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Law Day 2006 Ceremony
in
the Supreme Court Courtroom
Honoring CT Lawyers Assistance Program
When this year’s
Law Day was celebrated May 1st in the Connecticut Supreme
Court, eight individuals passionately involved in a program vital to
the health and well-being of many lawyers in the state were honored.
The Connecticut Lawyers Assistance Program emanated from the
Herculean efforts of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, a Connecticut
non-profit corporation.
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In a brochure put
together by the Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL) one year ago, it
was explained, “While this is a newly-formed entity, its officers,
directors and acting directors have a long time, deep and abiding
commitment to addressing and working to resolve the great human
problems that a broad-based Lawyer Assistance Program is meant to
help overcome, as well as many years personal experience in doing
so.”
Lawyers Concerned
for Lawyers offers:
- Early
identification of impairment.
- Intervention and
motivation of attorneys to seek help.
- Referrals for
assessment, evaluation and development of an appropriate treatment
plan.
- Referral to
appropriate mental health and community resources, self-help
groups, outpatient counseling, detoxification and rehabilitation
services.
- Information and
referral for depression and stress.
- Informational
programs on substance abuse and addiction.
- Statewide
support network of attorneys in recovery.
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LCL members advise
those attorneys reaching out for help that: “Alcoholism or drug
addiction is not a moral issue. It is a treatable illness; the
stigma is in failing to seek treatment.”
Among those honored
on Law Day was Attorney William C. Leary, a driving force behind
establishing a Connecticut Lawyers Assistance Program.
Attorney Leary has
attended and participated in the annual American Bar Association
Commission on Lawyer Assistance Program conferences since 1998, and
this has enabled him to network with the directors, staff and
volunteers of various Lawyer Assistance Programs throughout North
America. |
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Justice Borden
and
Attorney William C. Leary |
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For many years, the
chairman of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers – a special committee of
the Connecticut Bar Association -- was Attorney Robert P. Klomp. He
was cited for playing a major role in initiating the process that
led to the eventual formation of LCL. He tirelessly works with
lawyers and others on a regular basis to assist them with their
recovery from substance abuse. |
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Center: Attorney Igor J. Sikorsky, Jr. |
Justice Borden and Attorney
Robert P. Klomp |
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Cited for his
commitment to “be there” for lawyers battling substance abuse
problems for more than 25 years was Attorney Igor J. Sikorsky, Jr.
He is known throughout North America for his commitment and passion
to helping lawyers in their recovery. It was Attorney Sikorsky who
organized the first 12-step recovery meeting for lawyers in
Connecticut and continues his involvements in these career-saving,
and in some cases, life-saving efforts.
Another longtime
member honored on Law Day was Attorney Richard S. Johnson, president
of LCL. He has been active in LCL for more than 20 years during
which time he has hosted and chaired a weekly 12 Step recovery
meeting for lawyers in Rocky Hill.
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Attorney Raymond
LeFoll has been extremely active in LCL for more than 18 years and
hosted the weekly LCL meeting at his office in Rocky Hill since
1989. His success in reaching out to countless lawyers suffering
from alcohol abuse has been extraordinary, leading many into
recovery…and leading to his prestigious honor on Law Day.
Playing a major
role in the organization of LCL was Attorney Anthony J. LaBella. He
was cited for his many productive efforts for LCL. He has also
undertaken an effort to start a 12-step recovery meeting for lawyers
in the Fairfield County area. Attorney LaBella continues his active
involvement with people in recovery, including lawyers across the
state and in other states.
Honored on Law Day
was the newly hired Executive Director of LCL, Attorney Beth D.
Griffin who was among 25 candidates for the top position in LCL.
Attorney Griffin brings an experienced background to the position,
and has immediately made an impact in the lives of some sick and
suffering members of the state’s legal community.
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Justice Borden &
Attorney Beth D. Griffin |
Justice Borden and Bonnie Waters |
Bonnie Waters has
provided invaluable assistance to help Connecticut create a
broad-based lawyer assistance program. She recently retired as the
Executive Director of the Massachusetts Lawyers Assistance Program –
a position she held since its inception in the Bay State over 20
years ago. Her expertise has been invaluable assisting efforts in
Connecticut that created a broad-based lawyer assistance program.
The Law Day
ceremony featured a welcoming address by the
Hon. David M. Borden,
Senior Associate Justice.
The President of
the Connecticut Bar Association, Attorney Louis R. Pepe provided
remarks about the importance of the program and dedication of the
attorneys who created it. Attorney Pepe congratulated the honorees
while praising the LCL program. |
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