The West Virginia Judicial & Lawyer Assistance Program

The West Virginia Judicial & Lawyer Assistance Program (WVJLAP) was established in 2013 by order of the West Virginia Supreme Court. It operates as a free and confidential assistance program, independent of the Court, the State Bar, and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. WVJLAP's mission is to confidentially assist members of the legal profession in identifying quality of life issues, accessing continuing care resources, and engaging in personal recovery programs.

The program provides consultation, referral, intervention, crisis management, monitoring, and peer support. It serves lawyers, judges, bar applicants, and law students who may be struggling with issues such as retirement, stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, or other mental, physical, or emotional health concerns. By offering support, WVJLAP aims to protect the interests of clients and the public from harm caused by impaired legal professionals, while also contributing to the improvement of the integrity and reputation of the legal profession. The program also educates the bench, bar, and public on the causes and remedies for impairments affecting legal professionals.