The Virginia Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program provides a collection of highly effective services tailored to meet the needs of each individual judge. We assist judges in:
- Conducting assessments
- Establishing and monitoring rehabilitation contracts
- Offering peer support and counseling
- Planning and implementing interventions
- Providing treatment referrals
- Verifying a problem
The good news is that judges in the legal community who get help have an excellent chance of recovering.
Renew your sense of hope by starting your journey toward recovery today: 804-644-3212.
Know a colleague who needs help?
As a judge, you also spend a lot of time with lawyers. You are one of the first people who may notice when lawyers start acting differently. If you suspect a lawyer or another colleague may be practicing under the influence of alcohol or drugs or may be suffering from a mental health disorder, you have a legal ethical obligation to report him or her.
Lawyers are adept at hiding their problematic behavior. In many cases, long standing impairment first becomes obvious when the lawyer gets into trouble for misbehavior. Poor preparation, erratic behavior, showing up to work late and missing court dates can be an indicator of substance abuse issues or mental health problems. In each case, what is needed is a change in the lawyer’s behavior.
Our services can get that lawyer or judge the free, confidential help he or she needs without involving the State Bar.