VJLAP - Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program

08/26/2026

VJLAP is incredibly grateful to the Virginia Law Foundation for awarding us a generous grant to support VJLAP’s 2026 Legal Professional Wellbeing Conference this September!

Thank you, VLF, for your continued support of VJLAP and for helping us create opportunities for Virginia’s legal professionals to come together, engage in meaningful education and conversations about the importance of wellbeing in the profession, and foster a healthier, more resilient legal community across the Commonwealth.

Registration for the 2026 Legal Professional Wellbeing Conference is still open and VJLAP would love to have you join us:
https://whova.com/portal/registration/0FF08b5nnRiKxxu5SGbw/

07/31/2026

Many attorneys strive for excellence. But when the pursuit of perfection becomes relentless, it can contribute to chronic stress, burnout, and other difficulties.

If you've ever felt like your work was "never good enough" or found yourself holding yourself to impossibly high standards, you're not alone.

In the latest wellness column in the August issue of Virginia Lawyer, Virginia Lawyers' Wellness Initiative Wellness Coordinator Hetal Challa and VJLAP's Charlene Reilly explore perfectionism in the legal profession and share practical strategies for recognizing perfectionistic thinking, practicing self-compassion, and pursuing excellence in a healthier, more sustainable way.

Read the article here: https://virginialawyer.vsb.org/august-2026/page-41

Remember, you don't have to navigate these challenges alone. VJLAP provides confidential, complimentary, and non-disciplinary support to Virginia judges, lawyers, law students, legal professionals, and their immediate family members.

Interested in learning more? VJLAP also offers complimentary presentations and Virginia CLEs on imposter syndrome, chronic stress, emotional intelligence, bullying and many other lawyer well-being topics.

📞 Richmond Office: 804.644.3212

07/30/2026

Bloomberg Law is currently conducting its 2026 Legal Professional Well-Being Survey, an anonymous survey for members of the legal profession, including attorneys, judges, and magistrates. Feedback can help inform future conversations and initiatives that support a healthier legal profession.

Please consider participating in the anonymous survey (open through the end of the first week of August, 2026).

Bloomberg Law's Attorney Well-Being Survey 2026:
https://research.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5dIXVtSCfM5xJoq


VJLAP does not endorse or sponsor this survey or any particular research organization. However, we recognize the value of research that advances understanding of lawyer and judicial well-being and encourage members of the legal community to consider participating in efforts that contribute to the broader conversation.

Bloomberg Law's Attorney Well-Being Survey 2026

07/29/2026

We have been on TikTok for several months now- give VJLAP a follow!

07/29/2026

Please give this podcast a listen, it’s also posted in our stories. The podcast is with Hetal Challa, supreme Court wellness coordinator and Barbara Mardigian VJLAP clinical Director discussing wellness in the legal profession. The podcast is a courtroom stories and tactics where Sharif Grey produces this podcast and spoke with us about the legal community and wellness.

Podcast Episode · Courtroom Stories & Tactics · June 27 · 59m

07/23/2026

A huge thank you to McGuireWoods and VJLAP Board Member, Jeffrey Hanna, for their generous sponsorship of VJLAP's 2026 Legal Professional Well-Being Conference!

Join us September 19–20, 2026, at The Virginian in Lynchburg for two inspiring days dedicated to legal professional well-being. There's still time to sponsor, exhibit, and attend and help advance a healthier, more resilient legal community. Register here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/0FF08b5nnRiKxxu5SGbw/

Thank you again, McGuireWoods and Jeff, for your leadership, generosity, and commitment to legal professional well-being. Together, we're building a stronger, healthier legal profession.

07/14/2026

Heading to The Virginia Bar Association Summer Meeting? We'd love to see you!
Stop by the VJLAP exhibit table to say hello, meet our SW Regional Manager, Oneida, and learn more about the confidential, complimentary resources we offer to support the well-being of Virginia's legal community.
Whether you're stopping by to ask a question, pick up some information, or just chat, we hope you'll come visit us. Have a wonderful Summer Meeting—we look forward to seeing you there!

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at VJLAP!

We hope you have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, enjoy the holiday, and take a well-deserved moment to rest, recharge, and reflect.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day!

And remember, whether you're celebrating today or navigating personal or professional challenges, VJLAP is always here for you.

06/25/2026

We had a wonderful time with the Roanoke Bar Association discussing the importance of emotional intelligence in the practice of law. Lawyers have the IQ, but emotional intelligence is a set of skills that most of us were never taught. The good news is that these skills can be learned, practiced, and strengthened to enhance communication, decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being both professionally and personally.

If your firm or bar association is interested in hosting this program or one of VJLAP's many CLEs, we'd love to connect. Please reach out to learn more!