Lawyer-Assistance-Program Attorneys and the Practice of Therapeutic Jurisprudence

In my recent book, Rehabilitating Lawyers: Principles of Therapeutic Jurisprudence for Criminal Law Practice, I sought to provide lawyers and other professionals engaged in the practice of criminal law a collection of practical and comprehensive materials that could help them achieve better results as well as greater satisfaction with their clients and cases. At least one of the contributors to the book also had some connection to a lawyer-assistance program—a program that helps lawyers having problems with drugs, alcohol, and mental illness. Such lawyers are now helped immensely by such programs in all states, and the lawyers in turn have much insight and experience to offer their clients and other professionals. Lawyer-assistance programs rely heavily on lawyer volunteers, themselves in recovery from a variety of impairing conditions.

Many begin their recovery due to some bar disciplinary action, while others find help and assistance through lawyer-assistance programs voluntarily. Those who have received help often willingly “give back” by lending support to other impaired lawyers.