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For confidential assistance, here is how to contact Lawyers’ Assistance Program
Chicago Office
Lawyers’ Assistance Program, Inc.
20 South Clark Street, Suite 1820
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Telephone: 312·726·6607
800 Number: 800·LAP·1233
Facsimile: 312·726·6614
Email: gethelp@illinoislap.org
Downstate Office
Lawyers’ Assistance Program, Inc.
2217 West Main Street
Belleville, Illinois 62226
Telephone: 618·233-1527
Facsimile: 618-233-4316
Email: gethelp@illinoislap.org
LAP Services
LAP’s staff members and trained volunteers provide the following services:
Consultation
Consultation is provided to law firms, organizations, and individuals, regarding chemical dependency and mental health issues in the workplace.
Information and Referral
LAP provides information to attorneys, judges, and law students on issues of chemical dependency and mental health that impact the legal profession. Referral options, assessments, and recommendations are discussed with clients regarding appropriate treatment organizations, agencies, and private practitioners.
Peer Support and Counseling
LAP volunteers provide peer support to attorneys, judges, and law students who identify a problem and request assistance. Peer assistance is also available to colleagues and family members. Most often the problem identified by the client is addiction, specifically alcoholism; however, peer assistance may address issues including mental health, gambling, or other compulsive disorders. LAP attempts to match clients with trained volunteers who share similar demographic characteristics and who have successfully managed a similar problem. Frequently a volunteer accompanies the client to a twelve-step meeting.
Interventions
Intervention is a group process initiated by family, friends, or colleagues with the objective of confronting a chemically dependent attorney, judge, or law student with the facts regarding his or her using behavior. An intervention is coordinated by a trained, experienced intervenor. A LAP intervention usually includes three LAP intervenors, at least one who is a judge and at least one who is in recovery. Interventions, which normally take place in a judge’s chambers, are well planned and rehearsed. It is an effective method of helping the legal professional who may not realize he or she needs help.
Education
Lawyers’ Assistance Program is an approved MCLE provider and all programs presented by LAP qualify for the professionalism and ethics requirement. We do not charge for any of our educational programs, but donations are strongly encouraged.
LAP provides speakers to educate the legal community on issues of addiction and mental health. LAP staff members and volunteers speak with law students, bar associations, law firms, and legal organizations on the impact of chemical dependency and mental illness on the legal profession and the services provided by LAP.