State Bar of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP)

Because life is hard everyone needs help now and then, even lawyers and judges who are trained to never show weakness. Legal professionals are human and deal with human issues ranging from stress and anxiety to depression and addictions. WisLAP can help provide assistance and a listening ear at those times when you need someone to turn to.

Who we are

The Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP) provides confidential assistance to help lawyers, judges, law students, and their families cope with problems related to the stress of practicing law.

We’re here to help

It is the responsibility of the legal community to help our colleagues. WisLAP is based upon the premise of Lawyers Helping Lawyers and Judges Helping Judges. We have over 150 trained volunteer lawyers and judges, who understand what you go through, to offer support and guidance. Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click here.

Alcoholism, substance abuse, addictive behavior, and psychological problems are treatable conditions rather than moral issues. The only stigma attached to these conditions is an individual's failure to seek help.

How we help

WisLAP offers the following services:

• Initial evaluation
• Referrals
• Peer assistance
• Consultation
• Education, including CLE programs
• Outreach
• Intervention

Confidential support 24/7

WisLAP treats each request for help with the same confidentiality as a lawyer-client relationship. WisLAP is exempt from reporting professional misconduct to the Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) under Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 20:8.3(c)(2) and to the Judicial Commission under Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 60.04(3). WisLAP does not require callers to disclose their identity and does not keep any case records.