About Us
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, as well as law students and bar applicants. MAP provides confidential assistance to help individuals and their supporters identify and address problems with substance abuse, mental health challenges, and aging and cognition issues. 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 another debilitating condition. Should that occur, please 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 substance use disorders, 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 and is not affiliated with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar or any other professional disciplinary authority. All communications and actions taken by MAP with its clients and referents 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 anyone.
In August 2009, the Maine Code of Professional Responsibility 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 attorney in question by contacting MAP rather than the Board of Overseers of the Bar.
You are not alone. If you, a family member, friend, or colleague is in trouble, seeking professional help will make a difference. Making the call is the first step. We will help you take it from there.
See MAP testimonials here.
