About Us

JCJ was created in 2012, under the auspices of LCL (established in 1988), to better meet the unique needs of the Commonwealth’s judiciary.

LCL and JCJ have confidentially assisted thousands of Pennsylvania lawyers, judges, their family members, and law students struggling with:

Stress    Anxiety    Burnout    Problematic Alcohol Use    Depression    Bipolar Disorder
Prescription Drug Problems    Illicit Drug Use    Eating Disorders    Problem Gambling
          Compulsive Behaviors    Emotional Trauma    Compassion Fatigue   Grief & Loss   Other Emotional and Mental Health Concerns  

Please make the call to our 100% Confidential Helpline. We will provide information, answer your questions and help you decide which of our free and voluntary services would best meet your needs. We do not report any identifying information to anyone without your consent. You may remain anonymous if you choose.

Who We Are

Judges Concerned for Judges (JCJ) is a judges assistance program operating separately from, but under the umbrella of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, Inc. (LCL). LCL is an independent, non-profit corporation run by judges and lawyers for the benefit of the Bench and Bar. We are men and women who understand the stresses of the practice of law and the gravity of judicial responsibilities. We are in and/or in support of recovery from a variety of mental health & substance use challenges. We understand these issues and we understand the pain, fear and frustration of the lawyer, judge, family member or law student who is in distress. We offer nonjudgmental, discreet and confidential assistance. We understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help, but we also know that recovery is possible.

Board of Directors

 

Ned L. Spells Jr., Esq., President

The Honorable Sarah C. Makin, Secretary

Peter Speaker, Esq., Treasurer

Richard L. McCoy, Esq., Assistant Treasurer

The Honorable William I. Arbuckle III

The Honorable Ann M. Butchart

Bruce Carsia, Esq.

Patrick M. Casey, Esq.

Walter F. Casper, Esq.

The Honorable Thomas M. DelRicci

Andrew K. Fabian, Esq.

Mark F. Flaherty, Esq.

Matthew M. Holliday, Executive Director-elect, PA Bar Association

 

 

 

The Honorable John H. Foradora

Michele S. Haggerty, Esq. 

Joseph D. Holston Jr., Esq.

The Honorable Andrew J. Jarbola III

C. Reginald Johnson, Esq.

Robert H. Lefevre, Esq.

The Honorable Francine T. Lincicome

Sharon R. Lopez, Esq.

R. Anthony Waldron, Esq.

The Honorable Robert J. Rebstock

Riley H. Ross III, Esq.

The Honorable Christine Ward

 

 

 

What We Do

Mission Statement

“To provide a caring peer assistance program to save the lives and restore the health and professional competence of Pennsylvania’s judges and lawyers, members of their families, and law students who may be facing mental health and/or substance use challenges. We carry out this mission through a combination of confidential helpline services, volunteer support and education.”

JCJ is also a national leader in the development and delivery of educational programming and training on the topics of mental health, substance use and wellness. Our goal is to reduce the societal stigma attached to addiction and mental illness, increase bench and bar awareness and understanding of the nature of these illnesses, and to encourage lawyers, judges, and law students to seek the help they need.

Call us to schedule a presentation (CLE-eligible), at no charge, for your professional organization or event, county bench bar, firm, etc.  1.800.335.2572.

JCJ’s services are free, confidential, voluntary, and available to all Pennsylvania judges and their family members. Our parent organization, LCL, also provides services to lawyers, their family members and law students who may be struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. Our menu of services includes:

  • Answering any of your questions and providing general information and resources
  • A referral to a qualified healthcare professional for a confidential evaluation paid for by JCJ
  • An accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan provided by an independent healthcare provider
  • Peer support from a recovering lawyer, judge or law student who has faced and overcome similar mental health and/or substance use issues
  • Information about lawyers & judges-only recovery support meetings and other mental health and recovery support groups
  • Resource coordination, follow up calls and general treatment & recovery support from JCJ staff
  • Free literature from JCJ’s comprehensive library of articles and books on the topics of mental health and substance use
  • Assistance with interventions (for those individuals reaching out to JCJ out of concern for a colleague or family member)
  • Assistance with treatment admissions