In 2000, a Lawyer Assistance Program was established, expanding such help to depression and other emotional illnesses. Similar programs now exist in many other states. Lawyer participation in professional activities continues to grow. The 15,000 members of the MSBA work through more than 60 committees and sections. Lawyers also participate in specialty bar associations and other professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, which is the largest voluntary professional association in the world.
Lawyers provide pro bono legal services to the disadvantaged and to public service agencies.
They contribute money to legal service organizations. They also contribute money and services to charitable organizations. While such public service is hard to measure, by most accounts lawyers are doing more today than at any time in the past. So if the question is whether the legal profession was better in the past than it is today, ask a woman lawyer, or a lawyer of color. Or ask a recovering alcoholic lawyer.