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Lawyer Assistance Program Committee

About the Program and Committee

About the Lawyer Assistance Program Committee

The State Bar of New Mexico's Lawyer Assistance Program (NM LAP) is a free confidential service for all members of the New Mexico legal community. This includes judges, attorneys, law students and legal professional staff. NM LAP offers confidential professional and peer assistance to help individuals identify and address struggles with alcohol and other drugs, depression, anxiety and other mental health/emotional disorders. NM LAP assists in reducing public harm caused by impaired members of the legal profession and helps improve the health and welfare of its members by educating on well-being and facilitating early intervention and treatment.

The NM LAP Committee was originally developed to assist lawyers who experienced addiction and substance abuse problems that interfered with their personal lives or their ability to serve professionally in the legal field. Over the years the NM LAP Committee has expanded their scope to include issues of depression, anxiety, and other mental and emotional disorders for members of the legal community. This committee continues to be of service to the New Mexico Lawyer Assistance Program and is a network of over 30 New Mexico judges, attorneys, and law students.

The NM LAP Committee has regular quarterly meetings to discuss the improvement on current efforts and initiatives and the expansion of well-being education, resources and services. Our committee members are a diverse state-wide group of practicing and retired legal professionals. The meetings are held primarily in Albuquerque, but as of March, 2020, have expanded to virtual meetings.

Email NM LAP Learn More About NM LAP

The NM LAP Legacy Project

The NM LAP Legacy Project stands as a tribute to the collective efforts of those attorneys who united in 1988 and to the people that helped to continue to make the program what it is today. It serves as a commemorative gesture to those absent, those among us, and to every individual who has played a role in molding this program. Furthermore, it extends a legacy to those who will come after, offering insight into the genesis of this initiative and those people we remember alongside it.

This endeavor is a profound dedication to every person who has woven their unique narrative into the rich tapestry of the NM LAP.

Confidential Helpline/Hotline Assistance

NM Lawyer Assistance Confidential Helpline
505-420-8179
Call or text available!
If you are struggling or notice a colleague struggling, the NM LAP offers assistance through an immediate helpline. All calls are CONFIDENTIAL, and you can remain anonymous if you so choose. This service is designed for attorneys, paralegals, law students, law clerks, and all other legal staff.

NM Judicial Helpline
505-797-6097
If you are a judge struggling or notice a fellow judge struggling, the NM Judicial Wellness Program offers assistance through an immediate helpline. All calls are CONFIDENTIAL, and you can remain anonymous if you so choose.

What if I or Someone I Know Is in Crisis?
If you are thinking about harming yourself, or know someone who is, tell someone who can help immediately.

  • Do not leave the person alone, and do not isolate yourself
  • Call your doctor.
  • Call 911 or go to a hospital ER to get immediate assistance or ask a friend or family member to help you do these things.
  • Call the 24-hour NM Crisis Line to speak with a supportive clinical professional at 1-855-662-7474; TTY: 1-855-227-5485.
  • Call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255; TTY: 1-800-799-4889. to talk with a trained counselor.

Please note: We do not offer legal advice or assist those looking for legal representation. This is a mental health and referral service for the NM Legal Community.

About the Lawyer Assistance Committee

Staff:

Pamela Moore
Tenessa Eakins

Co-Chairs:

The Honorable William F. Lang
Briggs F. Cheney, Esq.