Resources & Tools

Health & Wellness

Practicing law is a vital public service. Too often, it also takes a physical and emotional toll.

We envision a membership in which every lawyer of the MSBA is provided with the support and education needed to achieve optimal overall health and wellness. Our overarching goal is to enhance health and wellness so lawyers can better serve themselves, as well as others within their personal and professional lives.

Contact us for help at our confidential, toll-free line.

1-888-388-5459

Emergency Resources

 

Over 40 Years of Help and Hope

The MSBA Lawyer Assistance Program has helped thousands of Maryland lawyers.

 Lawyers, like anyone else, face stress, burn out, and depression. Too often, they don’t have anywhere to turn before the problem gets worse, and a career and life are lost to substance abuse, mental health, or other personal problems. The Lawyer Assistance Program is available to all lawyers in Maryland and provides free, confidential assistance to lawyers, judges, law school students and support staff by offering virtual assessment, referral, short-term counseling, and continued support to ensure long term success. We offer a network of counselors that can assist you no matter what state you are living in. Contact the Lawyer Assistance Program for free, confidential help at 1-888-388-5459

Lisa Caplan, LCSW-C, Director | 443-703-3042 | [email protected]

Financial Assistance Available
The Lawyer Assistance Program offers financial assistance for Mental Health and Substance Abuse treatment.

Referring to the Lawyer Assistance Program
If you are concerned about another lawyer, you can make an anonymous referral to the Lawyer Assistance Program.

How We Help

Physical Health

Supporting a stronger profession.

MSBA members have access to programs to support physical health and help them be their best. We provide workshops and training on topics that every lawyer can benefit from.

Members have instant access to these services through our member publications, digital correspondence, and online.

Emotional Health

Free, confidential support & referrals. We have resources to help.

We have experience with issues including:

  • Depression
  • Alcohol & Drug Abuse
  • Marital & Family Problems
  • Stress & Burnout
  • Addiction
  • Eating Disorders
  • Work/Life Balance

Contact the Lawyer Assistance Program for free, confidential help at our toll-free line: 1-888-388-5459

12 Step AA Meeting
Thursday from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Maryland Bar Center
520 West Fayette Street

Professional Health

Finding balance to succeed in work and life

Technical skills are not enough. Success in the legal profession requires a healthy relationship between you and your work. MSBA promotes wellness initiatives designed to boost your productivity and well-being.

  • Stress Management
  • Professional Trends
  • Starting & Succeeding in Practice
  • Communication
  • Soft Skills
  • Leadership

Could You Use Our Help?

Wondering whether you could benefit from help provided by the Lawyer Assistance Program? Take our quick self assessment to find out.

Take Self-Assessment



 
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National Suicide Prevention and Depression

Save someone’s life. Take the time to watch a very powerful video created by the Texas Lawyer Assistance Program for the Legal Profession to help prevent lawyer suicide and understand depression.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, view emergency resources here.

Interested in volunteering with the Lawyer Assistance Program?

Volunteers help us reach lawyers across the state through the Lawyer Assistance Program. Fill out the form below and send it to one of our staff. You can also contact our team at any time with questions about volunteering.

Download Application Form

Who We’ve Worked With

We collaborate with schools, public officials, and private firms & practices to promote wellness and balance across the legal profession.

Law Schools

Office of the Attorney General

MSBA Sections & Committees

Pro Bono Resource Center

Office of the Public Defender

Local & Specialty Bars

Direct Staff Contact:

Lisa Caplan, LCSW-C

Director, Lawyer Assistance Program
[email protected]
(443) 703-3042

Additional Lawyer Assistance Program Contacts

Reach out to any of the LAP committee members below for assistance.

Carol Ghingher Cooper [email protected] | 410-491-1042
David C.M. Ledyard [email protected]
Elizabeth Hill 410-274-0877
Gabriel Steele [email protected]
Jay Miller [email protected]
Judge Charles Dorsey, Chair [email protected]
Judge William Simmons [email protected] | 240-620-3366
Kate Sinclair [email protected]
Marissa Beth Joelson, Vice Chair [email protected] | 917- 226-6472
Meg Garrett [email protected] | 240-475-7677
Robin Barnes Shell [email protected] | 240-472-9919
Tara Leigh Ross 410-790-8417
Tom Rafter [email protected]
Andrew Cooper 410-303-0013
Chris Flohr [email protected] | 443-838-1811