A Safety Net That Works
From New Jersey Lawyer , Editorial Section, March 9, 1998

We spend our professional lives negotiating, advocating, protecting our clients, and ourselves.  We meet deadlines which some might believe are impossible.  We do it because we are lawyers.  But, for some of us, the stress of our daily practice coupled with other factors can cause us to seek relief in that evening drink, or what we might euphemistically refer to as recreational drugs, or the turn of a card, or mother refrigerator.  Some of us just sink into the blues.

But when that martini, that snort, that throw of a card begin to impact upon our real lives and our practices, we have a safety net.  Have you heard?  The New Jersey State Bar Association created and sponsors an independent program open to all attorneys in the state and all law students with these problems.

It works, and it's free.

New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program has access to a statewide network of psychologists, counselors, doctors and other professionals. The program reports a 97 percent success rate in treating alcohol and drug abuse since its inception December 1, 1993. That's twice the usual success rate of other programs. People also have reached out to NJLAP for help with their eating disorders and depression. And while you are in treatment, the program may provide oversight for your practice.  In total confidence. The Supreme Court recognized the need for privacy and amended RPC 8.3 to relax the reporting requirements within the assistance program.

In fact, the program is so discreet and confidential, Bill Kane, director of NJLAP, will not even tell how many people have sought help, except to say, "Hundreds."

We have heard a lot about the loss of professionalism and courtesy in the manner in which attorneys treat other attorneys. What better proof of how much we really care about each other could there be than this lawyer-helping-lawyer program.

When you receive your annual assessment in March, congratulate yourselves. A few dollars from the assessment of each attorney funds this marvelously worthwhile project. Enclosed with your assessment invoice this year will be a brochure giving you more information about the program.

If you are in need, call. If you know someone in need, don't watch the attorney slip through the cracks. Help him or her to make the call.

(The New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program is an independent, professional organization with offices located in the Law Center in New Brunswick. 1-800-24-NJLAP (1-800-246-5527)