Monday, May 4, 2026
7:45 a.m.–4:40 p.m.
| MCLE Credit: | 4.0 (Well-Being: 4.0) |
| Live-Interactive Credit: | 4.0 |
New lawyers, government employees, and paralegals may apply their standard Virginia CLE discount codes to the Wellness Institute.
In a profession that demands your all, you deserve to be whole. The 2026 Wellness Institute prioritizes the lawyer as a person first and provides restorative experiences and resources to inspire renewal, kindness, and service. Through conversations with experts and peers, the program explores themes of well-being and identity, reclaiming confidence and self-trust, how firms can better support their people, and the ways serving others can strengthen personal well-being.
Set against the inspiring backdrop of Wolf Trap—the only national park dedicated to the performing arts—this year’s program offers enriching continuing legal education and interactive sessions on nutrition, sleep, meditation, and movement.
To learn more about the Institute, visit this link.
| 7:45 | Registration and Breakfast |
| 8:20 | Opening Remarks |
| 8:30 | Keynote CLE — Shalom: How Wholeness Leads to Wellness The Honorable William C. Mims, Senior Justice, Supreme Court of Virginia, Former Chair of the Court’s Lawyers’ Wellness Initiative |
| 9:30 | Break * |
| 9:45 | Panel 1 — Confronting the Inner Critic: Managing Imposter Syndrome to Thrive in the Legal Community Hetal Challa, Wellness Coordinator, Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia Have you ever questioned your competence, felt like a fraud, doubted your accomplishments, or wondered how you made it this far in your career? If so, you are not alone. Imposter syndrome is a widespread issue among attorneys, judges, and legal professionals—distorting thoughts, undermining confidence, impacting professional performance, and leading to burnout and additional mental health issues. The legal profession is uniquely susceptible to imposter syndrome due to many occupational risks, including the adversarial nature of the work, the need to display confidence and conceal vulnerability, individual work, high-stakes work, perfectionist culture, and the constant pressure to meet expectations. Lawyers are trained to spot flaws and anticipate challenges—skills essential for legal success but ones that can fuel self-doubt and perfectionism further contributing to imposter thoughts. |
| 10:45 | Break * |
| 11:00 | Panel 2 — Doing Good to Feel Good: Well-being through Pro Bono Hon. Manuel A. Capsalis, Judge, Fairfax County Circuit Court Attorneys face high levels of stress and burnout, yet many who engage in pro bono work report greater fulfillment and wellbeing. This one‑hour CLE explores how purpose‑driven service can counter burnout, strengthen professional identity, and support emotional, social, and occupational wellness. The program also reviews the ethical framework encouraging pro bono participation and offers practical strategies for integrating service sustainably across practice settings. |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00 | Panel 3 — Designing a Work Culture that Supports Attorneys Jennifer Ligon, Partner, Williams Mullen This session will explore key challenges impacting attorney wellbeing—from heavy workloads and burnout to barriers in seeking support. Panelists will discuss how law firms are reshaping workplace culture to promote healthier, more sustainable careers. The session will also examine how law schools are integrating wellness into professional development to better prepare students for the realities of legal practice. |
| 2:00 | Break * |
Build your personalized wellness experience by choosing two elective sessions
from four foundational areas: meditation, movement, nutrition, and sleep.
Leanne Cusumano Roque, JD, Certified Yoga Therapist, International Association of Yoga Therapists
Amy Hilgenberg, Coach, Nama Strength Training
Sri Giridharan, Founder, Prana Kitchens
Jessica A. Riggs, M.D., Virginia Heart
| 2:15 | Elective Session 1 |
| 3:15 | Break * |
| 3:30 | Elective Session 2 |
| 4:30 | Closing Remarks |
| 4:40 | Adjourn |
During all breaks, attendees will have access to mandala and stress resources
as well as the opportunity to explore the restorative grounds of Wolf Trap.
Sponsor the 2026 Wellness Institute and experience powerful marketing benefits, network with leaders, and align your business with Virginia’s leading continuing legal education provider. Plus, your sponsorship helps to eliminate a frequent barrier to wellness and demonstrates your commitment to the legal community.
Learn more about sponsorship and support opportunities at this link.
Ten full scholarships to the 2026 Wellness Institute will be awarded to practitioners with an annual income below $80,000. Priority will be given to public defenders, legal aid attorneys, new lawyers in their first five years of practice, and law students. Please apply by March 30.
Enjoy an exclusive rate at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner on Sunday, May 3, when you book at this link.
