Best wishes to all at the start of 2010 — can anyone believe it has been ten years since Y2K frenzy? Which also means that it’s been 9 years [at least it will be as of November 1, 2010] since NYLAT was established as a program of the Unified Court System.
It has been my pleasure to serve at the helm of the Trust since its inception. Much good work has been accomplished, thanks to the Trustees, past and present, who give tirelessly of their time to the cause of lawyer assistance in New York State. Of course, much recognition should go to the staff of the lawyer assistance programs — Pat Spataro, LAP Director at the New York State Bar Association, with her able assistant Linda McMahon and 4th Department Coordinator Paul Curtin; Eileen Travis, LAP Director at the New York City Bar Association, with her Clinical Coordinator Don Hewlett and assistant Meylin Mota; and to Peter Schweitzer, LAP Director at the Nassau County Bar Association. Seventeen bar associations have Lawyer Helping Lawyer Committees, consisting of volunteers [most of whom are in recovery] willing to share their experience, strength and hope with others in the profession seeking help.
There are more than 244,000 attorneys licensed to practice in New York State, with about 153,500 of those lawyers residing within our boundaries. That is an enormous population to reach and to serve. Each day is a challenge, but thankfully, we meet the challenge one day at a time.
May you be well in 2010 ~ Barbara Smith