What is the relationship of WaLAL to the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) and WSBA’s Member Wellness Program?

WaLAL is an independent 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. WaLAL has no relationship to WSBA. WaLAL and WSBA’s Member Wellness Program do share a commitment to wellness in the legal profession.

Is WaLAL Confidential?

YES. Confidentiality and respect for anonymity are at the core of WaLAL. A WaLAL client who discloses information to a WaLAL clinician is protected by privileges from disclosures, absent limited legal exceptions.  

When a WaLAL client discloses information to a WaLAL peer, both parties are protected by the statutory client privileges: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=18.83.110 and https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=5.60.060.

Also, WaLAL clients may share their experiences with confidence knowing that WaLAL peer counselors are required by the Rules of Professional Conduct to keep them confidential, and that Rule 8.3 does not require WaLAL peer counselors to report misconduct disclosed by a WaLAL client.

Who is eligible for help from WaLAL?

The past, present, and future of Washington State’s legal profession are eligible for WaLAL: lawyers and judges, whether current or retired, and law students at any of Washington’s three law schools, are eligible.

Are the names of lawyers, judges, or law students who seek assistance from WaLAL accessible by any entity outside of WaLAL?

NO. No outside entity, including the courts and WSBA, has access to the identity of persons seeking or receiving WaLAL services.

Law students do not have to report WaLAL peer counseling or other forms of clinical assistance obtained separately from WaLAL as part of their bar application.

Does a lawyer, judge, or law student who seeks assistance from WaLAL have to report this to WSBA or the courts?

NO. Seeking help from WaLAL is confidential.

Is a disbarred lawyer, or a lawyer under current discipline, including suspension, reprimand, or admonition, eligible for help from WaLAL?

YES.

Is a lawyer admitted in Washington State who practices in another state or country eligible for help from WaLAL?

YES.

Can a lawyer with a drug or alcohol problem enter into a monitoring agreement with WaLAL?

NO. WaLAL does not offer monitoring for WaLAL clients who need to document their recovery or sobriety efforts to a third party.

Should I be hesitant to seek the help of WaLAL because somebody might find out that I did seek such help?

NO. WaLAL is a safe, independent, and confidential resource. The foundation of WaLAL is the confidentiality and anonymity of the lawyers, judges, and law students it serves.