Licensed professionals, such as lawyers and judges, influence all aspects of government and business as well as the lives of private citizens. Competition, long hours, high expectations and win-lose scenarios can wear down even the most competent and energetic lawyer. This can lead to depression, stress, career problems, relationship issues, financial problems or alcohol and substance abuse. ALAP is here to help and our services are free. We accept self-referrals, or anonymous referrals from individuals who may have concerns about a fellow colleague.

ALAP provides services for law schools and law students over the state of Alabama. The process of entering and successfully completing law school can be a stressful journey. Law students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of ALAP. Often times, the participation of a law student in ALAP is required for the student to remain in school, or to effectively address potential issues with Character and Fitness.

Character and Fitness

The following questions are included in the Alabama State Bar Application for Student Registration and Bar Examination Application. Any law student that can answer “yes” to one or more of these questions is strongly encouraged to contact the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program. We will provide guidance and support, as well as direct assistance when needed. We have worked with hundreds of law students. Involvement in our program is the best way to handle these kinds of issues, and increase the likelihood of approval by the Character and Fitness Committee.

Question 28: Have you ever been cited for, arrested for, charged with or convicted of any alcohol- or drug-related traffic violation? NOTE: Include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to diversion or deferred prosecution, or otherwise set aside.

Question 29: Have you ever been cited for, arrested for, charged with or convicted of any moving violation during the past 10 years? NOTE: Include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to diversion or deferred prosecution, or otherwise set aside. Do not include parking tickets.

Question 31: Have you ever been cited for, charged with or convicted of any violation of any law (not including traffic violations already disclosed)? NOTE: Include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to a diversion or deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside.

Question 40: Within the past five years, have you exhibited any conduct or behavior that could call into question your ability to practice law in a competent and professional manner? (You will be required to provide the relevant date(s) and detailed explanation.)

Question 41: Do you currently have any condition or impairment (including but not limited to, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, or a mental, emotional, or nervous disorder or condition) that in any way affects your ability to practice law in a competent, ethical and professional manner? NOTE: As used in this question, “currently” means recently enough that the condition or impairment could reasonably affect your ability to function as a lawyer. (You will be required to complete a Description of Condition or Impairment Form for each condition or impairment. This will involve signed and notarized Authorization to Release Medical Information Forms for each service provider.)

Question 42: If your answer to QUESTION 41 is YES, are the limitations caused by your condition or impairment reduced or ameliorated because you are receiving ongoing treatment or because you participate in a monitoring or support program? (This also involves the completion of Description of Condition or Impairment Form for each condition or impairment, and signing and notarizing necessary Authorization to Release Medical Information forms for each service or provider.)

Question 43: Within the past five years, have you asserted any condition or impairment as a defense, in mitigation, or as an explanation for your conduct in the course of any inquiry, any investigation or any administrative or judicial proceeding by an educational institution, government agency, professional organization or licensing authority; or in connection with an employment disciplinary or termination procedure? (This will involve naming the entity before which the issue was raised and providing comprehensive details.)

Again, if you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, we strongly encourage you to contact the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program.

With the growing concern of mental health issues on law school campuses across the country, The ABA Law Student Division confronts some of the major problems by providing a toolkit to the person most capable of creating change.

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