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/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.
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/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. 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.