Official Government Website

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.

Reach the 24-Hour Hotline by dialing 866-460-9014. When calling this 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
LAP Brochure
LAP Reference Manual
LAP Treatment Providers

 

Who to Call

For assistance or to make a referral, please contact:

Southworth Associates
5530 W. Emerald
Boise, ID   83706

Ben Seymour, CADC, Program Coordinator
(208) 949-0363
(866) 460-9014 – 24-Hour Hotline
E-mail: ben@southworthassociates.net

Website: www.southworthassociates.net

Kristin Perkins, Assistant
(208) 323-9555

 

Alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental health problems are treatable illnesses that affect a great number of professionals, including lawyers and judges. A 2016 study by the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyers Assistance Programs and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation found alcohol use disorders and mental health problems are occurring in the legal profession at higher rates than in other professions and the general public. 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 prevalent in the legal community. These daily pressures can lead to inordinate amounts of stress and mental illness. 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.

What Does It Mean to Have a Serious Drinking Problem? – NY Times Jan. 31, 2020

          Mental Health Resources for the Legal Profession During COVID-19

**The above programming is intended for educational purposes only and does not meet mandatory continuing legal education requirements in Idaho. You will not receive CLE credit for viewing/listening.

 

Jamie C. Shropshire, Chair Boise

Phone: (208) 305-2344

Kevin S. Borger Boise

Phone: (208) 608-7950
Cell: (208) 440-4754

Ronald D. Christian Caldwell

Phone: (208) 571-2149

Hon. Gregory M. Culet Nampa

Phone: (208) 454-7375

Yvonne A. Dunbar Boise

Phone: (208) 344-5800

Jeremiah M. Hudson Boise

Phone: (208) 345-7000

Thomas B. Humphrey Boise

Phone: (208) 830-4319

Hon. Robert Jackson Payette

Phone: (208) 642-6019

Matthew L. Kinghorn Pocatello

Phone: (208) 478-2046

Dylan B. Lawrence Boise

Phone: (208) 907-1529

Susan D. Powell Mauk Boise

Phone: (208) 344-5457

Paul D. McFarlane Boise

Phone: (208) 342-1948

Hon. Daniel B. Meehl Twin Falls

Phone: (208) 733-8310

Hon. Victoria A. Olds Nez Perce

Phone: (208) 937-2251

Andrea P. Patterson Boise

Phone: (208) 947-7437

Joseph N. Pirtle Boise

Phone: (208) 343-5454

Danielle C. Scarlett Nampa

Phone: (208) 465-5412

Julie Stomper Idaho Falls

Phone: (208) 557-5211

Thomas M. Vasseur Coeur d’Alene

Phone: (208) 664-4457
Cell: (208) 819-1100

Douglas A. Werth Boise

Phone: (208) 332-3570

Clint Bolinder Boise

Cell: (208) 388-1200

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