The Nassau County Bar Association Lawyer Assistance Program, NCBA LAP, provides confidential assistance to attorneys, judges and law school students who are struggling with alcohol, drug and/or mental health problems or are affected by the problem of substance abuse, stress, or depression. The program services are free and completely confidential.

NCBA LAP operates a 24-hour confidential hotline 888 - 408-6222. Professional staff is available to provide assistance. NCBA LAP also provides peer support through its attorney volunteers.

If you are concerned about your own alcohol, drug use and/or mental health, or, if you are concerned about the alcohol, drug use and/or mental health of a friend, colleague, partner or associate, a call to the Nassau County Bar Association Lawyer Assistance Program can help. Contact Peter Schweitzer, Director of NCBA LAP, at 516 - 747-4070 or email him: pschweitzer@nassaubar.org This service is not for the general public.

The Director conducts assessments and refers impaired attorneys to community resources, self help groups, outpatient counseling, detoxification and rehabilitation services as needed.

All LAP services are confidential and protected under Section 499 of the Judiciary Law as amended by Chapter 327 of the Laws of 1993.

The NCBA takes the firm position that alcoholism, substance abuse, addictive behavior and psychological problems are treatable illnesses rather than moral issues.

If you, or an attorney, judge or law student you know, is experiencing problems related to alcoholism, drug addiction, other addictions, depression, stress or other psychological problems, contact us. We can help you.

Please be assured that your confidentiality or that of the individual about whom you are calling will be protected.

Chair: Carol Hoffman
(516) 746-8000
choffman@jshllp.com

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 ones of this section shall be immune from civil liability that might otherwise result by reason os such conduct. For the purpose of any proceeding, the good faith of any such person, firm or corporation shall be presumed.