Home For Attorneys

nysbalap@hushmail.com (confidential e-mail)

Patricia Spataro, LAP Director    

Henry Kruman, LAC Chair

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The New York State Bar Association Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) provides education and confidential assistance to lawyers, judges, law school students, and immediate family members who are affected by the problem of substance abuse, stress, depression or other mental health issues.  Its goal is to assist in the prevention, early identification and intervention of problems that can affect professional conduct and quality of life.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All LAP services are confidential and protected under Section 499 of the Judiciary Law as amended by Chapter 327 of the Laws of 1993.

are confidential, voluntary, free and include:

• early identification of impairment;

• intervention and motivation of impaired attorneys to seek help;

• assessment, evaluation and development of an appropriate treatment plan;

• referral of impaired attorneys to community resources, self-help groups, outpatient counseling, detoxification and rehabilitation services;

• information and referral for depression;

• and training programs on alcoholism, drug abuse and stress management.

NYSBA Lawyer Assistance Resources Available Online!

Click here to view the new eLAP Website 

BUFFALO ATTORNEY RECEIVES FRANKLIN P. GAVIN MEMORIAL AWARD

David R. Pfalzgraf, Esq. of Buffalo is the recipient of the 2013 Franklin P. Gavin Memorial Award, presented by NYSBA’s Lawyer Assistance Committee.

The annual award recognizes an individual who has contributed to assisting lawyers in recovery. Pfalzgraf was recognized for his leadership, support and outstanding contributions to lawyer assistance efforts.

He is past-chair of the NYSBA Lawyer Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee (currently the Lawyer Assistance Committee) and also served as Past Chair of the Lawyer Assistance Trust Board of Trustees and Past President of the Bar Association of Erie County.

Pfalzgraf received the award on May 18, 2013 during the LAP Spring Retreat in Silver Bay, NY.

  2012 LAP Annual Report

View 2012 LAP Annual Report 

  MODEL POLICY ADDRESSING IMPAIRMENT 

On April 10, 2010 the New York State Bar Association's  House of Delegates and Executive Committee approved a Model Policy to assist bar associations, law firms and other legal departments in addressing impairment issues. 

LAC Model Policy 

NYSBA Resolution