Lecture on Texas Lawyer Assistance Program (TLAP)

Introduction

• Reference to Ecclesiastes: "Someone who falls alone is in real trouble."
• Mission of TLAP: Ensure no lawyer struggling with stress, substance abuse, or depression is alone.
• Lawyers must recognize when help is needed and have the courage to ask for it.

Professional Challenges Faced by Lawyers

• Lawyers are seen as advocates and champions, making it hard to admit personal weaknesses.
• Substance abuse and depression are problems to be overcome.
• TLAP provides confidential, respectful, and effective assistance to lawyers and law students.

Personal Stories and Struggles

• Personal Story 1

  • Graduated high school in 1964, drafted by Baltimore Orioles in 1967.
  • Played professional baseball, taught school, and graduated from St. Mary’s Law School in 1974.
  • Lived a seemingly successful life but crossed an "invisible line" into substance abuse in the early 80s.

• Personal Story 2

  • Struggled with balancing professional success and substance abuse.
  • Experienced alienation, despair, and professional incapacitation.
  • Felt paralyzed by fear and inadequacy, unable to perform simple tasks due to depression.

The Nature of Addiction and Depression

• Alcoholism and chemical dependency are described as cunning, baffling, and powerful.
• Denial is a common issue among those suffering from addiction.
• Alcohol was used to manage all feelings, creating a destructive cycle.

The Role of TLAP

• Experiences with TLAP

  • Immediate human response when calling TLAP was crucial.
  • No judgment felt, only care and professional help.
  • TLAP assisted financially and logistically with treatment arrangements.

• Impact of TLAP

  • TLAP lifted financial pressures by directly handling costs.
  • Helped individuals achieve recovery and continue professional journeys with hope and peace.
  • Provided a path from chaos to peace, highlighting the importance of gratitude and honesty.

Importance of Seeking Help

• Lawyers are often hesitant to ask for help due to professional pride.
• Professional intervention can be necessary for recovery.
• Encouragement to contact TLAP and the benefits of doing so, not just for the individual but for their families and colleagues.

The Sharon Crowley Trust

• Established to help with expenses related to treatment and recovery.
• Founded by members of Texas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers in 1995.
• Donations are used directly to assist with recovery efforts.

Conclusion

• TLAP aligns with the mission of the Texas Bar College to enhance professionalism through education.
• Supporting TLAP helps improve the legal profession as a whole.
• Personal testimonials emphasize the transformative impact of TLAP on personal and professional life.