Bench & Bar January/February 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR YVETTE HOURIGAN is a former trial lawyer, and director of the Kentucky

ADVOCACY FOR WELL-BEING IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION Beyond its direct services, KYLAP plays a crucial role in advocating for policies and practices that promote well-being within the legal profession. This includes work ing with bar associations, law firms, and other stakeholders to create environments that support the mental health and overall well-being of legal professionals. CONCLUSION The Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program stands as a beacon of support for the state's legal community, offering a comprehensive array of confidential services designed to address the unique challenges faced by legal professionals. From four free confidential counseling sessions by our third-party providers, to other referrals, educational programs and peer support, KYLAP pro vides a vital safety net for attorneys, judges, and law students addressing personal or professional issues.

The program's commitment to confidential ity, accessibility, and holistic support makes it an invaluable resource in promoting the well-being of Kentucky's legal profession als. By addressing issues such as substance misuse, mental health concerns, and career challenges, KYLAP supports individual legal professionals and also contributes to the overall health and integrity of the legal system in Kentucky, thereby fulfilling its charge pursuant to SCR 3.025 to insure a continuing high standard of professional competence on the part of the members of the bar. As the legal profession continues to evolve and faces new challenges, the role of KYLAP becomes increasingly important. By providing a comprehensive support system, KYLAP helps ensure that Kentucky's legal professionals can maintain their personal well-being and professional effectiveness, ultimately serving the interests of justice and the broader community.

Lawyer Assistance Pro gram (KYLAP). She is a licensed attorney, a cer tified employee assistance professional and an adult peer support specialist. She is a member of the Kentucky Judicial

Commission on Mental Health. She is chair of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (COLAP); the former chair of the ABA/COLAP Diver sity, Equity & Inclusion Committee; and former member of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being. Hourigan was awarded the KBA President’s Special Service Award by former KBA President Tom Kerrick for KYLAP’s ser vice to Kentucky’s legal community during the COVID-19 pandemic. She received the Dave Nee Foundation’s “Uncommon Counselor” Award for her work in suicide prevention in the legal profession and is the recipient of the Sulli van Medallion from the University of Kentucky. In 2024, Hourigan received the Chief Justice Special Service Award from Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Laurance B. VanMeter, ret.

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