Personal Assistance

Oregon Attorney Assistance Program 

A career in the law can be challenging. Many in the legal profession face long hours, stiff competition, and high expectations. Some experience constant stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. Recent research shows that, as a group, lawyers have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and problem substance use than the general public. Any legal professional might benefit from support for mental health, substance use, or other personal challenges. Fortunately, Oregon has one of the most experienced, successful, and emulated lawyer assistance programs in the country – the Oregon Attorney Assistance Program (OAAP).

The OAAP is a free and confidential service provided by the PLF to assist members of the Oregon legal community with well-being and personal challenges, including behavioral health, stress management, depression and anxiety, substance use, career transition, and retirement. The OAAP offers short-term individual counseling, referrals to community resources, support groups, workshops, CLEs, and other educational programs, as well as a blog and newsletter with current information, tips, and insights.

Through the OAAP, the OAAP attorney counselors help lawyers, judges, licensed paralegals, and law students develop the skills they need to meet the demands of their professional and personal lives in a healthy way. Each attorney counselor is both a lawyer and a counselor. Their legal education and experiences as practicing lawyers gives them a strong foundation for understanding the situations practitioners face. Their training and experience as counselors provides them with the ability to listen and help navigate toward solutions.

We encourage you to read more about the attorney counselors below and reach out to them to connect!

All communications with the OAAP are completely confidential and will not affect your standing with the Professional Liability Fund or the Oregon State Bar.