Concerned About a Lawyer, Judge, Law Student, or Family Member?
If you’re worried about someone in Pennsylvania’s legal community, we’re here to help. You can contact us confidentially by phone or submit your concern anonymously using the secure form below. All concerns are handled with care, compassion, and complete discretion during business hours.
Confidential Intervention Support When You’re Concerned About Someone
Feeling concerned about a lawyer, judge, law student, or family member in Pennsylvania’s legal community can be overwhelming but you’re not alone. Whether you’re noticing signs of stress, substance use, mental health challenges, or unusual behavior, your concern is valid. Taking the first step to share your worry could be what helps someone receive the support they truly need.
To make this process as accessible and safe as possible, we provide a confidential, secure way for you to submit a concern no phone call required. You have the option to remain completely anonymous. Just fill out the confidential form below, and our team will carefully review your submission during our business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
If you have an urgent concern that can not wait, please call our helpline at 1-888-999-1941, which is available 24/7.
Your outreach will be met with compassion and professionalism. Every concern is treated with care, discretion, and respect. If you provide your contact information, we may follow up with you directly. If you prefer to stay anonymous, we will still evaluate your submission thoroughly and take appropriate steps to help the individual that may be struggling. Your call may be the one to save their life—it is your business as we are all in this together and we are all simply walking each other home.
What You Can Expect from This Process:
We understand the importance of privacy, compassion, and timely support. Here’s what you can count on when you submit a concern:
100% Confidential & Secure
Your submission is protected and handled with the utmost discretion.
Option to Remain Anonymous
You are not required to provide your name or contact information.
Reviewed During Business Hours Only
All concerns are reviewed Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
Supportive, Non-Judgmental Communication
Our team responds with empathy, understanding, and respect.
Response from Our Trained and Qualified Team
If you include your contact information and indicate you would like us to follow up with you, we will contact you directly on our next business day.
You’ve Noticed a Change, Now What?
When a fellow lawyer begins to show signs of distress such as mood changes, isolation, or declining work quality it can be difficult to know what to do. You may feel hesitant to get involved, unsure of how to help, or afraid of making the situation worse. Taking that first step to reach out to us, even just to ask questions and validate or dispel your concerns, can be a life-changing act of support.
At LCLPA, we provide confidential, no-obligation guidance to help you navigate this delicate situation with care and compassion. Our staff can assist you in crafting a respectful and effective approach that encourages your colleague to get the help they need without judgment, pressure, or exposure. Whether you choose to remain anonymous or share limited details, your call is always completely confidential. By reaching out to us, you’re showing leadership, empathy, and a commitment to the well-being of your colleague and your profession.
Understanding Your Duty and the Power of Confidentiality
As members of a self-regulating profession, lawyers have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of the legal system and protect the public’s trust. According to Rule 8.3(a) of the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct:
“A lawyer who knows that another lawyer has committed a violation… that raises a substantial question as to that lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer… shall inform the appropriate professional authority. This rule does not require disclosure of information otherwise protected by Rule 1.6 or information gained while participating in an approved lawyers assistance program.”
LCLPA is the Commonwealth’s officially approved assistance program.
Comment 7 reinforces this protection:
“… providing for an exception … encourages lawyers and judges to seek treatment through such a program. Conversely, without such an exception, lawyers and judges may hesitate to seek assistance from these programs, which may then result in additional harm to their professional careers and additional injury to the welfare of clients and to the public.”
Rule 5.1 also reminds supervising attorneys of their duty to ensure compliance with professional standards through reasonable oversight.
Dangerous Myths That Keep Lawyers From Getting Help
Misconceptions and stigma often prevent people from seeking support. Let’s break the silence around these common but harmful beliefs:
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“Attorneys don’t suffer from addiction or mental illness.”
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“Addiction is a sign of weak character or moral failure.”
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“They’ll get better on their own eventually.”
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“It’s not my place to say anything.”
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“If I speak up, I’ll hurt my relationship with them.”
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“Addressing this issue will ruin their career or reputation.”
The truth? The only real mistake is doing nothing. Speaking up—compassionately and confidentially—can change, or even save, someone’s life and career.
Services We Offer to the Legal Community
LCLPA provides free, confidential support to Pennsylvania’s legal community including lawyers, judges, law students, colleagues, and concerned family members. Family members of lawyers and judges are also fully eligible to access all confidential services provided.
Confidential Help for Lawyers
The demands of practicing law can lead to stress, depression, and substance use.
We offer confidential support.
Confidential Help for Family Members
Judges face unique stress and are not immune to depression or substance use.
We’re here to help confidentially.
Confidential Help for Law Students
Law school stress can impact physical and mental health. You’re not alone we provide support without judgment.
Submit a Confidential Concern
Please include the name of the person you’re concerned about, their contact information, whether they are an attorney, judge, law student, or family member, and a detailed description of your concern in your message. Once submitted, your concern will be securely delivered to our team and reviewed during business hours. If follow-up is requested, please also include your contact information and we will contact you as soon as possible. Your privacy is our priority.
Ready to Share Your Concern?
Your voice can make a difference. Use the secure, confidential form above to let us know about your concern anonymously if you prefer. Every submission is handled with care, compassion, and complete discretion.