Judges experience the same problems
that other lawyers experience- depression, anxiety, alcohol and
prescription drug misuse, cognitive decline, compassion fatigue and
burn-out. As a judge, these problems are more unlikely to go unnoticed
and untreated because of the very role judges undertake in the judicial
system. Judges often work in isolation which can shield problems that
would otherwise be noticed in a legal environment full of day-to-day
interactions with supervisors, colleagues and staff. If issues are
noticed, lawyers and staff are intimidated at the prospect of talking
with a judge about it. Lawyers often fear retaliation from a judge
suffering from a likely impairment. Moreover, judges are placed in high
esteem in the judicial system. the fear is that if impairment issues are
known, this will have a negative impact on status and reputation. Just
like lawyers, judges also may be in denial, feel embarrassed or even
hopeless. NHLAP is here to provide free, confidential help.
From the bench, judges are in the
best position to see problems of impairment or competency of the lawyers
appearing before them. Judges can be reluctant to initiate intervention
for fear of derailing a legal career unnecessarily. Judges can make a
confidential call to NHLAP to request intervention based upon what they
have observed. This discussion is completely confidential, and the source of the concern is never disclosed to the lawyer in question.
Judges who need assistance because of
alcohol or drug misuse, depression, anxiety or other mental health
issue can call a confidential help line solely for judges. This helpline
is sponsored by the American Bar Association and serves as a resource
for judges throughout the US and Canada. This helpline also connects
judges with judges that have gone through recovery for peer-to-peer
support. 1-800-219-6474
Under NH Supreme Court Rule 58
the confidentiality of all client interaction, including judges, with
NHLAP is guaranteed. Any information disclosed to anyone in NHLAP- the
employees, the volunteers, the referrals- will never be disclosed unless
there is express authority of the client to do so. Further, NH
Administrative Rule 37(e) creates an attorney-client privilege for all
information disclosed to NHLAP. If help sought indicates a violation of
the NH Rules of Professional Conduct, NHLAP cannot disclose that
information to the discipline authority.
There is no reason to wait. If you
feel that something in your life is interfering with your ability to be
the best judge you can be, whether it be alcohol, prescription drugs,
depression, anxiety, grief, aging, work- life imbalance, or burnout call
NHLAP. We are here to help.
NHLAP Helpline: 1-877-224-6060