THE ONTARIO LAWYERS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Professional Regulation, Personal Management

For the benefit of its members and the protection of the public, the Law Society has rules for aspects of functioning within an acceptable code of conduct. These regulations ensure that, as a profession, we govern our own profession.

So what happens when it comes to managing standards in our personal lives? Sometimes, things get out of control and we cross the line from balance and wellness. There are many forms of personal mismanagement. Abuse can turn into addiction to alcohol, drugs or food or process behaviors like gambling, sex or the internet. Stress and burnout from overwork and personal family issues can impair optimal functioning. Health challenges such as accident rehabilitation, cancer recovery and disease (like diabetes) supervision can make practicing law tough. Mental health issues such as clinical depression overwhelm our focus and debilitate us.

How can OLAP help? There is a corps of 125 peer support volunteers across Ontario who are willing to listen and act as emotional support for any lawyer, judge or law student who needs someone who cares and is willing to keep in touch through the hard times. There is power in talking to another lawyer who understands the particular stresses and strains of practicing law, running an office, keeping on top of receivables and trying to juggle all that with trying to live a fulfilling life outside the office.

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Legal Profession Assistance Conference (LPAC) |Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP) | Lawyers Assistance Program of British Columbia (BCLAP) | Nova Scotia Lawyers Assistance Program (NSLAP) | Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) | The Lawyers Assistance Program (LINK) | The Alberta Lawyers Assistance Program | Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (Saskatchewan) | The Lawyers Professional Indemnity Company (LawPRO) | Law Practice Consulting