We're Here to Help

The purpose of the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program (NJLAP) is to provide assistance to attorneys, members of the judiciary, law students, and law graduates with alcohol, drug, gambling, emotional, behavioral and other personal problems that affect well-being and professional performance.

NJLAP provides free, confidential, professional assistance with these and other issues to you or an attorney you know. The New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program is funded by all members of the Bar with invaluable administrative support from the New Jersey State Bar Association. Our services include help for a broad range of problems and personal issues such as: 
 

• Depression
• Stress and Burnout
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• Marital and Family Relationships
• Gambling
• Career Concerns
• Eating Disorders
• Balancing Work and Family

Maintaining the Utmost Confidentiality

Because of the sensitive nature of personal problems, attorneys in need are often reluctant to seek help. To foster early and confidential self-help and to encourage program participation, the New Jersey Supreme Court, in approval of the program, assured utmost confidentiality by adoption of Rule 1:28B-3. You can read it, in full, in the column to the right of this page.

NJLAP includes a network of attorney peer counselors with special knowledge about helping resources for their colleagues. Our distinctive Women's Program is a leading resource and a national model. Women attorneys in recovery meet monthly for education, sharing, networking and peer support. Such "lawyer-helping-lawyer" activity is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Bar.

Lawyers are Not Unique

Millions of Americans suffer from depression, anxiety and other health problems. Millions more struggle with alcohol and other drug dependency. Many are lawyers who find their careers and families slipping away as they grow more desperate. Like people in all walks of life, lawyers tend to deny their symptoms. This is especially so for lawyers because we are helpers and advice-givers. Attempts to find solutions or "toughing it out" alone are usually in vain. By failing to reach out for help, a lawyer may jeopardize all that is meaningful in life.

Help Starts With One Phone Call

The New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program has a proven record of helping New Jersey lawyers, confidentially and free of charge, the goes back almost 25 years. We are in a firsthand position to confirm what research studies show: addiction is highly treatable. Similarly, depression, anxiety, marital and family problems, career issues and other personal difficulties can be successfully managed and overcome. We can help, but only if you contact us.

If you know a lawyer in trouble, call for a confidential consultation

NJLAP is always confidential, so you need never be concerned that by calling us your call has the potential to do harm. In fact, your call may be career or life saving. Whether the lawyer you are concerned about accepts the help or not, you are assured that NJLAP will help you better understand the problem. We will provide an assessment of the situation and assist you, your colleague, friend or loved one in getting whatever help may be needed. We can be reached at the 24 hour help line at 1-800-24NJLAP.

Providing Practice Assistance

An attorney with a personal or medical problem may, in some cases, need specific help to meet law practice demands during a difficult time. NJLAP works with volunteer lawyers who function under Confidentiality Rule 1:28B-3, which you can read, in full, in the right hand column of this page.

These volunteer lawyers, either individually or in teams, can assist with the time and energy necessary to keep a law practice operating smoothly and to protect the clients. The volunteer lawyers can, through limited, temporary assistance, relieve the mind of a troubled colleague during his or her treatment, thus allowing concentration on recovery.

Whatever the problem, you do not have to manage alone

Don't delay in calling while you are trying to decide whether things are bad enough. There is no need to risk your license, livelihood, reputation or family. You do not have to do it alone. If you, a friend or a colleague is in trouble, seeking help will make a difference. Once you have made the call, you have taken the first step. We will help you take it from there. 
 

800-24-NJLAP or  info@njlap.org