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MSBA Health & Wellness

Supporting & Improving Lawyers’ Lives

 

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.

Join MSBA
 

The MSBA Lawyer Assistance Program

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, addiction, or mental health complications. The MSBA Lawyer Assistance Program can make a difference.

The Lawyer Assistance Program is available to all lawyers in Maryland and is committed to providing assistance to lawyers, judges, and law school students by offering assessment, referral, short-term counseling, and continued support to insure long term success. The recent expansion of the Lawyer Assistance Program offers a network of counselors across the entire state.

Contact us for more information. Our services are free and confidential.

Lisa Caplan, LCSW-C, Director | 443-703-3042 | lisa@msba.org

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

 

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

1-888-388-5459

 

Suicide Prevention Resources

Support and Assistance

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are resources available.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 | Learn More
  • Crisis Text Line: text “HOME” to 741741 | Learn More
  • American Association of Suicidology | Learn More
  • Prevent Suicide PA | Learn More
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention | Learn More

Could you use help?

Take a quick self assesment

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

Take The Self Assesment

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.

 

MSBA Health & Wellness Portal

Health & wellness resources for MSBA members

The MSBA Health & Wellness Portal provides members with articles, videos, and other resources to help you succeed in your work and your life. We regularly update the Health & Wellness Portal to bring members the most up-to-date information on physical, emotional, and professional health issues.

Visit the Health & Wellness Portal
 

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 us for help at our 24/7 confidential, 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
 

Health & Wellness Tip Sheets

Lisa Caplan, LCSW-C, has over 20 years experience in her field, and extensive experience working with lawyers and judges in the areas of mental health, substance abuse and trauma. Click below to read Tip Sheets covering various facets of health & wellness.

 

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
lisa@msba.org
(443) 703-3042
 

Additional Lawyer Assistance Program Contacts

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

Carol Ghingher Cooper
David C.M. Ledyard
Elizabeth Hill
Gabriel Steele
Jay Miller, Co-Chair
Judge Charles Dorsey
Judge William Simmons, Co-Chair
Kate Sinclair
Marissa Beth Joelson
Meg Garrett
Robin Barnes Shell
Tara Leigh Ross
Tom Rafter

cgc1220@comcast.net | 410-491-1042
david@ledyardlaw.com
410-274-0877
steelegabe@gmail.com
JMiller@lawpga.com
Charles.Dorsey@mdcourts.gov
william.simmons@mdcourts.gov | 240-620-3366
KSinclair@silvermanthompson.com
mjoelson@lawpga.com | 917- 226-6472
Mrobinsgarrett@yahoo.com | 240-475-7677
Robinbshell@msn.com | 240-472-9919
410-790-8417
tom@tomrafterlaw.com