Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Assistance Program

Per Business & Professions Code section 6234, any information obtained by the LAP is confidential and cannot be disclosed as part of a civil proceeding, a disciplinary proceeding, or a public records request.

Licensed mental health professionals who may work within the LAP must still comply with laws regarding the reporting of danger to self or others, suspected elder or dependent adult abuse, and suspected child abuse.

While participants receive a personalized plan tailored to their individual needs, there are general similarities. Some common recommendations are:

- Attend several abstinence-based self-help group meetings each week
 (for those with substance use problems) or attend therapy sessions
 (for those with mental health concerns).
- Attend LAP support group meetings each week.
- Abstain from all drugs that are not prescribed, including alcohol.
- Meet with the Clinical Review Team periodically.
- Maintain regular contact with a Clinical Rehabilitation Coordinator.
- Participate in lab testing on a random basis (typically for those with a    history of problematic substance use).

There may be additional and more specific recommendations depending on the needs of an individual participant, such as inpatient treatment or counseling for a specific problem.

No, the ADP is the State Bar Court's Alternative Discipline Program for attorneys with substance use or mental health problems.

The LAP is a separate program for law students, State Bar applicants, current and former attorneys with substance use or mental health issues, regardless of whether they have past or pending disciplinary matters.

The ADP has a close and mutually beneficial relationship with LAP. The ADP neither duplicates the LAP processes nor usurps the treatment function. The ADP seeks to identify and refer respondents with substance use or mental health problems to LAP in order that respondents so afflicted may be treated and rehabilitated. A respondent must be accepted into LAP to be eligible for the ADP.

The State Bar Court has more information about ADP.

Participation in self-help recovery groups is an essential element of recovery for many people. LAP groups are an important adjunct to the recovery process, rather than a substitute for participation in self-help programs.

LAP groups are supportive process groups that are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals. LAP groups differ from self-help groups by providing an individualized focus to the recovery process and more personalized support from the group, under the guidance of the group facilitator. Only law students, State Bar applicants, and attorneys are in the LAP groups. It is not open to the general public.

LAP groups do not focus on the specific treatment of any diagnosis. A structured plan of support is beneficial in the recovery of a variety of problems.

Also, many LAP participants are recovering from both substance use and mental health issues. Feedback from LAP participants confirms that benefits are derived from the combined group meetings. The general public is not part of the LAP group meetings.

There is no set time for Support LAP. It is completely voluntary. Participants can enroll, withdraw, and re-enroll whenever they want to.

Professional monitoring can be provided for as long as a participant wants it. If an attorney is required to successfully complete the LAP (often required by the State Bar’s discipline system), the attorney will have several goals to meet, including a minimum of three continuous years of sobriety and/or mental health stability.

The cost is $275 per month, which is paid to the clinician who facilitates the group. Groups fees are assessed monthly, not on a week-to-week basis. Financial assistance is available for qualified participants.

The cost for drug testing varies by frequency and the type of test. Most tests are about $85 per test, which is paid to LAP’s contracted testing provider. The lab that is used for biological fluid collection, may assess an additional fee.

Drug testing varies by need, although the general parameters are 12-36 times per year.

Contracted therapists agree to provide two additional sessions at $100 per session after the two free sessions that LAP pays for. For the fifth session, individuals can make their own arrangements with the therapist/counselor if they wish to continue.

Contact the LAP office for details about the income eligibility requirements and the application process. Financial assistance can cover up to one year of LAP group fees and one year of lab testing fees.

For more information, see the LAP Growth Grant Criteria.

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.