Preamble
The Supreme Judicial Court recognizes that a wide range of influences can detrimentally affect the performance of a lawyer or judge. Prominent among such influences are the effects of chemical dependence or mental conditions that result from disease, disorder, trauma or other infirmity that impair the ability of a lawyer or judge to practice or serve. Lawyer or judge impairment is detrimental to the interests of clients, litigants, our legal system and the general public. The vast majority of states have responded to the issue of lawyer impairment by creating funded lawyer assistance programs as contemplated by this Rule, acknowledging the principle that every member of the bar has an obligation to the public to participate in an appropriate response to lawyer or judge impairment. The Court finds that the Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers and Judges is an appropriate method for addressing the issue of lawyer or judge impairment and that the program will promote the integrity of the legal profession and will thereby directly benefit the people of Maine.
The Court hereby adopts these rules establishing a Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers and Judges.
Advisory Note - September 2023
The preamble is amended to provide the full name of the Maine Assistance Program for Lawyers and Judges.