Frequently asked questions

Everything to know before you reach out — how peer support works, who it’s for, what it costs, and what to expect.

Who is eligible for WaLAL?

Current and former lawyers and judges, plus law students at any of Washington’s three law schools. WaLAL serves the past, present, and future of the state’s legal profession.

What kinds of challenges does WaLAL help with?

WaLAL supports Washington lawyers, judges, and law students facing mental health, emotional health, and addiction challenges. WaLAL is a network of trained lawyers providing confidential, one-on-one peer counseling to others in the legal community.

How much does WaLAL cost?

Nothing. WaLAL’s peer support is completely free, thanks to tax-deductible donations by individuals and groups committed to supporting lawyer wellness.

How does WaLAL peer support work?

You’re carefully matched with a trained peer counselor with personal lived-through experience in similar circumstances — a fellow legal professional — for free, confidential, one-on-one support. There’s no diagnosis and no treatment records.

What happens when I reach out to WaLAL?

You contact WaLAL by confidential phone or email. Dr. Andy Benjamin JD, PhD, ABPP, personally will connect you with one of WaLAL’s nearly 60 trained peer counselors. Drawing on decades of experience and a broad spectrum of counselors with diverse lived experiences, Andy works to make a thoughtful match — one that people often feel is surprisingly compatible. Assignments happen within 1–2 business days. And you decide when to connect, and whether to continue. You set the pace, and you can stop, or request a new match at any time.

Is WaLAL part of the WSBA, other bar association or entity?

No. WaLAL is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit with no relationship to the Washington State Bar Association. The two share a commitment to wellness in the legal profession, but no bar association or outside entity has access to who reaches out.

I practice out of state but am licensed in WA — can I use it?

Yes. Any lawyer admitted in Washington State is eligible, even if you practice in another state or country.

Does WaLAL provide self-tests to screen for health issues?

Yes. Screening tests are available as tools to help judges, lawyers, and law students assess their health issues, such as ADHD, addictions, anxiety, dementia, depression, gambling & gaming disorders, postpartum depression, and PTSD.

I’ve been disciplined, suspended, or disbarred — am I eligible?

Yes. WaLAL is available regardless of disciplinary status — including suspension, reprimand, admonition, or disbarment.

Does WaLAL provide monitoring agreements?

No. WaLAL does not provide monitoring for clients who need to document their recovery or sobriety to a third party.

Can I earn free CLE credits through WaLAL?

Yes. WaLAL is a WSBA-MCLE approved sponsor of continuing legal education (MCLE), and its peer support trainings are approved for CLE credit. Live webinars are free and held at 12 p.m. on the third Monday of each month.

Can my law firm or organization partner with WaLAL on CLE programming?

Yes. Law firms and public interest organizations can collaborate with WaLAL to build site-specific CLE programming that promotes the health and civility of their lawyers. WSBA-MCLE can extend to such programming.

Can a law firm, organization or individual contribute to WaLAL?

Yes. Tax-deductible donations sustain and help us expand our charitable outreach, education, and peer support services to our profession and further the public interest. See WaLAL’s Funders and Sponsors page.