Lawyers in Need
| Publication year | 2010 |
| Pages | 19 |
By Anne McDonald, Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program executive director
Jim called the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program (KALAP) confidential helpline on a Tuesday. He had just gotten a second DUI. As he shared his story, it became evident that his drinking had already derailed his marriage. He was in solo practice and between the recession and his erratic office hours, his client base was dwindling precipitously. He wasn't sure how long he'd be able to keep paying rent to maintain his office. We talked about the need to address his drinking problem and ways to do that. Inpatient treatment seemed the best choice, but it also seemed impossible — Jim had dropped all his health insurance a long time ago. He wasn't a veteran, was too young for Medicare and wasn't eligible for Medicaid.
Esther called the confidential KALAP helpline on a Friday. She had just gotten a letter from the disciplinary administrator telling her that an ethical complaint had been filed. I offered to meet with her and we set up an appointment. When we met, we talked about her situation: She was divorced, in a small firm, had no medical insurance, and struggling both personally and professionally. I sensed that she was feeling depressed and overwhelmed. I believed she would benefit from an evaluation and treatment by a mental health professional.
With both Jim and Esther, KALAP was able to offer many services:
• Information about community resources like Alcoholics Anonymous groups,local treatment and outpatient facilities, as well as mental health centers;
• Access to the Resiliency Development Group sponsored by KALAP;
• Partnering with a KALAP attorney volunteer who provides support and encouragement; and
•Various books and materials relating to their personal circumstances.
All of the above services are valuable and helpful — but not enough to effectively address the whole of the problem. Each of them needed additional services that they could not afford and KALAP could not offer. Jim needed inpatient treatment for alcohol addiction and Esther needed a mental health screening and probably medication and therapy.
Jim and Esther are composites of real people we have worked with here at the KALAP Though Jim and Esther are not actual people, their stories and situations are very real and they highlight a need, as yet unmet, for some type of funding that can help pay for...
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