Notice and Order – Amendments to Rules 1:20-9 and 1:28B-3 to Allow Third-Party Referrals to NJ LAP, Including by OAE

NOTICE TO THE BAR 
NEW JERSEY LA WYERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - COURT RULE AMENDMENTS TO ALLOW THIRD-PARTY REFERRALS 

          The Supreme Court in the attached December 5, 2023 Order has authorized the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program (NJ LAP) to accept third-party referrals. 

          Effective immediately, any individual can contact the NJ LAP at 1-800-246-5527 to seek help for a law professional in need. The NJ LAP will continue to maintain client confidentiality and will not disclose client information except if requested by the person receiving NJ LAP services.

          The Court in its December 5, 2023 Order has adopted amendments to Rule 1 :20-9 ("Confidentiality; Access to and Dissemination of Disciplinary Information") and Rule 1 :28B-3 ("Confidentiality") so as to permit a third party to refer a law professional to the NJ LAP. This critical step advances the Court's commitment to support well-being for judges, attorneys, law students, and law graduates, including through provision of services to individuals in crisis. In addition, the rule amendments also specifically permit the Office of Attorney Ethics to refer a law professional to the NJ LAP. Like all third-party referrals now authorized by the Court, once a referral is made by the OAE, NJ LAP's process shall remain entirely confidential and nothing will be shared with the OAE or any other individual making a referral. 

          See the NJ LAP website (www.njlap.org) for further information about available resources.