After more than 16 years of helping Maryland’s legal community through her work with MSBA’s Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP), Lisa Caplan, LCSW-C, recently announced her retirement. Lisa, who served as LAP's director for the last five and a half years, will officially step away on March 13th. Following her retirement, she will embark on a new personal adventure: a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT). This 2,200-mile journey from Georgia to Maine is a dream she has held for years, and she is excited to trade her desk for a backpack.
Building a Broad-Brush Program
Lisa’s passion for the LAP and its vital work is hard to overstate. When she first joined the LAP, the program primarily focused on addiction recovery. Over the years, she has helped broaden its scope, transforming it into a vital, comprehensive resource for the legal profession. The program successfully shifted to a "broad-brush" approach that recognizes the full spectrum of personal problems facing the legal community.
Today, LAP stands ready to support the legal community with any personal concern, including:
- Mental Health challenges
- Stress and Burnout
- Financial Concerns
- Bereavement
- Wellness
- Relationship Difficulties
- Addiction and recovery
For Lisa, the evolution has been incredibly meaningful, and seeing the positive impact of this comprehensive approach on the lives of lawyers, judges, law students, and support staff has been the highlight of her career.
A Legacy of Service and Collaboration
Lisa’s journey to MSBA’s LAP began when a friend who runs Washington, DC’s LAP introduced her to Jim Quinn, MSBA’s LAP director at the time. Lisa, who has a background and a master's specialization in Employee Assistance Programs, asked Quinn if he had ever considered hiring a clinical administrative person. His response was essentially, "When do you want to start?"
Lisa shared that she enjoys the many different aspects of LAP, allowing her to wear many hats. She loves going from doing trainings and presentations to writing tip sheets, seeing clients, and working with the committee. She was also instrumental in starting more wellness trainings, often with the help of LAP Committee members. Ultimately, the most rewarding part of her role is helping people and seeing people be successful.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Committee and Volunteers
Lisa will leave the LAP knowing that the program's foundation is firm and its mission is in good hands. She expressed deep gratitude for the LAP Committee and volunteers, who are instrumental in making the program what it is. Among other things, they support clients and take time away from their practice to help with presentations. They also share their personal stories to create blogs and let people know they are not alone. They also contact Lisa if they know of an attorney who needs treatment or resources. Lisa noted that the LAP Committee and volunteers have always worked alongside her to make the program as strong as possible.
Looking Ahead
While leaving a program that has been such a significant part of her professional life is difficult, Lisa is thrilled about what comes next.
We look forward to celebrating Lisa before her departure. In the meantime, the work of the LAP continues, and we encourage everyone in the legal community to continue utilizing this invaluable, free, and confidential resource.
Happy trails to Lisa Caplan!
About the MSBA Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP)
LAP has assisted thousands of Maryland lawyers. The program is committed to providing free, confidential assistance to all Maryland lawyers, judges, law school students, and support staff by offering assessment, referral, short-term counseling, and continued support to ensure long-term success.
- Toll-free confidential help: 1-888-388-5459.
- The LAP also offers financial assistance for mental health and addiction treatment.
- Confidentiality is ensured by Federal and state laws and Rule 8.3 for those who seek assistance or have been referred.