The State Bar of Arizona announced on May 5 that it is partnering with the Arizona Legal Professional Wellness Program (AZLPWP) to provide mental health and well-being resources for legal professionals in the state.
The partnership aims to address the increasing need for confidential and accessible support services tailored to attorneys, judges, legal paraprofessionals, law students, and others in the legal field. The initiative comes as concerns about stress and mental health challenges continue to grow within the profession.
AZLPWP was established after then-State Bar President Benjamin Taylor and the Board of Governors asked in 2023 how they could better assist legal professionals facing mental health or substance use issues. This led to collaboration between the State Bar, Supreme Court, law schools, and other stakeholders. The State Bar provided initial funding for AZLPWP’s launch as an independent entity dedicated to these concerns.
“Legal professionals face unique and often intense pressures that affect both mental health and overall well‑being,” said AZLPWP Co‑Executive Director JoAnne Chiariello. “Our goal is to create a trusted, stigma‑free resource where individuals can access support, build resilience, and thrive—both personally and professionally.”
Services offered by AZLPWP include confidential wellness assessments, information referrals, case management, psychoeducation workshops, care coordination, peer support opportunities, and community connection events. A full list of available resources can be found on their website.
The program’s unveiling coincides with Well-Being Week in Law from May 4-8. State Bar President Sam Saks said: “The Bar is excited to have played a supportive role in creating this new independent entity. We expect it will be a primary resource assisting legal professionals in getting the help they need.”
AZLPWP plans ongoing partnerships with law firms, courts, law schools and community groups across Arizona’s legal sector.
The State Bar of Arizona operates under supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court as a nonprofit organization serving more than 19,000 active attorneys while providing education programs for both its members and the public since its founding in 1933. The association promotes diversity and inclusion efforts; recognizes contributions through annual awards; supports over 24,000 attorneys; maintains about 100 staff members; serves under a Board of Governors led by an elected president; safeguards public interests in legal matters; enhances ethical standards among lawyers; publishes an award-winning magazine—all according to the official website.
