Mental Health Week 2025 runs from May 5 - 9, and this year’s theme is “Unmasking Mental Health”. We are committed to reducing mental health stigma in the legal profession and have curated a selection of well-being programming that gives you the tools to thrive in your career and personal life.
Thank you to our partners at the Law Society of Alberta and the Alberta Lawyer Assistance Society for their ongoing contributions to supporting lawyer well-being.
Monday, May 5
Taiko Drum Workshop
Hosted by CBA Alberta. Participants will be introduced to the art and history of Taiko, and will gain a foundation in Japenese drumming techniques. Expect to engage both mind and body while experiencing the energy and rhythm of Taiko firsthand.
Register | Calgary Register | Edmonton
Resilient and Rising: A Panel Discussion About Thriving as a Woman in Law
Presented by the Canadian Bar Association. Presented in collaboration with Life and Law, you this webinar is focused on female resilience in the legal profession. Featuring a panel of diverse speakers, this session will address topics such as understanding resilience, confidence and self-advocacy, support networks and mentorship, and more.
A Framework for Collective Self-Care and Protection
Presented by CBA Saskatchewan. This presentation will illustrate that setting boundaries is not synonymous with selfishness but rather a vital act of self-care that opens the door to authentic connections, personal growth, and meaningful engagement in their communities.
Red Mug Circle
Presented by Assist. Join Assist’s signature community gathering spot, Red Mug Coffee Circle, online at noon. Cheers isn’t the only place where everyone knows your name!
Opening Up About Mental Health
Presented by CBA British Columbia. Open conversations about mental well-being are often hindered by stigma, misconceptions and the fear of judgment. To break down these barriers, leading lawyers share insights into their unique mental health journeys with the hope you can embark on your own path to well-being.
Tuesday, May 6
Toxic Productivity in Law: How Does It Happen, and How Can We Find a Way Beyond It?
Hosted by the Law Society of Alberta. Annmarie Carvalho, a former family solicitor turned therapist, trainer and public speaker, joins the Law Society to explore toxic productivity, its causes, and how to create a model within a law firm where productivity and teamwork sit alongside wellbeing. This event will be preceeded by Assist's mindfulness session presented by Canadian Association of Law & Mindfulness founder Ashleigh Frankel.
Wednesday, May 7
The Working Mind Workplace Mental Health and Wellness Training
Presented by the Ontario Bar Association. The OBA is collaborating with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to offer tailored training for law firm leaders in workplace mental health and wellness. The Working Mind certificate program is an evidence-based training, developed to initiate a shift in the way you think, act, and feel about mental health in the workplace. It is specifically designed for Managing Partners, law firm leaders, General Counsel and managers in legal workplaces.
Work-Life Balance in the Legal Profession
Presented by the Canadian Bar Association. Being a successful lawyer shouldn’t mean compromising on all other aspects of your life. Join our panel of authors and editors from the recently published The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in the Legal Profession for a lively discussion about the state of well-being and work-life balance within the legal profession.
Assist Yoga
Presented by Assist. Take some time for yourself during the busy workweek with Assist Yoga, offered every Wednesday at noon. Taught by a dedicated team of volunteer lawyer/yogis, Assist Yoga offers a chance to relieve stress, improve flexibility and connect with other legal professionals. The sessions are offered in person at Knox United in Calgary, or virtually over Zoom.
Thursday, May 8
Neurdiversity and Law
Presented by Assist. Assist’s head psychologist, Dr. Brian Forbes, will lead this webinar, covering what neurodiversity is, how neurodiverse colleagues can improve team performance, and how firms and peers can support neurodiverse lawyer and students.
How to Beat Burnout
Presented by CBA British Columbia. With high standards and high demands, the constant exposure to stress at work can lead lawyers to burnout. Shari R. Pearlman, registered clinical social worker and Assistant Director of Lawyers Assistance Program of BC, identifies the signs and symptoms, and how to address burnout in your life. Adopt new tools from this workshop to maintain your well-being and continue to thrive in your career.