Prioritizing Mental Health: The 7th Annual Lawyer Wellness Challenge
The practice of law is notoriously demanding, characterized by long hours and high stakes. To combat these pressures, the Virginia Bar Association (VBA) is hosting its 7th Annual Lawyer Wellness Challenge (LWC). This statewide, virtual and free competition is specifically designed for legal professionals to improve their overall well-being and address the unique stresses of the profession.
What is the Lawyer Wellness Challenge?
Since its inception in 2020, the LWC has provided a structured way for those in the legal field to focus on holistic health. The challenge encourages participants to improve across six key dimensions of wellness:
- Emotional
- Intellectual
- Occupational
- Physical
- Social
- Spiritual
The Step Challenge and Competition
A central component of the event is the Step Challenge, which takes place from Monday, May 4, through midnight on Friday, May 8, 2026. Participants apply the WellBeing+ app to track their progress and compete for various prizes.
The VBA has established several prize categories to ensure inclusivity across the legal community:
- Top 3 VBA Member Steppers: Open to active 2026 VBA members.
- Top Non-Member Stepper: Open to any legal professional.
- Top Step Team: For those organized into teams within the WellBeing+ app.
- Chat Cheerleader: Awarded to the individual with the highest level of chat engagement.
- Wellness Webinar Watcher: A prize awarded at random to those who attend all three Wellness Webinars.
Educational Growth Through Wellness Webinars
Beyond physical activity, the challenge integrates professional development and mental health education. On Tuesday, May 5, from 12 p.m. To 1 p.m., the VBA will host a webinar titled “Mentorship That Sustains You.” This session explores how mentorship promotes both professional growth and personal well-being.
The webinar features insights from real mentor-mentee pairs, including:
- William P. Dickinson III (Kaleo Legal)
- John A.C. Keith (Blankingship &. Keith)
- Laurie L. Kirkland (Blankingship & Keith)
- William R. Poynter (Kaleo Legal)
The Broader Context: The Virginia Lawyers’ Wellness Initiative
The LWC is part of a larger effort to support the legal community. The Virginia Lawyers’ Wellness Initiative coordinates education and assistance for judges, lawyers, magistrates, and law students. Its primary focus is improving mental health and addressing substance abuse within the judicial system.
The initiative relies on critical research to drive its programs, including reports such as A Profession at Risk and The Occupational Risks of the Practice of Law. These documents examine risks unique to the legal profession—including physical, emotional, and adaptation risks—and provide actionable pointers for individuals and organizations to mitigate these dangers.
Key Takeaways for Participants
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Registration Dates | May 4 – May 8, 2026 |
| Step Challenge App | WellBeing+ |
| Primary Goal | Improvement across six dimensions of wellness |
By integrating physical activity, mentorship, and systemic support, the VBA aims to cultivate a more sustainable and healthy environment for Virginia’s legal professionals. Those interested in participating can register for the Seventh Annual Lawyer Wellness Challenge to opt-in for updates and specific challenge components.