The
Other Bar is a network of recovering lawyers and judges throughout the state,
dedicated to assisting others within the profession who are suffering from alcohol
and substance abuse problems. We are a private, non-profit corporation. Our
organization is founded on the principle of anonymity and provides services
in strict confidentiality. The program is voluntary and open to all California
lawyers, judges and law students.
Our network of "lawyers helping lawyers" comprises 30
to 40 peer support meetings throughout the state, most
of which meet every week. This network serves more than
600 lawyers each year who support each other in recovery
and assist others in becoming and staying clean and/or
sober. The Other Bar also provides MCLE programs, both
online and live, focused on recovery. Through its Shot
of Sobriety Loan Program, it assists with the costs associated
with hospitalization and residential treatment for attorneys
who need it. Finally, it provides two retreats in the
fall, one for men and one for women, and a statewide Networking
Conference each spring, where lawyers, judges, law students
and their families come together to share their experience,
strength and hope. Scholarships are available through
the William Beard Memorial Fund, based upon the need for
financial assistance.
Although we retain two part time consultants to help coordinate
our efforts, the overwhelming proportion of the work is
performed by volunteers who donate their time and talents
to assist others in becoming and remaining clean and/or
sober. On average, Other Bar members provide 20 to 25 hours
of service to lawyers in recovery every month, which amounts
to more than 80,000 volunteer hours each year. Informally,
many members also provide jobs to those who need work, counseling
to those who seek it, housing, and transportation to and
from meetings. In urgent circumstances, members provide
short-term coverage for the practice of a lawyer who is
seriously disabled, even to the extent of making court appearances
to seek continuances and other accommodations. The Other
Bar also provides assistance to families and co-workers
of lawyers, thus reducing the impact of co-dependence on
the lawyer's recovery.
The Other Bar is completely unrelated to,
and has no association with the discipline system of
the State Bar of California. In fact, many Other Bar participants have no disciplinary
problems at all. And unlike the State Bar program, the Other Bar has no dues or fees for participation and serves a community of lawyers
at various stages of recovery and it is the only network that focuses
on continuing sobriety -- for life. The Other Bar also differs from traditional
AA or NA in that it is the only forum where lawyers can work on problems and
pressures related to the practice of law. Lawyers can be assured of complete
confidentiality and the mentorship of others with decades
of experience with the same challenges.
If you or someone you know is suffering
from alcoholism or chemical dependency, please call our 800 number (1-800-222-0767).
Our consultants and members stand ready to assist our colleagues in all areas
of recovery.
