What is the Lawyers’ Assistance Project?
The Lawyers’ Assistance Project of Central New York is a confidential service providing information, referrals, access to free professional counseling and peer support.
What Kind of Assistance is Available?
You are entitled to a confidential telephone consultation, free counseling sessions with a professional counselor, and participation in peer support groups.
What Can I Expect When I Call for an Appointment?
You will talk to an intake coordinator who may refer you to an experienced counselor. Family Services Associates serves as the Project’s counseling agency.
Is Contact with the Lawyers’ Assistance Project Confidential?
YES. You can discuss the issue of confidentiality with the intake coordinator or counselor.
Why Was the Project Set Up?
The Project was established to assist lawyers who have problems with alcohol, drugs, stress, anxiety, depression, gambling and other personal problems.
Who May Call?
Attorneys, judges and law students in Onondaga, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Herkimer, Oneida, Cortland, Cayuga and Madison counties. You don’t need to be a member of any bar association to use the services offered by this program.
For more information contact:
The New York State Bar Association Lawyer Assistance Program– (800) 255-0569
Family Services Associates– (315) 451-2161
Onondaga County Bar Association Executive Director, Jeff Unaitis– (315) 579-2581
For more information on the statewide program:
Lawyers Assistance Program — NYSBA
Judiciary Law
Section 499. Lawyer Assistance Committees
Chapter 327 of the Laws of 1993
- Confidential information privileged. The confidential relations and communications between a member or authorized agent of a lawyer assistance committee sponsored by a state or local bar association and any person, firm or corporation communicating with such a committee, its members or authorized agents shall be deemed to be privileged on the same basis as those provided by law between attorney and client. Such privileges may be waived only by the person, firm or corporation, which has furnished information to the committee.
- Immunity from liability. Any person, firm or corporation in good faith providing information to, or in any other way participating in the affairs of any of the committees referred to in subdivision one of this section shall be immune from civil liability that might otherwise result by reason of such conduct. For the purpose of any proceeding, the good faith of any such person, firm or corporation shall be presumed.