or lap@nysba.org (confidential e-mail)
Stacey Whiteley, LAP Director
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Thomas E. Schimmerling, Esq., LAC Chair
Daniella E. Keller, Esq., LAC Co-Chair
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Hon. Jonah Triebwasser, JWC Chair
Hon. Linda Poust Lopez, JWC Vice Chair
LAP Brochure
LAP Flyer
TASK FORCE ON ATTORNEY WELLNESS
The Task Force on Attorney
Wellness is charged with reviewing the state’s bar application questionnaire to
ensure an applicant’s history of mental health treatment will not be a
deterrence to admission. The Task
Force will review specific questions on the New York bar application’s
character and fitness questionnaire that address an applicant’s mental health
issues to determine if they comport with the nationally endorsed
recommendations found in the recently issued Conference of Chief Justices’
resolution. The Task Force will issue a report with recommendations based
on their findings.
Task
Force Roster
Press
Release: New York State Bar Association Creates Blue-Ribbon Wellness Task Force
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.
Establishing a LAWYERS HELPING LAWYERS committee
Click HERE to learn more about establishing a Lawyers Helping Lawyers committee in your local area.
AWARDS
LINDA M. MCMAHON RECEIVES FRANKLIN P. GAVIN MEMORIAL AWARD
Linda M. McMahon is the recipient of the 2019 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.
CAROL LACKENBACH, ESQ. RECEIVES RAYMOND P. O'KEEFE MEMORIAL AWARD
CaroL Lackenbach, Esq. was awarded the 2019 Raymond P. O'Keefe Memorial Award (posthumously) on May 18, 2019 at the LAP Spring Retreat in Silver Bay, NY. Daughters Beth and Sharon accepted the award on Carol's behalf.
MODEL POLICY ADDRESSING IMPAIRMENT ISSUES
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
