Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program

What It Is & How It Works

Purpose

It has been estimated that anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 lawyers in Texas suffer from alcoholism, chemical dependency, or mental illness impairing their professional abilities. The Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program (TLAP) was therefore created and has as its mission to help any lawyer, judge or law student whose professional performance may be affected by alcoholism, chemical dependency, depression, stress, or other similar conditions. TLAP not only helps save the lives of impaired attorneys, but also contributes to the protection of the public, the continued improvement in the integrity and reputation of the legal profession, and, because assistance to an impaired lawyer often prevents future ethical violations, the reduction of disciplinary actions against attorneys.

Operation

TLAP is staffed by three full time employees: Director (Ann Foster), Assistant Director (Chris Long) and Program Attorney (Greg Sisco) who operate a confidential 800 Hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Colleagues, family members, friends, office staff, judges and clients of impaired lawyers call for assistance, as do impaired lawyers themselves. The TLAP staff personally speaks with those seeking help and then, utilizing a statewide volunteer network, often assigns volunteer attorneys to work face-to-face with the impaired lawyer to assist him or her in recovery or rehabilitation. As necessary, TLAP may refer the attorney to appropriate professional assistance in his or her local community.

In addition, the TLAP staff, members of the Lawyers' Assistance Committee, and volunteer attorneys work to increase the legal community's and the public's awareness of impairments among lawyers and how to access help. This is done throughout each year via presentations at conferences, MCLE

events, local bar associations, law firms, and law schools, as well as by articles in bar journals and other print media. In March of 1989, 1992, 1995, 1998, February 2001, and July 2004, the Program was the featured subject of the Texas Bar Journal.

TLAP receives anywhere from 250 to 300 hotline calls each month from impaired attorneys, their family members, friends, partners, office staff, and other attorneys, resulting in about 25 to 35 new cases each month. During the State Bar Fiscal Year 2004-2005, TLAP was able to work with over 500 attorneys. About 56% of these attorneys suffered from substance abuse or chemical dependency. Approximately 37% were dealing with mental health issues, clinical depression and other related conditions. The attorneys assisted were from all types of practice, from all different parts of the state and from all age groups. The majority, however, were from small firms or solo practice and were between the ages of 30 and 50.

TLAP & the Disciplinary System

While referrals are received from the State Bar's disciplinary system, the Program will not intervene or advocate for or against any lawyer in any disciplinary action, nor will it report any lawyer to the disciplinary authorities.

Confidentiality

TLAP was established under Chapter 467 of the Texas Health & Safety Code. Pursuant to that statute, the confidentiality of all communications with the Program is protected. Accordingly, TLAP will not disclose any information about any impaired attorney to anyone without that attorney's written consent.

For More Information Call:
Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program
1-800-343-8527
24-hour confidential hotline

1414 Colorado St.
Austin, Tx  78701
512-427-1453
800-343-8527

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