OLAP - Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program

Many attorneys and judges quietly struggle with stress, anxiety, or substance use at some point in their careers.

It may not always be talked about, but support is available, and recovery is possible.

Explore OLAP's available services.

Services | OLAP OLAP receives about 60 new inquiries each month. We get calls/referrals from colleagues, judges, disciplinary counsel, certified grievance committees, admissions committees, defense counsel, spouses, children, law school administrators and professors, and the occasional client. Concerns raised incl...

At OLAP, people often ask us, “If I reach out, who will know?”

OLAP is confidential. That means your conversation stays private. No reports, no notifications. Just support.

Learn more about confidentiality and what to expect.

Confidential | OLAP If you contact OLAP about yourself or about an attorney colleague, you can rest assured that your call and anything you discuss with OLAP will be protected by strong rules of confidentiality:

One lawyer’s story of struggle, shame, and recovery reminds us that courage often starts with vulnerability.

If you think you’re alone — you’re not.

The Case I Almost Lost An Anonymous First-Person Account of RecoveryI’m writing this anonymously because shame still lingers, but I hope that at least one person in the legal profession reads this and recognizes a piece of themselves. And I hope they know that getting help doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.I u...

Not every trend is truth. In a world of quick fixes, it’s tempting to chase the next mental-health “hack.”

Before you spend your time or money, read this.

The rise and risks of mental health fad treatments In the high-stakes environment of legal practice, maintaining mental health is crucial for sustaining professional performance and personal well-being. However, the constant pressures and demands of the job can take a significant toll on mental health, leading many legal professionals to seek effect...

We’re often the first to notice when a colleague is struggling — but what do we do next?

Learn how to recognize, approach, and support someone who might be facing substance use challenges.

Recognizing the Signs: Helping Colleagues Struggling with Substance Use Disorder It's important for to understand substance use disorder, recognize the signs and symptoms, and learn how to help a colleague in need.

Mental health isn’t weakness, therapy isn’t indulgence, and asking for help is strength.

Let’s clear the air by squashing six myths that could hold some legal professionals back.

6 mental health myths that need to be squashed Mental health issues affect everyone, even judges. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to mental illness.

Being emotionally resilient is not something we are born with. It is a trait that all of us can learn. Check out why emotional resilience is an important skill to have in the office and in life.

Are you emotionally resilient? By Scott R. Mote, Esq., Executive Director of the Ohio Lawyers Assistance ProgramEmotional resilience is the ability to adapt to stressful situations or negative experiences in a positive way, and it is critical to being a good judge. If a lawyer is not prepared at trial and is disrespectful to you....

What really makes us happy?

Spoiler: It’s not another win in court or a higher billing rate.

Research shows that it’s the quality of our relationships that matters most.

The number 1 thing that makes us happy The Harvard Study of Adult Development has followed 724 men from 1938 until today to find out what truly keeps people healthy and happy. The study eventually incorporated the spouses of the original men and their descendants. Although career achievement, exercise and a healthy diet are important and...

Judges and lawyers often absorb others’ pain without realizing it. Compassion fatigue can creep in quietly, but it’s real. Learn how to recognize the signs and how to take steps toward renewal.

Judges: Understanding and Reducing Compassion Fatigue Compassion fatigue can manifest in judges as emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a decreased ability to empathize with others.

Spending three minutes on a simple, positive habit can boost hope and reduce stress. This is especially meaningful for busy legal professionals who often feel the pressure of heavy caseloads and high-stakes decisions.

Got 3 minutes? This habit may help boost hope and reduce stress Social media can push us to the dark side, with negative content. A new study finds watching inspiring videos for just 3 minutes a day is on par with meditation for boosting mood and reducing stress.

It’s easy to feel isolated in the legal profession, with long hours, tough cases, and constant pressure. But connection is the key.

Loneliness is more common than we think, and reaching out (even just to check in) can change someone’s day or their life.

How to Cope with Isolation and Loneliness Everyone needs human connection, just as we need a good diet and an exercise routine to stay healthy. Human connection means more than just having a colleague or an acquaintance. It is a deep bond that is formed between people when they feel seen and valued. Human connection builds trust and an over...