Also known as: lawyer assistance programs · lawyers assistance program · lawyers assistance programs · LAP · attorney assistance program
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A confidential program established by state bar associations to provide counseling and treatment to lawyers experiencing substance abuse or other impairments. Participation allows lawyers to share experiences and demonstrate recovery while guaranteeing that information obtained during the program remains protected from mandatory disclosure.
Lillian Locke learns during a lawyer assistance program session that Logan Lane has struggled with substance abuse affecting his practice. When another lawyer asks Lillian whether she must report Logan under the rules, the protection for program information means Lillian faces no obligation to disclose what she learned in the program.
Leah Lamb discovers through ordinary client conversations that Lance Lee has committed serious misconduct raising questions about his fitness. Because the information did not come from a lawyer assistance program, Leah must consider whether the rules require her to report the violation to the appropriate authority.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Information gained by a lawyer while participating in an approved lawyers assistance program is not subject to the disclosure requirements of Rule 8.3. This confidentiality encourages lawyers to seek help without fear that their participation will trigger mandatory reporting obligations.
Supporting sources
States create these programs to encourage lawyers with substance abuse or addictive behaviors to obtain counseling and treatment. Confidentiality is essential so that lawyers will participate and share their experiences without risking professional discipline based on information disclosed in the program.
Supporting sources