Our Interview With Tony J. Weiler, Executive Director of the State Bar Association of North Dakota

By the Juris Education Interview Team

Tony J. Weiler is the Executive Director of the State Bar Association of North Dakota.  Prior to this, he was North Dakota’s Labor Commissioner. He also clerked for the Honorable Dale V. Sandstrom of the North Dakota Supreme Court for 10 years and served as a litigator concentrating in plaintiff’s personal injury and business and corporate law for eight years.

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

Mental health is very important, as lawyers, based on research, struggle to maintain their mental health.  Also, the practice of law can be very stressful.

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

Anxiety, depression, stress, and often alcohol use disorder

3. What services or resources does your program provide that might benefit aspiring or current law students?  

We have a Lawyer Assistance Program and a Member Assistance Program.  We also provide multiple seminars per year on mental health.

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

Awareness of the struggles that can happen while practicing law and resources to help while in school

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

That’s the key: work on ways to manage stress and burnout and maintain a work-life balance.  There are many tools available to do just that.

Juris Education is proud to feature insights from leaders like Tony J. Weiler to help pre-law students better understand how to care for their mental health throughout the demanding journey to law school.