VJLAP - Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program

VJLAP - Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program Confidential, non-disciplinary assistance to Virginia's legal professionals and their families since 1985.

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible women across Virginia’s legal community wh...
04/01/2026

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible women across Virginia’s legal community who continue to lead, advocate, and support one another every day.

At VJLAP, we are committed to supporting the well-being of women in the legal profession, not just this month, but year-round.

One of the ways we do that is through our Women’s Legal Professional Retreat, where women come together to connect, recharge, and focus on building sustainable, fulfilling careers in law.

Thank you to all of the women who joined us this year and to those who continue to make our profession stronger.

We had a great time speaking with Professor Wheeler's Professional Responsibility class at Regent University School of a...
03/30/2026

We had a great time speaking with Professor Wheeler's Professional Responsibility class at Regent University School of about something that doesn’t always get enough attention in law school, the importance of wellbeing and the connection of wellbeing to a sustainable career.

Thank you to Professor Wheeler and his class for such a thoughtful and engaged discussion. These students are going to be incredible lawyers, and we look forward to seeing all they accomplish. Remember, VJLAP is always here to support you.

VJLAP had the opportunity to present at the Level Up Circuit Court Clerk and Deputy Clerk Training on stress management ...
03/25/2026

VJLAP had the opportunity to present at the Level Up Circuit Court Clerk and Deputy Clerk Training on stress management and emotional intelligence.

We had a great conversation about how stress impacts thinking, communication, and decision-making—and how emotional intelligence helps us pause and respond more effectively.

It was encouraging to see clerks engaging in these discussions and taking a proactive approach to their well-being. These conversations matter.

Reach out if you'd like VJLAP to provide a complimentary Virginia CLE or presentation.

Office: 804.644.3212
24/7: 877.545.4682

info@vjlap.org

Attorneys face significant stress—but concerns about reputation, professional consequences, and confidentiality can make...
03/19/2026

Attorneys face significant stress—but concerns about reputation, professional consequences, and confidentiality can make it difficult to seek support.

Join VJLAP and Promises Behavioral Health on Thursday, March 26 at 12:30 PM at the Shirlington Library for a lunch and learn on attorney stress, how to recognize when it becomes something more, and what treatment and recovery can look like for legal professionals.

Lunch will be provided.

Register today—space is limited.

VJLAP had the pleasure of spending time with the Alexandria Bar Association discussing the realities of chronic stress i...
03/12/2026

VJLAP had the pleasure of spending time with the Alexandria Bar Association discussing the realities of chronic stress in the legal profession and how it can affect how we think, communicate, and make decisions if it is not recognized and managed.

Thank you to the Alexandria Bar Association for the opportunity to connect and for the thoughtful discussion.

The Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (VJLAP) provides confidential, free, and non-disciplinary support for members of the legal community.

HelpLine (24/7): 877.545.4682
Richmond Office: 804.644.3212

Email: info@vjlap.org

Attorneys face significant stress—but concerns about reputation, professional consequences, and confidentiality can make...
03/07/2026

Attorneys face significant stress—but concerns about reputation, professional consequences, and confidentiality can make it difficult to ask for help.

Join VJLAP and Promises Behavioral Health for a conversation about attorney stress, how to recognize when it becomes something more, and what treatment and recovery can look like for legal professionals.

Register today.

Best of luck to everyone taking the Virginia Bar Exam!Remember, VJLAP is on site if you’d like support. You are not alon...
02/24/2026

Best of luck to everyone taking the Virginia Bar Exam!

Remember, VJLAP is on site if you’d like support. You are not alone in this experience.

Being a magistrate is one most demanding roles in the justice system — making high-stakes decisions that impact life and...
02/22/2026

Being a magistrate is one most demanding roles in the justice system — making high-stakes decisions that impact life and liberty, often under intense pressure and with little room for error.

We recently had the privilege of speaking with a group of magistrates about imposterism — those persistent thoughts of “Am I really qualified?” or “What if I get this wrong?” Despite their deep knowledge of the law and unwavering professionalism, many shared experiences that will sound familiar to anyone in a high-responsibility position.

These honest conversations matter. Imposter feelings are not a reflection of competence — they’re a reflection of being human in a challenging job.
If your court or organization would like a presentation on imposterism, stress, or well-being, please reach out.

HelpLine (24/7): 877.545.4682
Richmond Office: 804.644.3212

Email: info@vjlap.org

We are deeply grateful to TowneBank for its generous donation supporting the 2026 Women’s Legal Professional Retreat. Pa...
02/20/2026

We are deeply grateful to TowneBank for its generous donation supporting the 2026 Women’s Legal Professional Retreat. Partnerships like this help us create a meaningful space where women in the legal profession can connect, learn, recharge, and prioritize well-being. TowneBank’s continued commitment to community and professional well-being truly makes a difference.

Thank you, TowneBank, for your support and partnership.

Registration remains open until Friday, Feburary 27 for the 2026 Women’s Legal Professional Retreat if you'd like to join us. To register: https://whova.com/portal/registration/KUyH1oiYf5Fd9b6fgEW9/

VJLAP's Clinical Director, Barbara Mardigian, and Hetal Challa, Wellness Coordinator, with the Virginia Supreme Court, r...
02/07/2026

VJLAP's Clinical Director, Barbara Mardigian, and Hetal Challa, Wellness Coordinator, with the Virginia Supreme Court, recently joined Sharif Gray for his podcast, Courtroom Stories & Tactics, for a conversation on well-being, resilience, and navigating challenges in the legal profession.

Stay tuned—this is one you won’t want to miss and in the meantime, check out some of Sharif's other podcasts:
https://rvatriallawyers.com/podcast/

Save the Date: 2026 ABA CoLAP Conference - October 13–15, 2026, Greater Metropolitan Arizona AreaThis year’s theme, “The...
02/06/2026

Save the Date: 2026 ABA CoLAP Conference - October 13–15, 2026, Greater Metropolitan Arizona Area

This year’s theme, “The Connected Lawyer: New Data for Action,” will spotlight emerging research, data-driven insights, and practical strategies to strengthen lawyer well-being and support sustainable legal careers. If you are interested in presenting, please submit a propal.
https://americanbar.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6gKidlfduYULFXw

What’s one small thing you could do this week to support your well-being—physically, socially, intellectually, emotional...
02/04/2026

What’s one small thing you could do this week to support your well-being—physically, socially, intellectually, emotionally, or spiritually?

It doesn’t have to be big. Small steps matter. Maybe it’s practicing gratitude when you wake up, taking a 15-minute walk, meeting a friend for dinner, scheduling that overdue checkup, or starting a book you’ve been meaning to read.

And if you need support along the way, VJLAP is here.

📞 HelpLine (24/7): 877-545-4682
📍 Richmond Office: 804-644-3212

Address

4801 Cox Road, Suite 109
Glen Allen, VA
23060

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+18046443212

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WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE HELP

The goal of The Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program is to provide confidential, non-disciplinary help to lawyers, judges, law students, bar applicants and other members of the legal community who are experiencing personal or professional impairment as a result of substance abuse or mental health issues.

Assistance helps prevent disciplinary problems for the lawyer, protects the client, supports the lawyer’s family and professional associates, as well as strengthens the profession.

Specifically, VJLAP provides the following services, without fee:


  • Substance abuse and mental health education for the profession through Bar associations, firms and law schools.