2efGa

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Feel Well-Emotional Well-Being

Today’s well-being dimension encourages us to value emotions; develop an ability to identify and manage emotions for health, to achieve goals, and to inform decisions; and to seek help for mental health when needed. How can we connect Emotional Well-Being to this year’s Tending Joy theme? We recommend the Joy Nudges below.

https://t.co/PKMFXNryCG

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Connect- Social Well-Being

Today’s well-being dimension encourages us to build connection, belonging, and a reliable support network and to contribute to our groups and communities. How can we connect Social Well-Being to this year’s Tending Joy theme? We recommend the Joy Nudges below.

https://t.co/PKMFXNryCG

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Engage & Grow- Career & Intellectual Well-Being

Today’s well-being dimension encourages us to seek personal satisfaction, continuous learning and growth in our professional and personal lives, and financial stability. It reminds us to engage in creative or intellectually challenging activities that foster ongoing development and to monitor our cognitive wellness. How can we connect Career & Intellectual Well-Being to this year’s Tending Joy theme? We recommend the Joy Nudges below.

https://t.co/PKMFXNryCG

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Align- SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING

Today’s well-being dimension encourages us to cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose inside and outside work and to align our work and nonwork lives with our values, goals, and interests. How can we connect Spiritual Well-Being to this year’s Tending Joy theme? We recommend the Joy Nudges below.

https://t.co/PKMFXNr0N8

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Stay Strong- PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

“Today’s well-being dimension encourages us to strive for regular activity, good diet and nutrition, and enough sleep; to limit addictive substances; and to seek help for physical health when needed. How can we connect Physical Well-being to this year’s Tending Joy theme? We recommend the Joy Nudges below.”
https://t.co/PKMFXNr0N8

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Well-Being Week in Law 2026 is here! Celebrated each year during Mental Health Awareness Month, WWIL is all about raising awareness and inspiring action to improve well-being across the legal profession — not just this week, but all year long.

Each day of the week focuses on a different dimension of well-being:
Monday: Stay Strong — Physical Well-Being
Tuesday: Align — Spiritual Well-Being
Wednesday: Engage & Grow — Career & Intellectual Well-Being
Thursday: Connect — Social Well-Being
Friday: Feel Well — Emotional Well-Being

Visit here for more information: https://t.co/PKMFXNr0N8

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Well-Being Week in Law is just around the corner — May 4–8! This year's theme, "Tending Joy," invites us to identify and share moments of joy, even in challenging times, as a way to build resilience and sustain well-being across the legal profession.

All 2026 resources are now live and ready to help support your well-being efforts! Head to the link below to explore daily well-being nudges, activity guides, promotional materials, and more — all adaptable for courts, bar associations, legal organizations, and task forces.
https://t.co/MSCuCJKh9y

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

In law, it can be tempting to say yes to every client request, colleague expectation, or organizational demand. Without limits, however, burnout is the likely price. How do you know that you are close to reaching your limit before you actually reach it? Listen to the podcast episode, “Setting Limits”: https://t.co/JL5GiUAqHX

Read full article: https://t.co/n3SALsDok1

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

According to the research, theoretically at least, imposter syndrome is usually more prevalent in the earlier years of law practice and tends to diminish with time as one gains confidence and skill in one’s legal practice. We have found, however, with the lawyers we work with, that the feeling of imposter syndrome does not gradually go away with time in the field but persists unless outright addressed with some sort of support or action. Read more here: https://t.co/GddMogAuWZ

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

This attorney began waiting for the other shoe to drop at a young age – and for good reason. Freed from the merciless grip of fear and feelings of impending doom, using new tools he learned in recovery, his life has transformed from surviving to thriving. Read more: https://t.co/y79w3LINgy

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Once upon a time, 40+ years ago, a lawyer made a mistake on a legal matter and had a big “Oh no!” moment. He thought about the mistake from every angle for days. He could not figure out how to fix it. He was in a panic and consumed with shame. He ruminated; he speculated; he predicted that he would be a laughingstock in his small-town legal community. He concluded the only rational course of action was suicide. Fortunately, he was a LAP client at the time. He told his LAP mentor about the mistake he had made. His LAP mentor said, “That’s what you have liability insurance for – for when you make a mistake.” Read the article here: https://t.co/lldFXvcIoA

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

LAP has a network of lawyer volunteers throughout the state who have recovered from these very same issues and who assist lawyers who are just beginning their own journeys of recovery. These LAP volunteers attend lawyer peer discussion support groups that meet throughout the state. Many volunteers and clients report that peer support is one of the most important tools for a lawyer who is struggling with any issue. Just knowing you are not alone and that others have struggled with the same issue and emerged stronger on the other side can offer meaning and a renewed sense of hope as one begins the journey of recovery. https://t.co/TAtc3S4VQk

[NC Lawyers Assistance Program @NCLAPtweets]

Get in Touch: Ready to get started or simply have some questions? Reach out to the LAP Counselor who covers your area. Office hours are M-F (9:00-5:00) and in-person consultations are by appointment only. All communications with LAP staff are strictly confidential. Contact us here: https://t.co/7LUN2uNMLH