State Lawyers Assistance Committee (SLAC)



Are you concerned about a lawyer’s professional competence?


SLAC

SLAC receives referrals from attorneys, judges, clients, members of the general public, and members of the legal community about lawyers whose ability to practice law appears impaired.

Members of SLAC investigate lawyers who may be experiencing problems that impact their ability to practice law, including:

  • Alcohol and drug abuse

  • Depression and mental health issues

  • Gambling addiction

  • Cognitive impairment

SLAC has statutory authority to investigate the problem facing the lawyer in need, develop a remedial action plan for the lawyer, monitor the lawyer’s compliance with the plan, and assure confidentiality for the lawyer in compliance with the remedial action plan.

SLAC may also monitor lawyers who are conditionally admitted by the Supreme Court or enter diversion agreements with Disciplinary Counsel.



How can I make a referral?


If you would like to make a referral about an impaired attorney, please contact Nik Chourey, SLAC Staff Liaison at 503-431-6363. You may also contact any one of the SLAC members.

The names of persons who make referrals are confidential, and will not be shared with the referred lawyer.



How is SLAC different from Discipline and the OAAP?

The Oregon Attorney Assistance Program (OAAP)

(503) 226-1057
(800) 321-OAAP

www.oaap.org

State Lawyers Assistance Committee (SLAC)

(503) 431-6312
(800) 452-8260, ext 312

Oregon State Bar Disciplinary Counsel

(503) 620-0222, ext. 319
(800) 452-8360, ext. 319
  • Staff are trained counselors/lawyers who offer free and confidential assistance to lawyers and law students

  • Provides confidential assistance, support groups and interventions

  • No information is disclosed by OAAP to any person or organization without the consent of the lawyer involved

  • Reaches people who voluntarily seek and accept assistance

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  • A committee created by statute, providing peer assistance to lawyers

  • Assistance is confidential, but failure to cooperate with SLAC is a basis for SLAC to refer lawyer to Disciplinary Counsel

  • SLAC members can refer attorneys to assistance programs such as the OAAP

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  • Investigates lawyers based on alleged violations of Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct – may result in sanctions of disbarment, suspension, or reprimand

  • Involuntary – successful at getting the attention of lawyers who will not voluntarily access help

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    Links:


    Oregon State Bar Bylaws: Article 19


    Oregon State Bar Policies: Chapter 19 Attorney Assistance


    ORS – ORS 9.568


    Oregon RPC 8.1(c)


    SLAC Committee Members