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12 Winter 2016 The Mississippi Lawyer Focus... Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program Director Betty Daugherty was hired. In 1994 the program became a full-time program and a Standing Committee of the Bar. In 1995 Charles Dunn led the LJAP in securing a rule change to include lawyers suffering with depression to be served by the program. The current LJAP is authorized to establish a program of evaluation intervention treatment moni- toring and assistance for attorneys who suffer from chemical dependence or from physical emotional or mental disabilities that result from disease disorder trauma or age and which impairs or tends to impair their ability to practice and their professional conduct. Mississippis LJAP is one of the oldest and most established programs in the country handling on average 100-120 new referrals per year. The forgoing brief history sets the stage logistically for LJAP as we know it today but the underlying stories of recovery and the growing community of lawyers caring one for another - these are the heartbeat of LJAP. These are the elements which bring us together in the Spring for our annual Camp LJAP retreat which fuels tireless volunteers to take yet another call to help with an attorney in need and inspires giving back paying it forward in nearly every way imaginable. Q How did things change in 2015 A A Quantum Leap - On January 15 2015 the Supreme Court of Mississippi issued an Order establishing The Mississippi Bars Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program as an entity separate from the Courts disciplinary agents. The Court also issued Rules governing the operations of the program. Assistance through the program under these Rules remains confidential and voluntary. The Rules may be viewed at httpcourts. ms.govrulesmsrules.html The Supreme Courts Order marks a giant step forward for LJAP. The pro- gram staff and volunteers are extremely excited about the new possibilities ahead. Recent years have seen marked increases in recognition of program as a viable resource and confidence in its services and support. Q What are your services A Presently LJAP offers the following services Education Confidential assessment and consultation and intervention Referral and facilitation of admission for treatment services Volunteer supportassistance Lawyers in Recovery 12-Step groups Therapist facilitated Lawyer Support Groups and Ongoing case management and monitoring services In addition to our usual work LJAP is attempting to look ahead toward what will be necessary to further develop and grow our services. We are attempting to broaden our fundraising capability as we frequently assist attorneys financially in obtaining treatment. We are consult- ing with the Lawyers in Transition Task Force looking at how we might best serve attorneys who need to make a tran- sition in their practice or to retire. The most recent data on the preva- lence of impairment in the legal profes- sion was published in February 2016 in the Journal of Addiction Medicine. A nationwide sample of 12825 licensed employed attorneys completed surveys assessing alcohol use drug use and symptoms of depression anxiety and stress. This study in which Mississippi attorneys had an opportunity to par- ticipate was the first of its kind in more than twenty years. The results twenty- one 21 percent of licensed employed attorneys qualify as problem drinkers twenty-eight 28 percent struggle with some level of depression and nineteen 19 percent demonstrate symptoms of anxiety. These results confirm and amplify what we have long known. Since the early 1990s professionals in the treat- ment field have advised that lawyers experience impairment from behavioral health problems at a far greater rate than the general population. The fact that this study is much larger and diverse speaks directly to the need for increased innova- tive services to prevent treat and facili- tate recovery in the legal profession. One in four of our colleagues is strug- gling which means that our entire pro- fession is dealing with them as a whole. Thats why LJAP is here. Q What can LJAP do A LJAP is here to provide education and resources about impairment particularly as manifested in the practice of law to offer assessment consultation intervention and referral services to attorneys in need of assistance to provide follow up and monitoring services as attorneys enter a life of recovery and to provide a supportive community where attorneys can find support feedback accountability and con- frontation in safe environments The services of the LJAP are vol- untary confidential and available at no charge to all attorneys judges law students and graduates in Mississippi. Q Should You Call LJAP A YES If you believe that you or someone you know needs assistance you should call. If an attorney in your Court or in your community appears to be hav- ing problems you should call. If youre concerned but not sure you should call. If you have a general question related to impairment you should call. Its YOUR LJAP and we look forward to being of service. The Mississippi Bar Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program 1-800-593-9777