which school for new york volunteer attorney program ag

What is the Lawyer Assistance Program?

This manual has been written for use by the programs and committees that make up the Lawyer Assistance effort in New York State – helping lawyers, judges, law school students who are affected by the problems of substance abuse, gambling and other addictions, as well as depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Through prevention, early identification, and intervention, problems that can affect the professional conduct of judges and the quality of life of lawyers, students and can be addressed. The users of this manual include lawyers in recovery and others who form the front lines of the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) effort, the numerous local bar association lawyer assistance or lawyer-helping-lawyer committees, LAP staff, and those members of the legal community who seek to support the important work of

What is the New York State Bar Association?

The New York State Bar Association is committed to assisting individuals in the legal profession who are dealing with impairment issues that affect performance on the job , whether caused by substance abuse or other addictive behaviors, depression or other mental health conditions.

What is a lap?

LAP staff and volunteers provide education to the legal profession on a variety of issues, including: addiction, mental health, stress management, the work/life balance, and the role of the law firm or judiciary in addressing such issues. LAP offers presentations for CLE credit or no credit to county and specialty bar associations, law schools, legal organizations, and the judiciary.

How to talk someone into change?

Trying to talk someone into change does not work – it increases resistance. Instead, get someone to say out loud what or why they want to change – this offers the greatest likelihood of motivating change. The person needs to present the arguments for change. The person needs to appreciate that there are discrepancies between present behavior and personal values.

Is LAP information confidential?

All communications with an assistance committee, LAP staff, or volunteer, and all records of LAP assistance to a person are to be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed, except:

What time does the NYSBA LAP office call?

Office Calls and Helpline Calls: The NYSBA LAP Director responds to calls received through the office line or helpline Monday through Friday from 8:00 am through 4:00 pm. Messages and emails are also monitoring on weekends and holidays.

What does it mean when you are ambivalent?

Ambivalence usually means a person’s values and behaviors are at odds. If you argue for one side, the ambivalent person is likely to argue for the other. Resist the “righting reflex” to straighten out the ambivalence.

What is social justice initiative?

Social Justice Initiatives (SJI) works with student organizations, legal service providers, government agencies, law firms, and other community partners to facilitate a wide variety of pro bono projects and opportunities. If you are an attorney seeking pro bono help for a public interest matter from our students, visit our For Employers page.

What is pro bono law?

A law firm’s pro bono, public interest work, for which the firm is not compensated (must occur during a week in which the student is not being paid for their work). Columbia Law School clinics during a semester in which the student is not enrolled in the clinic.

What is a pro bono assignment?

A pro bono assignment must be law-related, public interest in nature (for definitions, see section II of the guidelines), uncompensated (no cash, nor credit), and supervised by an attorney.