July 10, 2025 – The State Bar of Wisconsin is proud to participate in a new nationwide research initiative focused on lawyer mental health and well-being.

This important study – led by Patrick Krill (J.D., LL.M., M.A.), a nationally recognized expert on lawyer behavioral health, and his research partner Dr. Justin Anker of the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences – is a collaboration with the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs.

​This national project seeks to build upon the landmark 2016 ABA-Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation study by providing a comprehensive 10-year update on mental health and substance use within the legal profession.

In the years since the original study, the legal landscape has shifted dramatically – through the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, evolving workplace expectations, and the increasing role of technology. As such, a renewed and rigorous assessment is both timely and essential.

To ensure broad representation and improve upon prior research methods, the current study will employ a randomized sample approach and reach a larger and more diverse cross-section of the lawyer population.

Approximately 17,300 randomly selected members of the State Bar of Wisconsin will receive an email invitation to participate in this anonymous and confidential survey the week of July 14.

The 20-minute survey will examine a wide range of individual and workplace-related factors that influence lawyer well-being, including:

• Mental health indicators such as stress, anxiety, and depression;
• Substance use behaviors and attitudes;
• Workplace culture, including burnout, workload, and access to support;
• Protective factors that promote positive mental and physical health.

Importantly, all responses will be anonymous and confidential. No identifying information will be collected or shared with the State Bar. Survey data will be managed exclusively by the University of Minnesota and only aggregate results will be shared with the State Bar to help inform future support and programming for Wisconsin lawyers.

If you receive an email invitation to participate, we encourage you to take the time to complete the survey and contribute to this important effort to better understand and improve the mental health and well-being of the legal profession.