Feature Article
attorneys who are willing to help others. Such programs
exist in almost every other state, some boasting as many
as 600 volunteers. When our Georgia program is up and
running later in 2015, this will be an excellent resource, if we
can get lawyers to utilize it.
Utilization is a problem for us. The LAP presently is utilized
to less than 1% of its capacity. There are similar concerns
about the nascent volunteer program. Why is that? As one
member of the Lawyers Assistance Committee has noted,
“historically I think part of the reluctance of members of
the Bar to access LAP services has been a perception that
because the LAP program was a part of ‘the Bar,’ you might
as well contact the General Counsel’s office and surrender
your license.”
This kind of perception is the opposite of reality. In fact,
the Bar Rules require confidentiality for LAP programs and
the Committee has proposed amendments to clarify and
strengthen that protection in the context of the new volunteer
program. Except for threats of death or substantial bodily
harm and any statutory requirement of disclosure (e.g.,
terrorist plots), volunteers are and will be required to keep
information they learn about lawyers confidential. On the
topic of confidentiality, Paula Frederick, General Counsel of
the State Bar of Georgia, has this to say:
“It’s better for everyone—clients, the Bar and the lawyer
himself—when a lawyer seeks help for mental health or
substance abuse issues. The Bar encourages lawyers to
get treatment or assistance when they need it. A request for
help is confidential and the Office of the General Counsel
is not informed when a lawyer seeks help through the
Program.”
Ms. Frederick’s statement should allay the concerns that
have been voiced and lend support to the idea that the time
to take action is now. Right now is the time to give help or get
help if it is needed. When the Georgia Peer Program asks
you to volunteer, I hope that you will do it. When a colleague
is down or struggling, I hope that you will encourage him or
her to reach out to the LAP. If that colleague is you, I hope
that you will place a call to the LAP and get the help that you
need. Join the more than four hundred of your colleagues
who have already done so, who have already found out that
there is no hidden agenda, no wolf in sheep’s clothing, just a
hand waiting to help.
h t t p : / / w w w. h u f f i n g t o n p o s t . c o m / 2 0 1 5 / 0 2 / 2 2 / g r a h a m - m o o r e oscars_n_6733082.html
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http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/oscars-2015-dana-perry-us-payattention-suicide/story?id=29150634
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