Idaho Lawyers Assistance Program
The Idaho Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) is set up to help and support lawyers who are experiencing problems associated with alcohol and/or drug use or mental health issues. 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 mental health problems.
Facts
Alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental health problems are afflictions that affect a great number of professionals including lawyers and judges. Reports now estimate that while 10 percent of the general population has problems with alcohol abuse, anywhere from 15% to 18% of the lawyer population battles the same problem. Because many lawyers and judges are overachievers who carry an enormous workload, the tendency to “escape” from daily problems through the use of drugs and alcohol is prevalent in the legal community. Also, the daily pressures placed on these men and women can lead to inordinate amounts of stress and mental illness. Recent reports have also 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 for all concerned.
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...
- a family member’s use of alcohol or other drugs…
...Contact the LAP for assistance
Have you or a lawyer you care about
- Failed to show up at the office or to appear in court because you had a hangover or were “a little under the weather?”
- Experienced deteriorating relationships with clients, staff, and friends?
- Frequently missed appointments with clients?
- Ever awakened to discover that you couldn’t remember what happened the night before?
- Showed up drunk at court or for a deposition?
- Been drinking or using drugs during office hours?
- Used, misused, co-mingled or borrowed clients’ trust funds?
- Had to have another lawyer make your court appearances for you because you were hung over?
- Regularly had more than one drink at lunch?
- Noticed that drinking is affecting your reputation?
- Missed deadlines, filed pleadings late, allowed a statute of limitations to run, failed to pay your bar dues?
- Worried that these things are happening to you more and more frequently?
- Needed a drink because something good or bad happened?
- Gotten drunk at Bar meetings and social gatherings?
...Contact the LAP for assistance.
Services Provided
- 24 hour phone calls, all of which are confidential
- Guidance for the impaired lawyer 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 ascertaining lawyers who will volunteer time as temporary replacement for those lawyers going to treatment
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
Lori Barnes, Assistant
(208) 323-9555 office
(208) 891-4726 cellular
(800) 386-1695 toll free
(208) 323-9222 facsimile
E-mail: LAP@southworthassociates.net
Website:
Southworthassociates.net
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
LAP Committee Members
| Thomas Lopez, Boise, Chair 208-342-4300 |
Winston Victor Beard, Idaho Falls 208-557-5201 |
Phillip Becker, Gooding 208-934-4141 |
| Brian Donesley, Boise 208-343-3851 |
Hon. Daniel Eismann, Boise 208-334-2149 |
Jeffrey Gordon Howe, New Plymouth |
| Angela Kaufmann, Boise 208-345-2000 |
David Robert Martinez, Pocatello 208-733-8310 |
Hon. Daniel Meehl, Twin Falls 208-733-8310 |
| Lisa Mesler, Boise 208-334-9330 |
Hon. Thomas Joseph Ryan, Caldwell 208-454-7371 |
David Samuelson, Boise 208-344-7676 |
| Jamie Shropshire, Lewiston 208-746-7948 |
Richard G. Smith, Boise 208-334-6000 |
Martha Wharry Turner, Boise 208-869-0137 |
| Thomas Vasseur, Coeur d’Alene 208-664-4457 |
Robert J. Williams, Boise 208-345-3333 |
John Southworth, Boise (Non-Lawyer Committee Member) 208-323-9555 |
