CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Registration Open
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception
6:30 p.m.
Dinner on your own
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Open 12 Step Meeting
Al-Anon Meeting
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Open 12 Step Meeting
Yoga Session
8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
Continental Breakfast in the Exhibit Area
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Orientation
All attendees, guests, and exhibitors are welcome to attend this session to
learn more about the Conference, hear a brief history of CoLAP, meet the
Conference mentors and find out about social activities.
10:00 a.m. 10:50 a.m.
Welcome Remarks
Terry L. Harrell, Chair, ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP)
Paulette Brown, President (2015-16), American Bar Association
David Crossin, QC, President, Law Society of British Columbia
Hon. Christopher Hinkson, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British of
Columbia
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Roll Call – LAPs and Exhibitors
Facilities participating in this year’s Conference Expo will be highlighted via
power point presentations while their representatives are being introduced.
Staff of LAP programs will be introduced while their program’s best
achievements, works in progress and major initiatives are highlighted via power
point presentation. Attendees will get a broad overview of LAP developments.
12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.
Lunch with the Exhibitors
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Best Practices for Increasing Diversity and Inclusion in LAPs and the Legal
Profession
The goal of inclusion of individuals from protected classes in all aspects of the
profession must recognize that mental illness, substance use disorders, and
emotional illness are disabilities and should be at the diversity table. Disparate
cultures view turning to a professional outside of the family and community for
help with a problem differently. What best practices might encourage
individuals from non-majority communities to trust that a LAP can help them?
What best practices might encourage individuals from minority populations to
join the staff of or volunteer for LAPs? How do LAPs find a place at the diversity
and inclusion table? What has helped members of the panel feel that they are
supported in the legal profession?
Speakers:
Attendees will leave this session with insight not only for LAPs working with
judges and lawyers with these disabilities and cultural concerns, but also for
members of the legal community in understanding the diverse and cultural
issues they face when seeking assistance. This program also provides insight
and information for those attorneys representing lawyers and bar applicants
with these disabilities in grievances, and character and fitness admission
matters.
Hon. Donald L. Allen, Member (2013-16), ABA Commission on Lawyer
Assistance Programs and District Court Judge, 55th Judicial District Court,
Ingham County Michigan
Tish Vincent, MSW, JD, Program Administrator, Michigan Lawyers & Judges
Assistance Program
2:00 pm -2:10 p.m.
Break
2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
How to Offend without Really Trying: The Ethics of Cultural Self-Awareness
This presentation will explore how the counselor’s biases (often unconscious)
can affect interactions with their clients. The focus will be on micro
aggressions, which are subtle acts of bias. The goal of this program is not to
eliminate biases, an impossible task, but to increase awareness of them so they
do not interfere with the client’s progress. The challenge is that therapists
often see themselves as fair and decent people. They are also in positions of
power so they may miss the bias that occurs. Moreover, clients are less likely to
confront their therapist due to this power dynamic. We will identify steps
therapists can take to reduce bias or at least the impact of bias, and ways in
which therapists who treat attorneys can explore and discuss bias with their
attorney clients in the context of an attorney’s competence, implicit and
explicit bias, and the requirements of ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct
Rule 1.1 and its correlation to Rule 8.4. This session will also provide insight for
LAPs working with attorneys and respondent’s counsel in grievance matters.
Michael Kahn, LPC, JD, Reel to Real Workshops
Speaker:
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Break in the Exhibit Hall
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
The Joyful Journey: How Lawyers Can Navigate Professional and Personal
Suffering to Find Fulfilment
This presentation will address how lawyers can incorporate techniques into
their lives and practices that will enable them to live a more daring, joyful, and
grateful life, despite the negatives that seem rife within our profession, making
us more effective lawyers in the process. We will also discuss issues of
substance use as it relates to attorneys and our clients.
The presentation is not a theoretical or academic one. It is based on the “real
life” experiences, techniques, and insights that we can immediately begin using
in our daily lives, and how we use the techniques to better represent our
clients.
The program is designed to also deal with ethical situations that occur in our
practices and how to avoid the pitfalls that many attorneys fall into.
Speakers:
Robert Bianchi, Esq., Partner, The Bianchi Law Group – Sponsored by
DocuVault
Dorothy O’Keefe-Diana, MSW, LCSW, Mental Health and Wellness Center of
Madison – Sponsored by Caron Treatment Centers
5:30 pm
Dinner on your own
8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
CoLAP Salon and Hospitality Room
CoLAP Salon - Think French Salon – A gathering of people under the same roof
of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine the
taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through conversation. For
those of us who remember our high school or SAT Latin – aut delectare aut
prodesse est (either to please or to educate).
Join us for CoLAP’s modernized salon – a place to meet, muse, and share mirth.
For those who would like to engage in “education,” we will have several hosts
leading discussions on conference topics. For those seeking a place to please,
you may share refreshments with colleagues as you create your own
conversation.
9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Open 12 Step Meeting
Evening Meditation Session - Sponsored by Chopra Addiction and Wellness
Center
Thursday, October 6, 2016
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Open 12 Step Meeting
Yoga - Sponsored by Chopra Addiction and Wellness Center
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast Topics
9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Three Concurrent Sessions
SESSION 1
True Stories of Inclusion, Wellness, and Joy as a Lawyer
This positively focused presentation engages audience wisdom and shares
playback theatre to explore, inspire, and teach the merits of strength based
interventions. Stories of inclusion, joy, and success in overcoming challenges
will be solicited from a progressively warmed-up audience. A small troupe of
actors will play-back these scenes briefly and ingredients of inclusion, health,
joy, and wellness will be highlighted. The merits of seeing positive action and
strength-based interventions will be discussed from a neuroscience
perspective. In addition, micro and macro experiential interventions in support
of greater wellness will be modeled and described.
Jeff Thompson, M.Ed., RCC, TEP, Coordinator of Clinical Services, Chopra
Addiction and Wellness Center - Sponsored by Chopra Addiction and Wellness
Center
Speaker:
SESSION 2
We Learn by Listening-Law Students Get Personal
This presentation, sponsored by the CoLAP Law School Assistance Committee,
will feature law students or recent graduates, who are receiving or have
received individual assistance or services from their respective state’s
assistance program. With their anonymity protected, these students will share
their personal stories. We will hear their experience, strength and hope as they
pursue their legal education, while struggling with addiction and/or mental
health issues. They will also relate that when a helping hand was needed, a
Lawyers Assistance Program was there. This uncensored breakout session will
celebrate these brave students’ individual successes and highlight the necessity
of a strong and proactive state assistance program.
Moderators:
Panelists:
SESSION 3
Speakers:
This session will also provide information about the resources necessary and
available in preparing law students for character and fitness issues, and
considerations in the pursuit of conditional admission, with respect to the bar
application and admissions process. It will also provide a healthy opportunity
for self-assessment, so that moving forward, we can better assist the future
practitioners of this profession.
Tom Roman, Member, Law School Assistance Committee, ABA Commission
on Lawyers Assistance Programs
Judith M. Rush, JD, Director of Mentor Externship, University of St. Thomas
School of Law, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Chase Andersen, Esq., Case Manager, Minnesota Lawyers Concerned for
Lawyers
Yvette Hourigan, Esq., Director, Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program
Robynn Moraites, Esq., Director, North Carolina Lawyer Assistance Program
Using Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) as an Initial Intervention in a
Residential or Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment Setting
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been shown to be useful in the
treatment of addictive disorders. The cornerstones of ACT include principles of
mindfulness, remaining open to new ideas and moving toward one’s values
rather than escaping one’s feelings. In short, accepting feelings rather than
escaping them and moving toward values rather than toward suffering define
the goals of this type of behavioral therapy. Introducing patients to these
principles can be done early in drug and alcohol treatment and set the tone for
ongoing therapy. This workshop will demonstrate practical techniques that can
be used in any therapeutic setting. These same techniques can be integrated
into practice to assist lawyers to engage in effective client communication and
consider other aspects of the clients’ needs when advising them, pursuant to
ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.4 and 2.1.
Joseph Troncale, MD, DFASAM., Medical Director, Retreat Premier Addiction
Treatment Centers – Sponsored by Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment
Centers
Laurie J. Besden, Esq., Executive Director, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of
Pennsylvania, Inc.
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Break in the Exhibit Hall
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Three Concurrent Sessions
SESSION 1
LAPs and Treatment Providers: Best Practices for Experience, Strength and
Hope
LAP clients who access treatment are served most effectively when there is a
strong partnership between the LAP and the provider. This process spans a
continuum from identifying the right services and making the referral, to
staying connected regarding the clients progress, to planning for aftercare and
returning to the profession. Ethics, employment, legal, and other concerns are
often present and need to be part of the conversation. Join LAP and provider
representatives as they discuss two examples of effective collaboration. Also,
share your own examples of best practices and recommendations for
maximizing our opportunities to be better together.
Moderator:
Speakers:
SESSION 2
Speakers:
SESSION 3
Understanding treatment approaches and expectations can also help attorneys
to realistically advise their clients on what to expect when treatment is part of
a grievance/disciplinary matter, or employment, family, criminal or other case.
Joan Bibelhausen, JD, Executive Director, Minnesota Lawyers Concerned for
Lawyers
Chelsy A. Castro, JD, MA, MSW, Clinical Case & Program Manager, Illinois
Lawyers’ Assistance Program, Inc.
Dr. Janet Hicks, Director of Professionals Program, Cornerstone of Recovery –
Sponsored by Cornerstone of Recovery
Cathy Killian, Clinical Director, North Carolina Lawyer Assistance Program
Phillip A. Kosanovich, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, The
Manor – Sponsored by The Manor
Practicing Law with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD):
This presentation will define AD/HD, describe the professional challenges for
lawyers with AD/HD, and discuss strategies and tools for managing these
challenges. The presenters will describe the workshops and resources their
respective programs have offered for lawyers with AD/HD. This session will
provide valuable information not only for LAPs working with judges, lawyers
and law students, but also the attorneys representing them in grievance
matters and character and fitness matters.
Mike Long, Attorney Counselor, Oregon Attorney Assistance Program
Diane Markel, MS, LADC, Case Manager, Minnesota Lawyers Concerned
for Lawyers
Challenging Stigma to Encourage Lawyers and Judges to Seek Help Early
The recent research has shown that stigma is the biggest reason lawyers do not
seek help. The session will address some ideas to help reduce the stigma
around mental health and addictions and help educate lawyers about how to
overcome fear of stigma and avoid creating stigma.
Speakers:
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
This session will provide insight not only for LAPs working with judges and
lawyers, but also for members of the legal community to help promote
wellness in our profession. Information provided will also be of assistance to
attorneys representing lawyers and bar applicants in grievance matters and
character and fitness matters.
Derek C. LaCroix, QC, Executive Director, Lawyers Assistance Program of
British Columbia
Douglas Querin, Attorney Counselor, Oregon Attorney Assistance Program
Elizabeth A. Rimmer, Chief Executive, LawCare (UK)
Lunch
1:45 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
Two Concurrent Sessions
SESSION 1
We Get By With a Little Help From Our Friends
The science of happiness teaches us that connections are a key component of
happiness; could it also be that incorporating happiness practices into our
personal and professional lives can enhance our ability to make connections?
The work of lawyer assistance programs doesn’t happen in a vacuum; just as
individuals need connection for optimal functioning, LAPs need allies to get our
message out and get the job done. This interactive session will explore how we
can all apply the science of happiness to improve our personal and professional
lives and to build stronger connections with our LAP volunteers, other LAPs, bar
associations, and other organizations. Come prepared to share what has
worked for you; we can all learn from each other!
Speakers:
SESSION 2
This session will provide insight not only for LAPs working with those in the
legal community in promoting wellness but will also provide valuable
information for attorneys representing lawyers and bar applicants in matters
wherein the LAP’s resources will be of great assistance.
Laura McClendon, MA, CEAP, Executive Director, Tennessee Lawyers
Assistance Program
Loretta Oleksy, JD, LSW, Deputy Director, Indiana Judges and Lawyers
Assistance Program
Bridging The Gap: Helping Lawyers Transition From Working Full Time To Not
Working At All
For most lawyers, retirement preparation means more than just money; it
means bridging the gap from working full-time to not working at all
(retirement) while still meeting their obligations to their clients and their
profession.
Speakers:
By assisting lawyers in designing, planning and implementing a plan for
transition – we just may help them avoid the abrupt end of not knowing how,
or when, to say good bye to the practice of law. This session will provide
insight not only for LAPs working with judges and lawyers transitioning into
retirement, but also the attorneys representing them in grievance matters that
may result when one does not have a good retirement plan in place.
Jennifer-Kate Aaronson, Esq., Chief Disciplinary Counsel, Delaware Office
of Disciplinary Counsel
Johnathan H. Mack, Psy.D., Forensic Psychology and Neuropsychology
Services, P.C.
R. Judson Scaggs, Esq., Chair, Delaware Lawyers Assistance Committee
Carol P. Waldhauser, Esq., Executive Director, Delaware Lawyers Assistance
Program
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Break in the Exhibit Hall
3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Two Concurrent Sessions
SESSION 1
Explanations Not Excuses: The Intersection of Lawyer Misconduct and
Addiction – How Regulators and Assistance Programs Work Together
Moderator:
Panelists:
SESSION 2
Moderator:
Panelists:
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
Speaker:
9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
This presentation will focus on the relationship between traditional disciplinary
or regulatory boards, counsel who are responsible for the investigation and
prosecution of alleged misconduct by lawyers and judges, and lawyers and
judges assistance programs designed to assist lawyers and judges with personal
and professional challenges. Discussion will include how the different agencies
interact and share information; the challenge of identifying when an addiction
causes professional misconduct and the appropriate response by regulators;
whether disciplinary or regulatory counsel do or should consider a lawyer’s or
judge’s addictions or mental health issues in recommending and seeking
disciplinary sanctions; and the difficult decisions faced by assistance
professionals when a lawyer is causing significant harm to himself/herself,
clients and the profession.
Tracy Kepler, Esq., Member, ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs
James C. Coyle, Esq., Regulation Counsel for the Colorado Supreme Court
Aria Eee, Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel, Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar
Barbara Ezyk, Esq., Executive Director, Colorado Lawyers Assistance Program
William Kane, Esq., Director, New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program
William D. Slease, Esq., Chief Disciplinary Counsel, New Mexico Supreme
Court Disciplinary Board
Being a Zealous Advocate and Helping Other Lawyers
A panel of lawyers will share their experiences in recovery and in helping
others. The panel discussion will showcase how participating with ILAA, CoLAP
and their local LAPs has helped them be better lawyers. This panel will provide
personal views and insight for LAPs working with judges and lawyers as to the
resources and assistance needed in order to be productive members of the
legal profession and how they in turn are able to help others with similar
issues. Information provided will also be of assistance to attorneys
representing judges and lawyers in grievance matters.
Cecie Hartigan, Esq., Executive Director, New Hampshire Lawyers Assistance
Program
Andrea Jones, JD, President, Lawyers Assistance Program of British Columbia
Scott Meiklejohn, Esq., Vice-Chair, Colorado Lawyers Helping Lawyers
Annual Conference Dinner at Stanley Park Pavilion
Dinner and Presentation of the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance
Programs’ Meritorious Service Award
Francine W.
Open 12 Step Meeting
Evening Meditation Session - Sponsored by Chopra Addiction and Wellness
Center
Friday, October 7, 2016
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Conference Run/Walk
Open 12 Step Meeting
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs
Business Meeting
CEU
The ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider. Continuing Education Units
(CEUs) for clinicians will be available.
CLE
The ABA directly applies for and ordinarily receives credit for live, in-person programs in AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, GA, GU, HI,
IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MN, MO, MT, MS, NC, ND, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VI, VT, WA, WI, and
WV. This transitional program is approved for both newly admitted and experienced attorneys in NY. Attorneys may be eligible
to receive CLE credit through reciprocity or attorney self-submission in other states. For more information about CLE
accreditation in your state, visit http://www.americanbar.org/cle/mandatory_cle.html.
States typically decide whether a program qualifies for CLE credit in their jurisdiction 4-8 weeks after the program application is
submitted. For many live events, credit approval is not received prior to the program.