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​​​ Feeling stressed? Lower your expectations. We've all worried about the outcome of som​ething going wrong. Whether missing a deadline, arriving late to court or forgetting an appointment, most humans are prone to worry and anxiety. Instead of optimistically saying “don't worry, be happy," give yourself permission (and grace) to lower your expectations and practice defensive pessimism.  Need support? Send us an email​ and tell us about what's worrying you. Finances? Trial? Deadlines? WisLAP staff will listen without judgement and provide support until your worries are at ease.​​

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​Health Benefits of Defensive Pessimism

How Defensive Pessimism Can Ease Your Worries

'Are You a Defensive Pessimist?' Quiz

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Research suggests that legal professionals sacrifice self-care for their job which often leads to dissatisfaction in their professional and personal life, and often at the expense of their health and well-being (Wisconsin Task Force Report, 2021)​. If the demands of practicing law start to affect your personal time, energy levels, and mental health, give yourself permission to contact the Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program (WisLAP).

The Lawyers Assistance Program offers confidential well-being support to lawyers, judges, and law students. WisLAP staff are available for phone and in-person consultations, self-care retreats, mental health trainings, onsite office hours and well-being presentations. Additionally, WisLAP trained volunteers are available for individualized peer-to-peer support upon request. 

The Lawyers Assistance Program aims to develop a culture within the Wisconsin legal community that fosters work-life balance, and destigmatizes mental illness and substance use disorders. WisLAP services are free and available to everyone in the legal community.

We do not provide legal advice or give lawyer referrals. Click here if you are seeking legal advice or need to find a lawyer.

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 ​WisLAP Contact Information:

WisLAP Line: (800) 543-2625​ or callwislap@wisbar.org​​

​Member ​Coordinator: Amber Gilles (800) 444-9404 ext. 6151​

​​​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? Clic​k Here

• The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change​with 44 recommendations for legal stakeholders to improve the health and well-being of the legal profession.​
• Mental Health America-Wisconsin Wellness Clinic
• ABA Anti-Stigma Campaign ​​
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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.​