Rhode Island LAP Roundup
Rhode Island’s LAP is the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee, which works in conjunction with Resource International Employee Assistance Services (RIEAS). Both are member benefits of the Rhode Island Bar Association.
The Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee offers peer assistance. According to the website, “Peer attorneys will lend an ear, share their experiences, and, if necessary, advise you on re-entering legal practice or accompany you to self-help meetings. Committee member attorneys have chosen this volunteer assignment because each has an understanding of impairments and a desire to help.”
RIEAS, in turn, offers consultations with professional mental heath counsellors who work with the attorney seeking assistance to develop a plan to resolve issues related to “balancing work and family, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, aging, grief, career satisfaction, alcohol and substance abuse, and problem gambling.” This can include referrals to skilled professionals and programs throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Assistance given through Lawyers Helping Lawyers and RIEAS is free and confidential. Contact information for both programs is available at the Rhode Island Bar Association website.
