Why Well-Being Matters in the Practice of Law

It’s Well-being Week in Law, May 5-9, and to support this initiative, the Utah State Bar is providing an event free of charge for its licensees because we recognize that the demands of practicing law can be high, and staying well is vital. In fact, Rule RPC 1.01 underscores that well-being is essential to competence in the legal profession. Between high-stakes client work, tight deadlines, and the pressure to perform, legal professionals often find themselves grappling with significant stress. This is why prioritizing your own well-being is essential—not just as a personal safeguard but also to ensure that you can continue to serve your clients effectively. When we take the time to invest in our emotional and mental health, we increase our capacity to handle the complexities of our work while reducing the risk of burnout, anxiety, and depression.

The Power of Connection in Combating Stress and Isolation

Despite working in a profession that demands constant interaction—courtroom appearances, client meetings, negotiations—lawyers frequently experience isolation. This isolation can take many forms: long hours spent poring over documents alone, remote or hybrid work arrangements, or even the emotional isolation that comes from being unable to share your day-to-day struggles. Research shows that social isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness, which can exacerbate stress and impede clear thinking.

One of the best antidotes to this is connection. Building and maintaining a supportive community of trusted peers can offer a vital buffer against loneliness. It also fosters creativity; brainstorming with like-minded professionals or even “thinking aloud” in a safe space can spark new ideas for case strategies, legal arguments, and professional development.

Join Us: A CLE Designed to Strengthen Your Network

To help legal professionals cultivate these meaningful connections, the Bar is proud to present “The Social Rx: Boosting Well-Being with Connection in Legal Practice.” This event will explore:

• How building a reliable network of peers supports mental and emotional well-being
• Practical strategies to combat workplace loneliness
• Why shared problem-solving can enhance creativity in legal practice
• Hands-on exercises designed to foster real-time connections

Immediately following the CLE presentation from 3:00–4:00 p.m., we’ll host a social hour from 4:00–5:00 p.m. — an ideal setting to network, continue conversations, and establish relationships that can serve as a support system throughout your career.

Meet Our Panelists

We’re excited to bring together a distinguished panel of experts, each contributing a unique perspective:

• Ashley Biel, JD – Representing the Utah State Bar Young Lawyers Division
• Cami Schiel, JD MBA, RN – Representing the Utah State Bar Litigation Section
• Hanni Killilea, JD – Owner of Essential Reset Coaching
• Liz Silvestrini, CMHC, JD – Representing the Utah State Bar Well-Being Committee

Each panelist brings a wealth of experience in legal practice, wellness strategies, and peer support. Their collective insights will help you discover practical ways to foster a healthier, happier, and more engaged approach to law.

You’re Invited—Join Us Online or In Person

Whether you attend in person at the Utah Law & Justice Center or log in from the comfort of your home or office, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with peers, learn from seasoned professionals, and earn 1.0 hour of Regular CLE credit (pending approval). Make sure to register by clicking the button below. The best part, this event is FREE thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. And sponsorships are still available! Please email Aubrey Schade at aschade@utahbar.org and she can give you sponsorship level options