KALAP’s purpose, set out in Rule 233(a) is fourfold:
- to provide assistance to lawyers in need;
- to educate the bench and bar about the causes of and services available for lawyers needing assistance;
- to develop programs that emphasize prevention of circumstances that might negatively impact a lawyer; and
- to protect citizens from potential harm that may be caused by lawyers in need of assistance.
KALAP provides many different services, depending on the needs of an individual lawyer or various bar associations to fulfill its purpose. KALAP services are always confidential and free.
Services include:
- Counseling sessions with a licensed counselor through our EAP provider,
- Peer Support groups,
- Peer Mentoring,
- Modified interventions,
- Referrals for assessments or evaluations,
- Referrals for therapy and for treatment,
- Implementing best practices for law practice management issues,
- Assistance with Diversion and Probation Plans required by Discipline,
- Assistance with Monitoring Contracts required by Admissions,
- CLE programs to local and specialty bar associations or law firms.
KALAP can address concerns before they jeopardize a lawyer’s practice, a judge’s career, or a law student’s education. KALAP understands that addiction and behavioral problems reach beyond the work environment and strives to provide assistance before family and personal relations are put at risk.
In this way, KALAP not only helps to save the lives and practices of attorneys, it also contributes to the continued improvement of the integrity and reputation of the legal profession, and, because assistance to a struggling lawyer often prevents future ethical violations, the reduction of disciplinary actions against impaired attorneys.
KALAP recognizes that addiction, mental health problems, and personal struggles significantly impact a professional’s ability to function in a legal setting. It is the responsibility of the legal profession to assist its members who suffer from such concerns. Should a lawyer need financial assistance to obtain an evaluation or treatment, the KALAP Foundation may provide assistance to KALAP clients when approved by the Foundation.