Read the Well-Being Task Force Report

The Nebraska Lawyers Assistance Program (NLAP) offers help to all licensed lawyers, judges and law students troubled by substance abuse problems, cognitive decline, stress, depression and other issues which may impair their ability to perform in a competent and professional manner.

The NLAP director and volunteers know the problems faced by their impaired colleagues and can help. 

Because of the sensitive nature of these problems, lawyers who need help are often very reluctant to seek it. Recognizing this, the Supreme Court of Nebraska addressed confidentiality as part of its Rules. Nebraska Rule of Professional Conduct §3-501.6(c) provides that the relationship between a member of the Committee and/or the NLAP Director and a lawyer or judge who seeks or receives assistance shall be the same as that of attorney and client.

The foundation of NLAP is a network of judges and lawyers throughout Nebraska who are themselves recovering from alcohol and other drug addiction, psychological problems, and impairment caused by other conditions. The NLAP director and these volunteers stand ready to assist their colleagues in all areas of their recovery.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL THE NLAP TOLL-FREE HOTLINE 24HRS, 7 DAYS A WEEK AT (888) 584-6527 (NLAP), or click here for their website

IMPORTANT NOTICE: NLAP is funded by the Nebraska Supreme Court through attorney mandatory dues payment. The payment of NSBA voluntary dues is not required to access this service.

If you or you know of an attorney needing assistance NLAP Can Help

Among the services which NLAP can offer to a lawyer, judge or law student are:

• Assessment and Referral: The NLAP director and/or members of the Committee will meet with the lawyer, either at the NLAP office or elsewhere, to assess the problem and recommend available professional evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation options.
• Interventions: In appropriate situations, NLAP will plan, rehearse, and facilitate a formal intervention to assist the lawyer in recognizing his or her problem and begin the recovery process.
• Peer Support Network: The lawyer seeking assistance will be paired with a lawyer in his/her geographical area to provide support. For lawyers working on recovery, this person acts as a mentor guiding him/her into the recovery process and assisting him/her to maintain recovery.
• Education and Prevention: NLAP works with law firms, the courts, and bar associations to provide education concerning lawyer impairment and recovery.
• Anyone with concerns about a lawyer, judge or law student may call NLAP.  In fact, roughly half of NLAP’s calls come from concerned colleagues, clients, family or friends.

Do I Need Help?

(Answer these questions as honestly as you possibly can)

1. Are my associates, clients, or support personnel alleging that my drinking/drug use, depression, confusion or forgetfulness is interfering with my work?
2. Do I plan my office routine around my drinking/drug use?
3. Do I ever feel I need a drink/drug to face certain situations?
4. Because of my drinking/drug use have I ever had a loss of memory when I was apparently conscious and functioning?
5. Has my ambition or efficiency decreased since I began drinking/drugging?
6. Do I ever drink/drug before meetings or court appearances to calm my nerves, gain courage, or improve performance?
7. Have I missed or adjourned closings, court appearances or other appointments because of my drinking/drug use?
8. Have I ever felt any of the following: fear, remorse, guilt, real loneliness, depression, severe anxiety, terror, or a feeling of impending doom?
9. Have I become careless of my family's welfare or other personal responsibilities?
10. Have I ever neglected my office administration or misused funds?
11. Am I becoming increasingly reluctant to face my clients and colleagues?
12. Do I lie to hide errors, forgetfulness or similar problems?
13. Has my hygiene or grooming lessened?

IF I HAVE ANSWERED YES TO ONE OR MORE OF THE ABOVE QUESTIONS, THEN I OWE IT TO MYSELF, MY FAMILY, MY PROFESSION AND MY CLIENTS TO CONTACT THE NEBRASKA LAWYERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM at 1-(888) 584-6527.