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Law school presents significant challenges, inducing stress due to heavy workloads, intense competition, and limited performance feedback, particularly in the first year. While stress cannot be entirely avoided, managing expectations, prioritizing personal well-being, and pursuing a balanced lifestyle can alleviate pressure.
Success in law school doesn't solely hinge on academic rankings, but rather on setting realistic goals and focusing on personal growth. It's essential to maintain awareness of values and emotions amidst the analytical demands of legal education, as excessive immersion in these skills can impact relationships and overall well-being. Balancing academic rigor with leisure activities is crucial, but relying on coping mechanisms like substance abuse can exacerbate stress. Prioritize activities that promote relaxation and socialization, incorporating both physical and recreational pursuits. Recognize that addressing underlying anxieties and attitudes is key to managing stress effectively.
As law students, you are valued members of the legal community who are eligible to access services provided by the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program (NM LAP). NM LAP offers confidential professional and peer assistance to help you identify and address problems with alcohol and other drugs, depression, and other mental health/emotional disorders. NM LAP's purpose is to help reduce the public harm caused by impaired members of the legal profession and to improve the health and welfare of its members by facilitating early intervention and treatment. Are you struggling to maintain a work-life balance? Are the episodes of excessive drinking, overeating, or gambling becoming routine? Do you have concerns about your ability to “hold it together?” If any of this resonates for you or a classmate, know that you’re not alone and that NM LAP is here to help. Call us to discuss your concerns and explore your options and take a look at the other NM LAP web resources. Call 505-420-8179, 505-228-1948, or email nmlap@sbnm.org to learn more.
Peer Advisor Model An individual in recovery helping another creates a powerful relationship that can have a tremendous impact on the healing process. An attorney who has “been there” can ease the initial fears of law students and provide unique support and direction. Call NM LAP at (505) 228-1948 for more information and referrals to peer advisors.
Off the Record Support Group: Every Monday night at 5:30 p.m. Zoom only. Off the Record Support Group meets at 5:30 p.m. (MST) on Mondays by Zoom. The intention of this support group is the sharing of anything you are feeling, trying to manage, or struggling with. It is intended as a way to connect with colleagues, to know you are not in this alone and feel a sense of belonging. We laugh, we cry, we BE together. Zoom Link: bit.ly/attorneysupportgroup