LAP Support Groups

Legal professionals often face high levels of pressure and isolation, and connecting with peers can build community, strengthen coping skills, and improve overall well-being. Support groups offer attorneys meaningful benefits such as emotional support, stress reduction, and greater resilience.

The D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) provides several free, confidential online support groups for D.C. Bar members and law students. To join, simply fill out a short form and an LAP team member will contact you with details.

For questions, email [email protected].

Current Support Groups:

• Lawyer Wellness Support Group
• Federal Lawyers’ Support Group
• Women’s Support Group
• Bar Prep Group
• ADHD Support Group

---

Lawyer Wellness Support Group

Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET (online)

Open to D.C. Bar members and law students (who are enrolled in D.C. law schools and intend to become D.C. Bar members), this weekly group offers a supportive, confidential space to discuss common challenges facing legal professionals. Topics often include:

We meet to discuss ideas about:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress and burnout
• Other mental health concerns

Request to Join

---

Support Group for Federal Lawyers

Once a month on a Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET (online)

Formed in April 2025, this group began as a short-term series and has since become an ongoing source of support for federal practitioners. Open to all current and former federal attorneys, the group offers peer support, career-transition guidance, and practical tools for managing stress in demanding federal environments.

Sessions are facilitated by lawyer assistance professionals from the Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, the D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program, and the Maryland State Bar Association LAP.

Request to Join

---

Women’s Support Group

2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 12 p.m. ET (online)

This bi-monthly support group focuses on the experiences of women+ in the legal profession and provides a confidential space to share and connect. All self-identified cis and trans women are welcome.

Common discussion topics include:

• Managing expectations
• Navigating sexism and emotional labor
• Perfectionism and imposter syndrome
• Stress, anxiety, and depression
• Confidence and self-advocacy
• Burnout
• Parenthood pressures
• Career advancement barriers
• Practicing self-compassion

Request to Join

---

Bar Prep Support Group (4-Week Series)

Weekly at 4 p.m. ET leading up to the February and July bar exams (online)

Designed for recent graduates preparing for the D.C. or UBE exam, this four-session group provides mental health strategies to manage the stress of bar study. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged but not required.

Facilitated by Jessie Joachim, LPC and Sharon Greenbaum, LICSW, the group explores topics such as:

• Reducing test anxiety
• Improving focus and study habits
• Using self-compassion to build resilience
• Coping strategies for test day

Request to Join

---

ADHD Support Group

Third Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. ET (online)

This group supports lawyers and law students navigating the strengths and challenges of ADHD. No formal diagnosis is required. Join peers in a nonjudgmental, confidential space to share experiences, build skills, and harness your strengths.

Request to Join