Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program
The Mississippi Bar Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program helps legal professionals figure out what is not working in their lives and provides guidance and ongoing support for getting back on track. We offer confidential services to lawyers, judges, law students, and family members of law professionals.
Services Included:
- Assessment and Referral
- Work/Life Support
- Peer Support
- Consultation
- Intervention
- Monitoring
- Education
Staff
Contact:
Office: 601-948-0989
Office (toll-free): 1-800-593-9777
Director’s Direct Line: 601-948-4475
jcole@msbar.org
cbarrett@msbar.org
*All communication with LJA Program is held in the strictest confidence.
Dr. Jessica Cole, LPC-S, NCC
Dr. Jessica Cole is a licensed professional counselor and board certified telemental health provider with over 18 years of experience in behavioral health. Recently, she provided outreach services for residential treatment facilities covering Mississippi and Louisiana. Previously, she held the Director of Psychological Health position under the direction of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for over 8 years. Her experiences in behavioral health encompass many areas including inpatient, partial, and outpatient treatment focusing on issues including depression, addiction, and traumatic brain injury. Nationally, she was president of the Integrated Care Interest group for the American Counseling Association and frequently provides lectures on a variety of behavioral health topics. Dr. Cole received her doctorate of professional counseling from Mississippi College and her master’s in counseling from Louisiana State University.
Carolyn Barrett
Office Administrator & Monitoring Coordinator
Carolyn Barrett is the Monitoring Coordinator and Office Administrator of The Mississippi Bar Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program. She previously served as a legal secretary/assistant for 22 years. In 1991, she received an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Hinds Community College. She is an active member of the Jackson Legal Professionals Association. Carolyn lives in Pearl, Mississippi, with her husband, Jerry. They attend Meadow Grove Baptist Church in Brandon, Mississippi.
Program Description
Research has shown that lawyers may suffer from substance abuse and depression at a rate higher than the general population. Experience has shown that lawyers may be more reluctant than others to seek help for their own problems. The purpose of LJA Program is to provide confidential assistance to judges, lawyers, and law students who may encounter these and other issues that could impair their ability to practice in a professional and competent manner.
This website is intended to provide members of the bar and bench with preliminary information about substance abuse, mental health, and other issues that can interfere with the practice of law. If you think you might have a problem, are concerned about someone else, or want to become an LJA Program volunteer, please explore this website, read about the LJA Program’s obligation to confidentiality, and then contact the LJA Program for further assistance or information.
The LJA Program offers help to judges, attorneys, and law students who experience physical or mental disabilities that result from disease, chemical dependency, mental health problems, or age, which may impair these individuals’ ability to practice in a competent and professional manner. Help varies with an individual’s needs or a particular case, but ranges from information and referral to assistance with organization of an intervention. In addition, the LJA Program provides education to the bench and bar on relevant issues.
Because of the sensitive nature of addiction and psychological problems, law students, attorneys, or judges who need help — or want to assist someone else who might need help — are often reluctant to seek assistance.
At the LJA Program’s inception, it was tasked with the following:
- To assist lawyers, judges, and law students, or the legal community, as defined by the LAP, in pursuing their recovery from chemical dependency or abuse, mental, emotional, or physical health issues; and
- To protect the interests of clients from harm that might result from the actions or inactions of lawyers impaired by substance abuse or dependency, physical, or mental health conditions; and
- To educate the bench, bar, and law school community about the issues and concerns that negatively affect the legal profession; and
- To develop programs that emphasize prevention of conditions that might negatively affect legal professionals or law students.
The identity of any lawyer, judge or family member who requests assistance through the program for themselves, or others is kept strictly confidential.
LJA Program services are available to ALL attorneys, judges, law students, bar applicants, law staff and families.
- LJA Program ≠ The MS Board of Bar Admissions
- LJA Program ≠ The Office of General Counsel
- LJA Program ≠ The Mississippi Commission On Judicial Performance
LJA Program is NOT a disciplinary entity or reporting agency. The LJA Program does not report or release any information to any disciplinary entity or other third party unless/until specifically authorized to do so by our client.
What can the LJA Program do?
- Confidential advice about individual problems
- Help in arranging and implementing formal interventions
- Monitoring and aftercare services
- Mental illness and addiction are diseases; medical disorders. They are not weakness, a lack of intelligence or will, or moral failings.
15-18% of attorneys suffer from addictive or mental illness, as opposed to 9-10% in the general population.
50-75% of attorney discipline matters involve some sort of addictive or other mental illness.
Program Standing Committee
Fifteen members on three-year terms, three from each district as provided in Article 6-1 of the Bylaws and six members from the state at large. The Lawyers and Judges Assistance Committee shall provide (1) assistance to members of the legal profession who suffer from chemical dependence or from physical, emotional, or mental disabilities that result from disease, disorder, trauma, or age, and which impairs or tends to impair their ability to practice law and their professional conduct; (2) education for the legal profession regarding impairment from chemical dependence or physical, emotional or mental disabilities, particularly as it affects professional conduct; and (3) protection to the public served by the Bar. The Lawyers and Judges Assistance Committee shall have all powers and duties as provided by the Supreme Court of Mississippi in the Rules of the Mississippi Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program.
Members
Term
-
Sean Guy, Ridgeland (Metro) - Chair 2025
-
Colby Langston, Gulfport (South) 2025
-
Jonathan Martin, Tupelo (North) 2025
-
Bethany Tarpley, Cleveland (North) 2025
-
Ann Chandler, Jackson (At Large) 2026
-
John F. Hawkins, Jackson (Metro) 2026
-
Joseph Murphy, Oxford (North) 2026
-
Trey O'Cain, Jackson (At Large) 2026
-
Hank Ros, Biloxi (South) 2026
-
Clarence Webster III, Jackson (At Large) 2026
-
Steven Adams, Starkville (At Large) 2027
-
Kimberly Duffy, Gautier (South) 2027
-
Daniel Hassin, Jr., Madison (At Large) 2027
-
Kenneth Miller, Jackson (Metro) 2027
-
Judge Calvin Taylor, Pascagoula (At Large) 2027
Staff Liaison: Jessica Cole, LJA Program Director
Carolyn Barrett, Administrative Assistant
Stress / Burnout
When attempting to assess signs and symptoms, it is important to note that marked changes in behavior or affect are the clearest indication that there may be a problem. Such changes may or may not fit clearly into the categories above but are noteworthy nonetheless.
When the “smaller” issues are not addressed, they may become larger. They can easily and quickly work their way into impairment.
If/when you have concerns about yourself or someone you know, and want to know more, please contact the LJA Program. Remember, Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program are confidential, voluntary, and available at NO charge.
Please contact our office or an LJA Program volunteer in your area.
"Lawyers cite many factors contributing to stress, like longer hours at work, fewer hours with the family, pressures to make partner, even the low esteem in which lawyers are held." – NY Times, March 10, 1995
Professional Effects of Stress
- Decreased vocational satisfaction
- “Treadmill” / “marking time” / “Burn out”
- Inability to meet professional obligations (timeliness, work quality)
- Missed deadlines
Personal Effects of Stress
- Increased risk for impairment (mental/emotional health problems and/or substance abuse/dependence)
- Increased risk for stress-related physical illness
- Strain on family/relationship(s)
Effects of Lawyer Impairment on the Legal Profession
- Decreased public confidence in the bench and bar
- Delays; Malpractice; Ethical/Bar disciplinary issues
- Inappropriate results; Untimely results
- Wasted judicial resources and time; Docket backlog
- Overall frustration with “the system”
Many Lawyers Practicing Today Are Facing the Need to:
- do more
- faster
- with less
- sometimes for less.
Common somatic (physical) symptoms often reported by those experiencing excess stress include sleep disturbances, muscle tension, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, and fatigue. Emotional and behavioral symptoms that can accompany excess stress include nervousness, anxiety, changes in eating habits including overeating, loss of enthusiasm or energy, and mood changes.
Effects of Stress on Your Body
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Pounding heart
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Clenched jaws
- Tooth grinding
- Stomach upset
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Increased sweating
- Tiredness
- Sleep problems
- Weight gain or loss
- Sex problems
Effects of Stress on Your Thoughts and Feelings
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Worrying
- Irritability
- Depression
- Sadness
- Anger
- Mood swings
- Job dissatisfaction
- Feeling insecure
- Confusion
- Burnout
- Forgetfulness
- Resentment
- Guilt
- Inability to concentrate
- Seeing only the negatives
Effects of Stress on Your Behavior
- Overeating
- Undereating
- Angry outbursts
- Drug abuse
- Excessive drinking
- Increased smoking
- Social withdrawal
- Crying spells
- Relationship conflicts
- Decreased productivity
- Blaming others
Cognitive Symptoms of Stress
- Memory problems
- Inability to concentrate
- Poor judgment
- Seeing only the negative
- Anxious or racing thoughts
- Constant worrying
Physical Symptoms of Stress
- Aches and pains
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea, dizziness
- Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
- Loss of sex drive
Emotional Symptoms of Stress
- Moodiness
- Irritability or short temper
- Agitation, inability to relax
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Sense of loneliness and isolation
- Depression or general unhappiness
Behavioral Symptoms of Stress
- Eating more or less
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Isolating yourself from others
- Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
- Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
- Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)
Mental and Emotional Health
Depression is a serious medical illness; it's not something that you have made up in your head. It's more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. It's feeling 'down' and 'low' and 'hopeless' for weeks at a time. – National Institutes of Mental Health
It involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. – National Institutes of Mental Health
One in four lawyers suffers from elevated feelings of psychological distress, including feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, anxiety, social alienation, isolation and depression.
While 3 percent to 9 percent of the population at any given time may experience depression, a quality-of-life survey conducted by the North Carolina Bar Association in 2003 reported that almost 24 percent of the bar’s members exhibited symptoms of clinical depression. Almost 11 percent of them said they contemplated suicide at least once each month.
In 1991, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore interviewed 12,000 workers about depression. Lawyers ranked No. 1 among professionals that were most depressed.
Signs & Symptoms of Depression
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating, or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicidal gestures or attempts
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
If you or someone you care about answers yes to five or more of these questions and if the symptoms described have been present nearly every day for 2 weeks or more, you should consider speaking to a health care professional about different treatment options for depression.
Depression – A Self-Test
- Do you or they feel a deep sense of depression, sadness, or hopeless most of the day?
- Have you or they experienced diminished interest in most or all activities?
- Have you or they experienced significant appetite or weight change when not dieting?
- Have you or they experienced significant change in sleeping patterns?
- Do you or they feel unusually restless or unusually sluggish?
- Do you or they feel unduly fatigued?
- Do you or they experience persistent feelings of hopelessness or inappropriate feelings of guilt?
- Have you or they experienced a diminished ability to think or concentrate?
- Do you or they have recurrent thoughts of death or suicide?
Other explanations for these symptoms may need to be considered. Adapted from American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fourth Edition. Washington, DC. American Psychiatric Association: 1994
When attempting to assess signs and symptoms, it is important to note that marked changes in behavior or affect are the clearest indication that there may be a problem. Such changes may or may not fit clearly into the categories above, but are noteworthy nonetheless.
Persons suffering from other mental illness (even “severe” and/or long-term cases) can significantly improve their functioning through effective ongoing treatment.
“Quick fixes” & “cure-alls” are generally neither Persons “recovering” from mental illness and addiction can lead successful lives personally and professionally.
Treatment works and recovery is possible.
Substance Abuse / Dependency
In 2002, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimated that 9.4 percent of Americans age 12 and older could be classified as substance abusers or substance dependent. According to the American Bar Association, the corresponding estimate for lawyers is nearly double – 15 to 18 percent.
It’s not all about alcohol and drugs either. Process addiction is an addiction to an activity or process, such as eating, spending money, or gambling. These addictive behaviors can be as debilitating as those associated with substance addictions, and they require psychological treatment. People sometimes have difficulty understanding process addictions, because they believe that people should just be able to stop negative behavior, but people with process addictions face the same problems that people with substance addictions do.
CAGE Screening Test Questions
- Have you ever felt you ought to Cut down on your drinking or drug use?
- Do you get Annoyed at criticism of your drinking or drug use?
- Do you ever feel Guilty about your drinking or drug use?
- Do you ever take an Early-morning drink (eye-opener) or use drugs first thing in the morning (“a little hair of the dog that bit you”) to get the day started or to eliminate the “shakes”?
A person who answers “yes,” “sometimes,” or “often” to 2 or more of the questions may have a problem with alcohol.
At the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program, it is our belief that if you are asking the questions, it’s likely a problem or at least its potential exists. Our program can help you to identify the problem and the solutions.
Family
- Withdrawal from activities
- Frequent absences
- Frequent arguments; child/spousal abuse
- Family members display codependent behaviors
- Children engage in abnormal, antisocial, or illegal activities
- Sexual problems (impotence, affair)
Physical
- Multiple complaints
- Increased use of prescription medication
- Increased hospitalizations
- Frequent visits to physicians, dentists
- Personal hygiene, dress deteriorate
- Accidents, trauma, ER visits
Community
- Decrease in community affairs
- Change of friends, acquaintances
- Drunk & disorderly, DUI arrests
- Loss of confidence in attorney by community leaders
- Involvement with place of worship changes
- Sexual promiscuity
Office
- Disorganized appointment schedule
- Hostile behavior to staff and/or clients
- “Locked door” syndrome (using it at work)
- Borrowing money from co-workers, staff
- Frequently sick
- Clients begin to complain to associates, staff
Professional
- Inappropriate behavior, moods
- Decreasing quality of performance
- Inappropriate pleadings, decisions
- Co-workers and staff “gossip” about changes in behavior
- Malpractice and disciplinary claims
- Missed hearings, appointments, depositions
This series of questions about one’s use of alcohol or drugs is an informal inventory of “tell-tale signs” with many items tailored to lawyers. It is not a list of official diagnostic criteria and does not substitute for a professional evaluation (which LJA Program personnel can provide in person or refer you to a certified evaluator).
When attempting to assess signs and symptoms, it is important to note that marked changes in behavior or affect are the clearest indication that there may be a problem. Such changes may or may not fit clearly into the categories above, but are noteworthy, nonetheless.
Self Test for Substance Abuse or Dependence
Substance Abuse / Addiction Self-Test
- Do I plan my office routine around my drinking / drug use?
- Have I tried unsuccessfully to control or abstain from alcohol or drugs?
- Do my clients, associates, or support personnel contend that my alcohol/drug use interferes with my work?
- Have I avoided important professional, social, or recreational activities as a result of my alcohol/drug use?
- Do I ever use alcohol or drugs before meetings or court appearances to calm my nerves or to feel more confident of my performance?
- Do I frequently drink or use drugs alone?
- Have I ever neglected the running of my office or misused funds because of my alcohol or drug use?
- Have I ever had a loss of memory when I seemed to be alert and functioning but had been using alcohol or drugs?
- Have I missed or adjourned closings, court appearances, or other appointments because of my alcohol/drug use?
- Is drinking or drug use leading me to become careless of my family’s welfare or other personal responsibilities?
- Has my ambition or efficiency decreased along with an increase in my use of drugs or alcohol?
- Have I continued to drink or use drugs despite adverse consequences to my practice, health, legal status, or family relationships?
- Are strong emotions, related to my drinking or drug use (e.g. fear, guilt, depression, severe anxiety) interfering with my ability to function professional?
- Are otherwise close friends avoiding being around me because of my alcohol or drug use?
- Have I been neglecting my hygiene, health care, or nutrition?
- Am I becoming increasingly reluctant to face my clients or colleagues in order to hide my alcohol/drug use?
A “yes” answer to any of these questions suggests that it would be wise to seek professional evaluation (at LJAP or elsewhere) but may not indicate that you have a diagnosable addictive disorder. Evaluations of alcohol/drug problems should be done by a clinician with addiction credentials and/or experience working in an addiction-oriented setting.
When attempting to assess signs and symptoms, it is important to note that marked changes in behavior or affect are the clearest indication that there may be a problem. Such changes may or may not fit clearly into the categories above but are noteworthy nonetheless.
“Quick fixes” & “cure-alls” are generally neither.
Persons “recovering” from mental illness and addiction can lead successful lives personally and professionally.
What to look for
If you believe that you or someone you know needs assistance, call the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program for a free confidential consultation. We WILL NOT disclose your call to anyone unless/until you authorize us to do so. We will guide you in appropriate next steps. We’ll do our best to comfort and inform you.
Please contact our office or an LJA Program volunteer in your area. For a list of LJA Program volunteers across the state click here.
Dr. Jessica Cole, LPC-S, NCC
Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program Director
Office: 601-948-0989
Director’s Direct Line: 601-948-4475
Email: jcole@msbar.org
Carolyn Barrett, Office Administrator & Monitoring Coordinator
Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program
Telephone: 601-948-0989
Email: cbarrett@msbar.org
Warning Signs That You or Somone You Know May Need Help
Absenteeism
- Unexplained or repeated absences or tardiness for court appearances, depositions, etc.
- Peculiar or improbable excuses for absences
Confusion or Difficulty Concentration
- Difficulty in recalling instructions, details, etc.
- Increasing difficulty in handling complex assignments
- Difficulty in recalling own mistakes
- Work requires more effort than it should
Spasmodic Work Patterns
- Alternative periods of high and low productivity
Generally Lowered Job Efficiency
- Missed deadlines
- Mistakes due to inattention or poor judgement
- Making bad decisions
- Complaints from clients
- Improbable excuses for poor performance
Physical Problems/Symptoms
- Complaints of fatigue
- Back pains or other vague medical problems
- Complaints of stomach problems or nauseo
- Repeated hospitalizations and/or accidents