An engaging schedule of events will be offered the first week of May in celebration of the Institute for Well-Being in Law’s 3rd annual Well-Being Week in Law, kicking off Mental Health Month.
We’ve collaborated with the Mass SJC Standing Committee and other local bar associations to offer free daily programs again for this WWIL, including exciting speakers for the opening keynote with Eileen Zimmerman and special closing session with Michael Curry. IWIL is offering live daily webinars that are free for all to attend, and the ABA’s daily webinars that are free to members. All WWIL events, along with our regular weekly well-being programming are included in the listing below.
WWIL takes place each first week of May, which is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. IWIL, which evolved from the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being behind the now well-known report, The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change, launched the first lawyer well-being week last year. The week is sponsored by the ABA’s Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs‘ Well-Being Committee. Individuals and organizations in the legal profession are encouraged to take action by leading and participating in activities that promote well-being in the profession.
Event Schedule
MONDAY, MAY 2 – PHYSICAL WELL-BEING (“STAY STRONG”)
Striving for regular activity, good diet and nutrition, enough sleep and recovery. Limit addictive substances and seek help for physical health when needed.
(1pm) Coffee Break (60-min.), hosted in collaboration with the Mass SJC Lawyer Well-Being Committee
(1pm) Practical Mindfulness: Taking Mindfulness Off the Cushion and Into Your Legal Practice For Greater Resilience, Calm, and Joy (60-min.), hosted by the ABA (free only to ABA members)
(2pm) Solo Stress Connection Monthly Online Discussion Group (60-min.), regular LCL MA group meeting (requires screening interview)
(3pm) Practicing Joy, Gratitude, & Awe (60-min.), hosted by IWIL
(3pm) Mindful Monday Virtual Sit (30-min.), hosted by the Mindfulness in Law Society
TUESDAY, MAY 3 – SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING (“ALIGN”)
Cultivating a sense of meaning and purpose in work and life. Aligning our work and lives with our values, goals, and interests.
(1pm) Addiction Recovery Peer Support Meeting (60-min.), regular LCL MA group meeting
(1pm) What the Worst Day of Your Life Can Teach You: Shifting Your Paradigm of Rejection (60-min.), hosted by the ABA (free only to ABA members)
(4pm) 4 Spiritual Practices To Foster Greater Purpose in Your Everyday Life (60-min.), hosted by IWIL
(6pm) KEYNOTE ADDRESS with Eileene Zimmerman, author of NYTimes article “The Lawyer, the Addict” (75-min.), hosted in collaboration with the Mass SJC Lawyer Well-Being Committee
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 – CAREER & INTELLECTUAL WELL-BEING (“ENGAGE & GROW”)
Seeking personal satisfaction, continuous learning and growth in our professional and personal lives, and financial stability. Engaging in creative or intellectually challenging activities that foster ongoing development and monitoring cognitive wellness.
(7:15am) Addiction Recovery Peer Support Meeting (60-min.), regular LCL MA group meeting
(9am) Practicing Law with ADHD Weekly Group Meeting (60-min.), regular LCL MA group meeting
(1pm) Coffee Break (60-min.), hosted in collaboration with the Mass SJC Lawyer Well-Being Committee
(1pm) Redefining Crisis Management: Supporting Lawyer’s Wellbeing by Supporting Client’s Wellbeing (60-min.), hosted by the ABA (free only to ABA members)
(4pm) Writing for Well-Being (60-min.), hosted by IWIL
(5pm) Wakeful Wednesday Virtual Sit (30-min.), hosted by the Mindfulness in Law Society
THURSDAY, MAY 5 – SOCIAL WELL-BEING (“CONNECT”)
Building connection, belonging, and a reliable support network. It is contributing to our groups and communities. Below are some things you can do today to start building positive connections.
(9am) Mindfulness Movement and Self-Compassion at Work (30-min.), hosted in collaboration with the Mass SJC Lawyer Well-Being Committee
(1pm) Addiction Recovery Peer Support Meeting (60-min.), regular LCL MA group meeting
(1pm) Creativity, Collaboration, and Redefining Success: A Pathway to Wellbeing (60-min.), hosted by the ABA (free only to ABA members)
(2pm) Yoga for Busy Legal Professionals Weekly Session (20-min.), regular LCL MA practice with access to playlist of 50+ on demand sessions
FRIDAY, MAY 6 – EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING (“FEEL WELL”)
Valuing emotions. Developing an ability to identify and manage emotions for health, to achieve goals, and to inform decisions. Seeking help for mental health when needed.
(12pm) SPECIAL CLOSING EVENT with Michael Curry (CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers) on the Intersection of Mental Health and the BIPOC Community (90-min.), hosted in collaboration with the Mass SJC Lawyer Well-Being Committee
(12pm) Humming Jazmine Sullivan: Emotion Regulation Practices for Legal Professionals (60-min.), hosted by IWIL
(1pm) It’s Time to Talk: Navigating and Surviving Trauma and Grief in the Legal Profession (60-min.), hosted by the ABA (free only to ABA members)
Other WWIL Resources:
Curated Daily Readings, Videos, & Activities for Individual Participants from IWIL
Resources & Participation Guides for Organizational Participants from IWIL
Communications Toolkit from IWIL
Additional Resources from IWIL
Free & Confidential Consultations:
Lawyers, law students, and judges in Massachusetts can discuss concerns with a licensed therapist, law practice advisor, or both. Find more on scheduling here.
