|
We assist Judges, Lawyers, Law Students and Legal Staff who need
help...
If you or someone you know needs
help to address problems such as alcohol, drugs, stress, family
or personal problems, emergency practice management, and/or health
because these issues are effecting work productivity; we can
help - call us today!
410-685-3993 or 1-800-492-1964
Jim
Quinn, MS
Program Director
410-685-7878 ext 3041
Richard
B. Vincent, BA, CCDC
Program Director Emeritus
410-685-7878 ext 3040
Honorable William G. Simmons
Lawyer Assistance Committee Chair
301-279-1540
BACKGROUND
INFORMATION
Definition: The
Lawyer Assistance Program (Formerly Lawyer Counseling Committee)
defines the impaired legal professional as one whose ability
to practice law with fitness and skill (or in the case of a law
student, the ability to complete law school successfully) is
impaired because of substance abuse, depression, chronic stress
or other emotional or physical disabilities.
History: Prior
to 1981, the Maryland State Bar Association established the Standing
Committee of Lawyer Counseling as a direct result of the Bar
Association’s recognition of the need for a program designed
to assist legal professionals, and later legal students and legal
staff, who have difficulties which adversely affect their practice
of law (or their completion of law school). In June 1981, the
Lawyer Counseling Committee was established. The Committee’s
goal is to respond (in the manner detailed below) to indications
of poor performance by judges, attorneys, law students and legal
staff that are serious enough to warrant further investigation
and possibly intervention.
Purpose: The
program identifies impaired judges, lawyers, law student, and
legal staff: assesses them; refers them to appropriate treatment,
and supports and monitors their recovery.
Confidentiality: The
program does not keep records. Moreover, federal and state law
ensures the confidentiality of those who seek assistance through
our program or those who have been referred to the LAP. Should
any papers be kept, they are non-discoverable.
|
