Home For Attorneys Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP)

Patricia Spataro, LAP Director    

Lawrence Zimmerman, LAC Chair

WELCOME

Welcome to the LAP website and thank you for taking the time to seek us out.  Our mission is to educate the profession on issues relating to impairment due to addictions, depression and other mental health issues.  These afflictions often impact members of our profession at greater rates than the general public.  We also provide assistance, resources and referrals when help is needed.  The first, and most important step in the process is asking for help.  Please explore the materials gathered here and call us for additional information or for assistance.  All communications with LAP are confidential.

                                                                                                                                          Larry Zimmerman, 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.

LAP SERVICES

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 Now Available Online!

Visit www.nysba.org/elap and use the access code NYLAP to get instant access to a robust resource network. 

The E-LAP program offers more than 2,000 articles on mental health topics, assessments, self- help modules, and direct email communication with a lawyer assistance professional in an always-available and easy-to-use format.

The brief registration process requires users to establish a password.  This password-protected site offers complete privacy and confidentiality.  Users can now comfortably and conveniently explore resources to keep them healthy or seek answers to any concerns they may have.

Message from NYSBA President

Vincent E. Doyle III

(click here to view) 

HON. GEORGE D. MARLOW RECEIVES THE FRANKLIN P. GAVIN MEMORIAL AWARD

FROM NYSBA'S LAWYER ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE

NEWS RELEASE 

  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 

SAVE THE DATE

                                                                                                                           Register online here