by Jennifer Gille Bacon
Presidents Pages tend to be devoted to presenting lawyers and the law in a positive light. Most of us understand that the image of lawyers is one of our biggest problems, and we want that negativism to be countered, and rightfully so. However, we cannot ignore that actual problems exist for many lawyers, often related to the high-pressure, stress-filled demands of practice, and the difficulties of balancing work and personal life. What can be done? How can we help ourselves?
The statistics are troubling. While the general population experiences such difficulties as depression, alcohol abuse or drug abuse in a range of 7-10% of all adults, lawyers are afflicted with one or more of the above at a rate two or three times that of the general population (15-25%). And, although this still represents a minority of lawyers, these percentages are not insignificant. When viewed in light of what we already know to be the poor image of lawyers, the fact that 20% or more of lawyers are practicing under the handicap of depression or substance abuse makes it all the more understandable that there is a kernel of truth to negative public perception. This is statistically borne out by the disciplinary system - more than 50% of all complaints in that system have at their root an impaired lawyer.
As we know, one "bad" lawyer affects all of us. Not only do clients suffer, but law firms, family and friends associated with that lawyer also suffer. Each of those provides a potential source of negative experiences that will almost certainly be shared with others. Bad news carries faster and further than good, so the "ripple effect" of lawyer impairment can be far-reaching indeed.
What to do? What should we do? There are, of course, many answers, but I shall discuss only one - the Missouri Lawyer Assistance Program (MOLAP). Several years ago, The Missouri Bar instituted MOLAP as a confidential, free source to Missouri lawyers and law students. MOLAP employs a full-time (24 hours/day) licensed counselor to assist in counseling, interventions, education, training and other programs for the legal profession. While the approach recommended by MOLAP may include referral to other professionals who may charge, MOLAPs services are at no cost (and even referral service can generally be made available at little or no fee). And these services are entirely confidential. No information from any lawyer goes to The Missouri Bar, the Supreme Court, or the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel. MOLAP is dedicated to solving lawyers problems, and making lawyers productive professionals once again.
To this end, it simply makes sense to use MOLAP. On a personal level, a lawyer may be saving his or her career and family, or that of a friend or colleague. On a professional level, a law firm may be protecting its reputation and clients (to say nothing of its malpractice premiums) in getting help for a floundering lawyer, thereby enhancing the bottom line. No other service is as experienced in dealing with lawyers problems, or dedicated solely to the legal profession in Missouri.
We have probably all known lawyers who need help. Many of us have not known what to do. Now you do. Use MOLAP.