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October 10, 2024

Law Student Mental Health Day: Progress Has Been Made, But We Need a Cultural Shift

Today is Law Student Mental Health Day. This year’s theme is to explore the state of well-being in the legal profession. Law schools across the country are raising awareness of mental health and engaging in a dialogue about how to combat the stigma surrounding it and provide support for their students. We spoke with Anna Reid, the Director of Development for the National Disabled Law Students Association (NDLSA) and a 3L at Georgetown Law School studying environmental law.

What if, anything, is missing from the conversations taking place on Law Student Mental Health Day?

I think so much progress has been made in recent years, but we still have room for improvement, especially in law schools. I know many schools now offer some kind of support, but there’s a need for a stronger focus on creating a culture where vulnerability in talking about these topics or taking the time to address mental health needs is seen as a strength, not a weakness. And an acceptance of the fact that sometimes addressing these issues requires putting academic or professional pursuits second, just as you would with a physical illness.

Do you think law schools focus on some mental health conditions more than others? If so, how does this impact students? What can law schools do to address this issue?

Often, mental health is discussed in terms of stress or anxiety, but more serious diagnoses—like depression, PTSD, or ADHD—are much less understood and resources are less likely to be provided. This limited perspective marginalizes students who need accommodations or a different kind of support than what schools may traditionally expect to provide. I also think that many of the systems that currently exist within law schools to address these issues are reactive, rather than proactive. Creating systems that are better designed to allow students with mental health conditions to have law school experiences, rather than just providing resources to troubleshoot existing problems, would be a huge step towards ensuring that these conditions are less of a barrier and are more manageable in the law school setting.

Do you believe that stigma and biases continue to be associated with mental health conditions in the legal profession?

While there's been progress, the legal profession is still heavily rooted in perceptions of stoicism and resilience, where working to the point of burnout is rewarded, and anything less is a weakness, liability, or even laziness. A cultural shift like the one required to have more acceptance on this front takes time and a willingness from advocates to be open about their experiences and encourage change. I do have hope that we are moving in the right direction.

How are law schools and licensing agencies (bar exam) doing with respect to granting accommodations related to mental health?

Some law schools and bar examiners have improved their approach to accommodations, but it's still inconsistent and, at times, bureaucratically burdensome. Many students encounter excessive documentation requirements or invasive questioning, which discourages them from seeking the support they need. There is also room for more flexibility in the types of accommodations granted, as students with mental health conditions often require adjustments that go beyond extended time on exams. The process needs to be streamlined, and there should be a presumption of goodwill rather than skepticism when students request accommodations, especially for mental health conditions.

Does your law school have a good counseling program available for students? Any changes that you would implement?

Georgetown provides mental health resources, which are namely temporary or limited mental health counseling mainly designed to refer students to other providers for longer-term care. This makes sense given that the program, like many other schools’ programs, can often be overwhelmed by the demand for help from students. Seeing increased investment in resources, and perhaps resources that are more long-term, would be fantastic. As helpful as it is to be referred to an off-campus provider, finding the time to attend regular appointments off campus can be impossible with the amount of school commitments law students have, and trying to balance this can increase stress. Seeing an expansion of the availability of counselors who specialize in working with law students and legal professionals, given the unique pressures of the field, would also be an invaluable resource for many.

What are law schools getting right? What are they not getting right?

Law schools are beginning to recognize the importance of mental health by providing wellness resources, holding awareness events, and attempting to reduce stigma through dialogue. However, they often miss the mark by not embedding mental health into the culture of legal education itself. There's still too much emphasis on competition, perfectionism, and overwork, which can undermine these wellness initiatives. Law schools need to focus on creating structural changes—such as more flexible grading policies and more accessible accommodations—that align with their stated commitment to student well-being. I do think we are moving in the right direction, and hope that schools continue to invest in and refine the existing resources to better address these gaps.

What specific changes could law schools implement to better address the needs of students with mental health diagnoses?

Law schools could implement mandatory mental health literacy training for faculty and staff, as well as create clear, accessible pathways for students to seek accommodations without feeling like they’re being judged. They should also expand support beyond reactive measures—like crisis counseling—and invest in proactive, ongoing mental health services, including group therapy, peer support systems, and wellness workshops tailored to the high-stress nature of legal education, though I know that many schools, including my own, do that to some extent already. Continuing to develop these proactive systems is so important to student success.

What tools would be helpful for law students with mental health conditions?

I think peer support networks can be very helpful to create a sense of community and reduce the feeling of isolation that often accompanies mental health challenges in law school. Newer students would greatly benefit from being paired with upperclassmen.

Are there any grassroots movements/advocacy occurring within law schools to combat the stigma around mental health conditions?

Yes! It’s been really encouraging to see a general trend of more interest and growth in student disability/mental health groups in schools around the country. These groups are essential and can be such a valuable resource and place of community. Other groups, such as NDLSA, are also leading the national charge in trying to help schools implement policies that are more inclusive to students with a variety of needs, mental health and otherwise, and to provide a variety of resources to students for every stage of law school, from their first year to taking the bar exam.

Do you have anything you would like to add?

I’d really encourage people to think about this issue as both an individual one, but also a systemic and structural one. If we want to support law students in a meaningful way, law schools and the broader legal profession must acknowledge the role they play in creating the pressures that contribute to mental health struggles. True change will come not only from offering more resources, but from rethinking the way we teach and practice law and working to develop a culture that includes prioritization of one’s well-being (both physical and mental) as a part of professional success. 

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