October, 10, 2012 -
WV LAP SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
The West Virginia Supreme Court recently enacted Rules of the West Virginia Lawyer Assistance Program (WVLAP). These rules establish a program designed to provide help for lawyers who suffer from any physical or mental health condition that may affect their ability to practice law. Rule 4 addresses 'volunteers' and permits the enlistment of "volunteer lawyers and judges whose responsibilities may include: assisting in interventions; serving as twelve-step program sponsors and/or recovery mentors; acting as local contact for members of the legal profession seeking help from the WVLAP; acting as a contact between WVLAP and the courts, the Lawyer Disciplinary Board, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, and other State bar organizations, committees, and law schools; providing compliance monitoring as may be appropriate; and performing any other function deemed appropriate and necessary by the Board to fulfill its purposes."
The WVLAP Board of Directors would like to hear from those interested in serving as a volunteer. One of the first functions the Board hopes to establish with the assistance of such volunteers is development and implementation of lawyer support groups throughout the state.
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, or if you have any questions about it, please contact WVLAP Board members Karen Kahle (304-231-0441, Karen.kahle@steptoe-johnson.com) or Kevin Mills (304-224-1010, kmills@wvacriminaldefense.com), or State Bar Director Anita Casey (304-558-7993, caseya@wvbar.org ).