Idaho State Bar

Idaho Lawyers Assistance Program

The mission of the Idaho Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP) is to provide support for lawyers who are experiencing problems associated with substance abuse and/or mental health issues in a safe manner, preserving the reputation and trust of the attorney. All information is 100% confidential and will not be reported to the Idaho State Bar.

The program also focuses on educating legal professionals and their family and friends about the causes, effects and treatment of alcohol and drug dependency, depression, and other mental health problems. Judges and attorneys volunteer their time to assist lawyers who suffer with these issues through the appropriate resources.

When calling the 24/7 confidential phone line, you will receive...

• Guidance for lawyers in need of assistance or referral sources
• Information relating to alcohol/drug education, mental health treatment, interventions, monitoring, and/or family support
• Guidance for re-entering the workplace
• Assistance in finding lawyers who volunteer time as a temporary replacement for those lawyers entering a treatment program
• Recommendations for appropriate treatment centers
• 
  

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues in the Legal Profession

Alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental health problems are treatable illnesses that affect a great number of professionals, including lawyers and judges. Reports now estimate that while 10% of the general population has problems with alcohol abuse, 15-18% of the legal profession battles the same problem. Since many lawyers and judges tend to be overachievers who carry an enormous workload, the inclination to “escape” through the use of drugs and alcohol is prevelant in the legal community. These daily pressures can lead to inordinate amounts of stress and mental illness. Recent national reports have shown that a majority of disciplinary problems involve chemical dependency or emotional stress. The effects can be devastating - both to the individual and to those around them. Fortunately, there is help.

You are not alone - if you are concerned about ...

• Your own use of alcohol or other drugs
• The use of alcohol or drugs by a partner or associate
• A fellow attorney or judge who you see is affected by the use of alcohol or other drugs
• You or a fellow attorney’s inability to handle matters due to depression or other forms of mental illness
• ... Contact the LAP for assistance.
  
  

Who to Call

For assistance or to make a referral, please contact:

Southworth Associates
5530 W. Emerald
Boise, ID   83706

John Southworth, CADC - Program Coordinator
Lisa Reeser, Assistant
(208) 323-9555  office
(208) 891-4726 cellular
(800) 386-1695  toll free
(208) 323-9222 facsimile
E-mail: Southworth.associates@gmail.com
Website:www.southworthassociates.net

LAP Committee Members

Jamie C. Shropshire, Chair - Lewiston Phone: (208) 746-7948 Cell: (208) 305-2344	Hon. Daniel T. Eismann - Boise Phone: (208) 334-2149	Rebecca L. O'Neill - Boise Phone: (208) 493-0405
Hon. Phillip M. Becker - Gooding Phone: (208) 934-4141	James P. Hannon - Coeur d'Alene Phone: (208) 676-8776 Cell: (208) 818-1792	Bruce M. Perry - Boise Cell: (208) 867-9000
Kevin S. Borger - Boise Phone: (208) 384-3870 Cell: (208) 440-4754	Amanda C. Horton - Boise Phone: (208) 384-3874	Joseph N. Pirtle - Boise Phone: (208) 395-7144
Ronald D. Christian - Caldwell Phone: (208) 571-2149	James D. Huegli - Boise Phone: (208) 860-8659	Hon. Thomas J. Ryan - Caldwell Phone: (208) 454-7371
Hon. Gregory M. Culet - Nampa Phone: (208) 454-7319	Angela S. Kaufmann - Boise Phone: (208) 332-8509	Thomas M. Vasseur - Coeur d'Alene Phone: (208) 664-4457 Cell: (208) 819-1100
Brian N. Donesley - Boise Phone: (208) 343-3851	Thomas H. Lopez - Boise Phone: (208) 336-2455	John Southworth - Statewide Outreach (Non-Lawyer Committee Member) Phone: (208) 891-4726
Yvonne A. Dunbar - Boise Phone: (208) 344-5800	Hon. Daniel B. Meehl - Twin Falls Phone: (208) 733-8310

Survival Guide for Lawyers

The Survival Guide for Lawyers is a basic introduction to the dynamics of alcoholism and chemical dependency, depression, and stress, and guidelines for getting help for yourself, or a client or colleague whose life is impaired by such difficulties.  Includes the scope of the LAP, issues of confidentiality, as well as, how to access the program.  Also includes a brief examination of the impact these problems can have on admission to the Idaho State Bar.

Information is available from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare on suicide prevention.  You can access the information at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/pdf/NSPL-Consumer%20Brochure-1-30-06.pdf

Idaho Lawyers Assistance Program - general brochure

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