Our Interview With Jackie A. Cara, Esq., Co-Chairperson of the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Assistance Committee

By the Juris Education Interview Team

Jackie A. Cara, Esq., is the Co-chairperson of the Lawyer Assistance Committee, which works with the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Assistance Program. 

1. Why do you believe mental health support is especially important in the legal profession?

Mental health support is critical in the legal profession because lawyers face higher rates of mental health and substance use challenges than the general population. As of 2023:

• 28% of lawyers report struggling with depression
• 19% experience anxiety
• 21% have alcohol use problems
• 10–12% report suicidal thoughts, compared to under 5% in the general population

Several factors contribute to these issues, including long hours, tight deadlines, high-stakes work, managing clients and staff, work-life imbalance, isolation, and stigma around seeking help.

While the culture in law schools and firms is slowly becoming more supportive, many lawyers are still suffering in silence. Supporting lawyer mental health is essential, not only to protect individual well-being and careers but also to uphold the integrity of the profession and ensure public trust in the legal system.

Programs like the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) offer confidential support to help lawyers regain their health, restore balance, and continue their work with strength and purpose.

2. What are the most common mental health challenges you see among law students and early-career lawyers?

The most common challenges are anxiety and depression. Many law students experience intense pressure, self-doubt, and isolation during school and as they begin their careers.

Unfortunately, some students avoid seeking help because they fear it will affect their ability to be admitted to the bar. This is a misunderstanding.

While the bar application does ask whether an applicant has ever engaged in conduct, including behavior related to a mental health condition, that could raise concerns about their ability to practice law professionally, simply receiving mental health treatment does not disqualify anyone from bar admission.

In fact, getting help is often seen as a sign of responsibility and professionalism. Encouraging early support can prevent more serious issues later and helps future lawyers start their careers with a stronger foundation for success and well-being.

3. What services or resources does the Lawyer Assistance Program provide that might benefit aspiring or current law students?

The New York State Bar Association’s Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) offers confidential, no-cost support to law students and lawyers. Services include:

• Peer support
• Support group connections
• Referrals to mental health and substance use treatment providers
• Guidance on the Character and Fitness section of the bar application
• Monitoring services for students who need added accountability during recovery

Law students enrolled in a New York State law school receive free NYSBA membership, which includes, among many benefits, access to:

• Free counseling through the LAP Hotline: 877-772-8835
• Online counseling services through a secure platform

Additionally, LAP includes the Attorney Well-Being (AWB) Program, which focuses on promoting self-care and overall wellness. AWB offers:

• Weekly virtual meditation sessions
• A virtual co-working group
• Educational programming based on the eight pillars of well-being

All of these services are designed to help law students and legal professionals care for their mental health, stay connected, and build a sustainable, healthy career in law.

4. How can law schools better support students’ mental health, and what role should institutions play in creating healthier environments?

Law schools play a vital role in supporting student mental health and creating healthier environments. According to the 2021 NYSBA Task Force on Attorney Well-Being Report, the Legal Education Working Group recommended several key actions, including:

• Incorporate wellness into the curriculum
• Discuss mental health and substance use across more courses
• Provide on-campus counseling services
• Promote help-seeking behavior through mental health awareness days and by inviting the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) to speak
• Create a list of both on- and off-campus resources
• Offer programming for marginalized student groups and work to remove barriers they face
• Train students to support each other in a peer-to-peer volunteer role
• Encourage faculty and administrators to participate in mental health programs and share their personal experiences

Most importantly, law schools must continually evaluate and adapt their support programs to meet the evolving needs of students. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work—mental health support must be flexible, inclusive, and student-centered.

5. Are there any misconceptions about mental health in the legal community that you believe need to be addressed?

Yes, a major misconception is that someone with a mental health condition can't or shouldn't be a lawyer. This simply isn’t true.

With the right support, people with mental health challenges can have successful, fulfilling legal careers. In fact, seeking help early can be a key part of reaching your personal and professional goals.

While the stigma around mental health is less than it used to be, it still exists and can stop people from getting the help they need. Overcoming that stigma and prioritizing your well-being not only makes you a healthier person, it makes you a stronger, more effective lawyer.

6. How can law students and future lawyers build sustainable practices to manage stress, burnout, and work-life balance long-term?

Building a healthy and sustainable legal career starts in law school. We’ve seen that students who form strong peer connections and maintain interests outside of law are more resilient and better prepared for the demands of the profession. Unfortunately, the competitive and high-pressure nature of law school can lead to isolation and a career-only mindset. That’s why it’s so important to build healthy habits early.

Here are a few sustainable practices students can start now:

• Take care of your body: Eat well, get regular exercise, and prioritize sleep. A healthy body is better equipped to handle and recover from stress.
• Build rest into your routine: Don’t underestimate the value of downtime. Rest supports focus, emotional balance, and long-term performance.
• Pursue interests outside of law: Whether it’s volunteering, joining a community group, playing music, or learning a craft, doing something unrelated to work helps restore balance and build a more fulfilling life.
• Stay connected: Relationships with peers, mentors, and friends outside of law school help provide perspective and reduce isolation.

These practices not only reduce stress and prevent burnout, they help you build a well-rounded, meaningful life inside and outside of your legal career.

If you need more information about the LAP services, call 518-487-5688 or email lap@nysba.org.

Juris Education is proud to feature insights from leaders like Jackie A. Cara, Esq., to help pre-law students better understand how to care for their mental health throughout the demanding journey to law school.