Monitored Lawyer Assistance Program

The Monitored Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) is for attorneys (active, inactive, or disbarred), law students, or State Bar applicants who need to satisfy a specific monitoring or verification requirement imposed by an employer, the Office of Chief Trial Counsel, the State Bar Court, the Office of Admissions, or another entity. Participants may refer themselves to this program or may be referred as the result of an investigation or disciplinary proceeding.

The Monitored LAP is not a treatment program. Professional monitoring is a process of structured oversight. Its purpose is to confirm a participant’s ongoing stability through abstinence from substances, management of mental health conditions, or adherence to recovery-oriented behavior. When instability is observed, the purpose of professional monitoring is to prompt a return to appropriate treatment. In this way, monitoring functions as a public protection mechanism, providing assurance that a participant is maintaining sufficient wellness to practice law competently.

Monitored LAP is also available to attorneys, law students, and State Bar applicants seeking help independently who want the additional structure and support that this program provides.

The program offers long-term structure and the support of a professional case manager.

There is a fee for group participation and lab testing, if required. Financial assistance may be available for qualified participants. Contact our office for more information.

More information

Contact us

For more information, please complete the LAP/OPC Support Intake Form, give us a call (877-LAP-4HELP or 877-527-4435), or send an email to LAP@calbar.ca.gov. Contacting us is confidential.