Judicial Assistance
LAP Judges Brochure PDF
Like all members of the legal profession, judges sometimes face problems – stress, depression, balancing work and family, alcohol and drug abuse, and compulsive behaviors. But a judge’s problem is more likely to go unnoticed and untreated because of the insular nature of their work.
Judges are frequently reluctant to seek help because of fear, denial, embarrassment – even hopelessness. Above all they are concerned about their problems becoming known and negatively impacting their status and reputation.
Every year LAP receives more calls from judges looking for assistance for themselves or for their colleagues. They know they can come to Lawyers’ Assistance Program with complete assurance of confidentiality and discretion.
Judges who face the issues of depression, stress, anxiety, or any other personal problem that affects their personal and professional lives can safely call LAP for consultation and/or referral to professional therapists and psychiatrists. Sometimes their concerns are for family members, friends or colleagues. A confidential conversation with LAP’s clinical director can be the beginning of a solution to the problem.
Judges are often in the best position to see problems or impairment in their colleagues on the bench. Lawyers are reluctant to initiate judicial intervention for fear of retaliation by the impaired judge or alienation of other judges.
Judges can help other judges most effectively with the support of trained LAP volunteer judges who understand the issues and are genuinely concerned about helping their judicial colleagues. When alcohol or drug dependency causes impairment, a peer intervention team of volunteer judges will meet with concerned individuals, educate them on the intervention process, and effectively intervene on the impaired judge with the goal of getting the judge to treatment.
Intervention can interrupt the harmful, progressive, and destructive effects of chemical dependency. It is also highly effective with compulsive gambling. The intervention process is always conducted with respect and concern. Helping a colleague is the honorable thing to do.