The Other Bar is a network of recovering lawyers, law students and judges* throughout the state, dedicated to assisting others within the legal profession who are suffering from alcohol and substance use/abuse disorders or 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 such California lawyers, judges and law students (regardless of status with the state bar).
Our network comprises over thirty (30) peer support meetings throughout the state, most of which meet every week. This network serves more than 600 lawyers at any given time who support each other in recovery and assist others in becoming and staying clean and/or sober. The Other Bar is not a 12 step program, although many meetings follow the 12 step model. Individual meeting formats are decided at the local level. For many, however, The Other Bar serves as a bridge to the larger community of recovery options regardless of their recovery model: 12 steps, medical, therapeutic, religious, secular, etc.
Variety of Services
The Other Bar provides a variety of services, including:
- MCLE programs, both online and live, focused on recovery.
- Through it's Shot of Sobriety Loan Program, it assists with the costs associated with hospitalization and residential treatment for attorneys and judges who need it.
- We also have two highly trained and highly regarded consultants available by phone 24/7 who provide connections to our groups and services and help connect callers to our resources, and to provide referrals for ancillary addiction issues and concerns.
Retreats
We provide two retreats in the fall, one for men and one for women members, 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 to the Retreats and Networking are available through the Judge William Beard Memorial Fund, based upon the need for financial assistance.
Independent
The Other Bar Is completely independent of the State Bar of California and/or the discipline system of the State Bar of California. The State Bar Lawyer Assistance Program Is a separate program of the State Bar. It can provide valuable confidential help as well, but The Other Bar's Independence, confidentiality and ability to keep contacts anonymous gives many comfort in connecting with Other Bar members.
The Other Bar has no dues or fees for participation and serves the legal community at various, and all, stages of recovery. The Other Bar differs from some other, more traditional, recovery meetings in that:
- It is a forum where members can openly work on problems and pressures directly related to the practice of law.
- Lawyers and judges can be assured of a policy of complete confidentiality.
- The mentorship of others with decades of experience with the same challenges.
If you suffer symptoms of alcoholism or chemical dependency, please call our 800 number (800-222- 0767) and join us. You can speak with one of our professional consultants who can immediately respond to an individual’s concerns with hands-on help with recovery and referrals.
Our consultants, David Mann (Northern California) and Greg Dorst (Southern California) can provide confidential assistance, and both have personal knowledge of what it means to be an attorney In need of help with alcoholism and/or drug issues. Callers may remain anonymous if they wish, and we can assist an attorney, judge or law student with recovery services and, most certainly, a ride to their first meeting of The Other Bar. There is help! Call today. Do not delay the relief you need.
*All legal professionals are welcome.
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.
Lawyers Assisting Lawyers
All lawyers, judges, law students, and legal professionals irrespective of status with the state bar are welcome.
- 30 peer support meetings.
- Meetings every week.
- Serving thousands of lawyers every year.
- Not a 12 step program.
- Bridge to a larger variety of recovery options including 12 step programs.
- All lawyers, judges, law students welcome.
Shot of Sobriety Loan Program
The Other Bar can assist with the costs associated with hospitalization and residential treatment for attorneys and judges who need it,
Retreats and Networking
- Mens' and Women's Retreat in the Fall
Retreats provide an opportunity for Other Bar members to gather in a beautiful natural setting and participate in professionally facilitated recovery and wellness workshops.
- Statewide Networking Conference - Spring
A full court press of support for members. Each spring, lawyers, judges, law students and their families come together to celebrate their sobriety and share their experience, strength and hope.
What Makes the Other Bar Different from Other Organizations?
- Complete confidentiality is our highest priority & guarantee.
- Completely unrelated to the discipline system of the State Bar of California, most participants have not had disciplinary problems.
- No Dues or Fees for Participation.
- Serves a community of lawyers, judges, law students and others in the legal community at all stages of recovery.
- Lawyers can openly work on problems and pressures related to the practice of law.
- Mentorship - mentors have decades of experience.
- Provides a forum where lawyers can work on problems & pressures in the practice of law as they relate to recovery.
You are not alone. There is help.
If you, or someone you know, is suffering from alcoholism or chemical dependency, please call our help number (1-800-222-0767) and speak with one of our professional consultants who can immediately respond to an individuals concerns with hands-on help with recovery and referrals.
Our consultants, David Mann (Northern California) and Greg Dorst (Southern California) can provide confidential assistance. Both have personal knowledge of what it means to be an attorney in need of help with alcoholism and/or drug addiction.
They can assist an attorney, judge or law student with recovery services and most certainly, a ride to their first meeting of The Other Bar.
Donate to The Other Bar
HELP US HELP LAWYERS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL COMMUNITY IN THEIR QUEST FOR RECOVERY