VBA Recognized for Supporting Wellness
Wellness is no longer the afterthought in our profession. At the Virginia State Bar (VSB) 2022 Annual Meeting in Virginia Beach, in addition to having the panel discussion “Maximizing Performance and Avoiding Pitfalls in Practice and in Life,” the VSB awarded the inaugural Award for Excellence in Wellness and Well-Being in the Legal Profession.
The recipient was selected by the VSB President’s Special Committee on Lawyer Wellbeing and was awarded to the Virginia Bar Association (VBA) on Saturday, June 17th. Nominated by their executive director and CEO, in presenting the award, two VBA initiatives were highlighted: (i) the COVID-19 Law Practice Live Chats and the Annual Lawyer Wellness Challenge.
COVID-19 Live Chats: were a series of weekly phone calls, open to all Virginia lawyers, beginning on March 20, 2020, to keep lawyers informed of the evolving issues of the pandemic. The calls provided information on how to keep businesses up and running, deal with employees who suddenly were working from home, and interact with courts and clients remotely, among other issues.- Annual Lawyer Wellness Challenge: in partnership between the VBA Young Lawyers Division and the Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, held in the spring each year to emphasize lawyer wellness in mind, body, and spirit. The 2022 event included a step challenge, an ethics program, a mocktail mixer, and a presentation on creating good habits.
The VSB committee established this award “to to recognize and honor Virginia lawyers, retired judges, bar associations, law firms, corporate law departments, government law departments and agencies, law schools, or other legal services organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to wellness and well-being in the legal profession.”
Read the VSB Press Release.