State Bar of Arizona partners with AZLPWP to support legal professional mental health and well-being

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5-5-2026

Contact: Danny Shapiro, public relations manager

Phone: 602.340.7337

Email: danny.shapiro@staff.azbar.org

The State Bar of Arizona is proud to partner with the Arizona Legal Professional Wellness Program (AZLPWP) to support mental health and well-being initiatives for legal professionals in the state.

AZLPWP, a new program, was launched to address the growing need for accessible, confidential, and tailored mental health, substance use, and wellness resources for members of the legal profession. That includes attorneys, judges, legal paraprofessionals, law students and legal professionals.

The program’s genesis came from a question posed in 2023 by then-State Bar President Benjamin Taylor and the Bar Board of Governors: How could the Bar better assist legal professionals with mental health and substance use issues? That led the Board to consider numerous initiatives, ultimately deciding to partner with the Supreme Court and law schools to create a new independent entity devoted to this effort. The Bar worked with these partners to establish the AZLPWP and provided initial funding to enable its operation.

“Legal professionals face unique and often intense pressures that affect both mental health and overall well‑being,” says 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.”

The program offers a broad continuum of services, including confidential wellness assessments, information and referral services, case management and care coordination, psychoeducation and wellness workshops, and support opportunities and community connection.

A full list of resources and services is on the AZLPWP website.

The unveiling is in conjunction with Well-Being Week in Law, May 4-8, which is dedicated to strengthening the mental health and professional abilities of legal professionals.

State Bar President Sam Saks says, “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 is committed to partnering with law firms, legal organizations, courts, law schools and community stakeholders to foster a culture of wellness and long‑term sustainability across Arizona’s legal profession.

To learn more about AZLPWP, visit their website.

About the State Bar

The State Bar of Arizona is a nonprofit organization that operates under the supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court. The Bar includes more than 19,000 active attorneys and provides education and development programs for the legal profession and the public. Since 1933, the Bar and its members have been committed to serving the public by making sure the voices of all people in Arizona are heard in our justice system.

About the Arizona Legal Professional Wellness Program

The Arizona Legal Professional Wellness Program is a 501c3 nonprofit initiative dedicated to promoting mental health, well‑being, and professional sustainability within Arizona’s legal community. Through confidential services, education, and community engagement, AZLPWP supports legal professionals in achieving balance, resilience, and long‑term success.