The Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program Is Going Nationwide
The Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program Director Jeanne Marie Leslie is serving as both coordinator and editor for a book to be published by the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs. The book, which will have a number of authors, will include anonymous, personal stories by judges, lawyers and law students who are recovering from chemical and process addictions and depression.
An unexpected gift
In addition, ALAP recently received a special gift. A self-referral client completed the program and wrote a $10,000 check to the Lawyer Assistance Foundation (ALAF). ALAF is a nonprofit corporation [501(c)(3)] under the management of an elected board of directors. The purpose of the foundation is to provide financial assistance in the form of loans to pay for treatment expenses. These loans are available to Alabama lawyers suffering with addiction and other types of mental health disorders who cannot afford to pay. Since its inception, ALAF has raised nearly $225,000 and has financially assisted more than 39 lawyers in obtaining appropriate care.
The importance of work/life balance
Alcoholism, addictions and mental health illnesses affect a great number of professionals, including judges, lawyers and law students. The primary goal of the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program is to advance the legal community's knowledge of health and work/life balance issues facing lawyers and its response to those issues. If you or someone you know needs help, contact Jeanne Marie Leslie at (334) 834-7576.
