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36 Winter 2016 The Mississippi Lawyer How It Works A Judges Perspective gations reports and conferences includ- ing the intervention are privileged. The impaired lawyers are frequently adamant and sometimes confrontational in their denials of an addiction. But these deni- als are being made to LJAP members who themselves once made the same denials. The LJAP members share their own per- sonal stories of recovery and reassure the lawyers that they can regain their sobriety and careers as well. In some instances lawyers immediately depart for treatment. In other cases there may be a delay of a day or two. If lawyers accept the help they are directed to the appropriate reha- bilitation facility. After that LJAP assists the Court in insuring that the clients rights are protected. They communicate with the clients regarding the absence of the law- yer in a discreet and confidential manner. They contact opposing counsel and con- tact varying courts to insure that deadlines are not overlooked or that matters that are set can be continued. Once the lawyer returns to practice he or she is monitored by LJAP and more often than not become active in LJAP. The Courts involvement is very minimal. I have worked with LJAP since I first came to the bench. I can tell you that I have seen miracles. Lawyers who once appeared to be losing their practices com- pletely returned to become even better members of our bar. I wish that I could tell you our efforts have always proven successful. Unfortunately that is not the case. However I can tell you that we have tried in every instance to provide an impaired lawyer the help that he or she needs. ______ A graduate of Millsaps College and the University of Mississippi School of Law Judge Jim Persons also received a Master of Laws in taxation degree from New York University. Beginning in 1967 he practiced law in both Jackson and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and was elected to his first term as chancery judge for the 8th Chancery Court District of Mississippi in 2003. He is currently serv- ing his fourth term. Judge Persons has been recognized by colleagues for outstanding legal abil- ity and devotion to the public and profes- sion as a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation and is a recipient of the Above and Beyond Award in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the vision and service of The Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program of the Mississippi Bar a program in which he has been actively involved for several years. Judge Persons is married to Kaye J. Persons an attorney and has two grown children. I can tell you that we have tried in every instance to provide an impaired lawyer the help that he or she needs.