Nashville, Tenn. – Circuit Court Judge Robert L. Childers of Memphis has been appointed to a third term as Chair of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP). The Commission was created to promote a healthy work-life balance and offer assistance to lawyers, judges and law students afflicted by addictions and emotional health issues.
At the recent ABA Conference in Chicago, Ill., ABA President Carolyn B. Lamm tapped Judge Childers to continue serving as the chair of CoLAP. Judge Childers has served on the 10-member commission since 1999.
“I’m humbled and honored to continue serving as chair of this important commission,” Childers said. “During these tough economic times, it is especially important to focus on programs that help attorneys, judges and law students cope with stress. CoLAP serves as champion and policy advisor for state lawyer assistance programs that provide peer support and counseling to help attorneys address a variety of health and personal issues.”
Tennessee attorneys can receive assistance from the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP), which was established by the Supreme Court in 1999 with the adoption of Rule 33. TLAP offers a variety of services, including consultation, crisis stabilization, referrals, education and peer support services.