Who we are
The Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers and Judges (MAP) is a free service for all members of the Maine bench and bar, and for law students as well. MAP provides confidential assistance to help individuals identify and address problems with alcoholism, drug abuse and mental or emotional disorders. By facilitating early intervention and treatment, MAP helps to protect the public from harm that might otherwise be caused by impaired members of the legal profession.
Background
Attorneys suffer from substance abuse and depression at a rate almost twice that of the population in general. During the course of your practice it is likely that you or someone you know will be affected by these or other debilitating conditions. Should that occur, do not hesitate to contact MAP.
The Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers and Judges (MAP) was created in 2002 by rule of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine for the purpose of providing confidential assistance to Maine lawyers and judges to help them identify and address problems with alcoholism, other drug addictions or mental health disorders, including those caused by aging, that impair the ability of a lawyer or judge to practice or serve. MAP is an independent 501 (C) (3) corporation. MAP is not affiliated with the Board of Overseers of the Bar or any other professional disciplinary authority. All communications and actions taken by MAP with its clients are held in the strictest confidence and will not be reported to any other individual or entity outside of MAP, including any professional disciplinary agency, without the client's permission. The identity of any individual who contacts MAP about a fellow professional will likewise remain confidential, and will not be disclosed to the person referred.
In August, 2009, the Maine Code of Professional Responsibility for attorneys was replaced by the Rules of Professional Conduct. The new rules include a significant change regarding the duty of an attorney to report to the Board of Overseers of the Bar another lawyer whose breach of professional rules raises a substantial question as to that lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness or professional fitness. Rule 8.3 of the Rules of Professional Conduct provides that, in appropriate cases, a lawyer may fulfill his or her obligation to report the offending attorney by contacting MAP rather than the Board of Overseers of the Bar.
There is no need to risk your license, livelihood, reputation or family. You do not have to do it alone. If you, a family member, friend or colleague is in trouble, seeking professional help WILL make a difference. Once you have made the call, you have taken the first step. We will help you take it from there.
Vacancy on Maine Assistance Program
for Lawyers & Judges Commission
The commission appointed to administer the Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers and Judges (MAP) seeks interested candidates to fill a vacancy on the commission. The MAP commission is charged with overseeing the MAP program and its director, preparing the annual budget and making annual reports to the Supreme Judicial Court. Commissioners are appointed by the Court, and serve a term of three years.
MAP was established in 2002 by the Supreme Judicial Court, and has three purposes: to protect the public from harm caused by impaired attorneys and judges, to confidentially assist impaired members of the legal community to begin and continue recovery, and to educate the bench, bar and public about the causes and remedies that relate to impairments affecting the legal community. MAP, through its director and large corps of dedicated volunteers, provides confidential assistance to attorneys whose practices might be affected by depression, chemical dependency, stress, aging or other mental or physical illness or condition. Candidates should have diverse experience, knowledge and demonstrated competence in the problems of chemical dependency or mental conditions that impair members of the legal profession. The commissioners meet quarterly and serve without compensation. Interested candidates should send a letter outlining their qualifications to William C. Nugent, Esq., P.O. Box 4811, Portland, ME 04112 by May 18, 2012.