SOI #009 Lawyers Assistance Program (New York State County)

Background Information

UCS seeks letters of interest from qualified vendors to provide Lawyer Assistance Programs (LAP) services, as more fully detailed herein , beginning on July 1, 2025, for a period of five ( 5 ) years, terminating on June 30, 2030 . UCS seeks three providers: one for services in all New York State counties north of New York City ( except for Westchester County), one for services within the five counties of New York City ( Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond Counties) and one for services on Long Island ( Nassau and Suffolk Count ies ) and Westchester County . Applicants may apply to serve one or multiple catchment areas.

Lawyer Assistance Programs (LAP) provide confidential support services to lawyers, judges, and law students struggling with substance use, depression, anxiety, stress or other mental health concerns. LAP’s provide short term support services, connection to individual or group support, referrals to treatment and counseling services, and if required, voluntary or court mandated monitoring services. Bar Associations are uniquely qualified to provide the services listed below and outlined above. Judiciary Law Section 499 on Lawyer Assistance Committees states “Confidential information privileged. The confidential relations and communications between a member or authorized agent of a lawyer assistance committee sponsored by a state or local bar association and any person, firm or corporation communicating with such committee, its members or authorized agents shall be deemed to be privileged on the same basis as those provided by law between attorney and client. Such privilege may be waived only by the person, firm or corporation which has furnished information to the committee.”

The four major service components of the Lawyer Assistance Programs include: A) Education, such as seminars, training and dissemination of educational materials; B) Outreach; C) Prevention; D) Treatment services.

Contract Term and Funding

This solicitation seeks letters of interest from organizations interested in contracting with the OCA for a term expected to commence on or about July 1, 2025, and continuing through June 30, 2030.

The OCA will provide an allocation for the initial annual period in the contract term based on determinations approved by the Chief Administrator of the Courts and subject to available state appropriations.

Eligible Providers

Eligible contractors are limited to state or local bar association s capable of providing the services described below.

The three (3) catchment areas include:

1. All New York State counties north of New York City (except for Westchester County)

The New York State Unified Court System (UCS) seeks letters of interest from organizations to provide Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) services in all New York State counties north of New York City (except for Westchester County) . Services provided m ust also include the coordination and oversight of LAP services delivered by local affiliate programs in various counties excluding New York City , Long Island, and Westchester County.

1. New York City

The New York State Unified Court System (UCS) seeks letters of interest from organizations to provide Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) services in the five counties within New York City (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond Counties) .

1. Long Island and Westchester County

The New York State Unified Court System (UCS) seeks letters of interest from organizations to provide Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) services on Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties) and Westchester County .

Specific services may include, but are not limited to:

• Confidential services to lawyers, judges and law students and their families affected by substance abuse, mental health issues or other problems that are impacting their ability to function at their best, free of charge;

• Assessments and referrals to those seeking help;

• Monitoring services that assist law school students, bar applicants, practicing attorneys, and suspended and disbarred attorneys who may have a pending matter before the NYS UCS Grievance Committee, or are seeking reinstatement to establish a history of rehabilitation and recovery;

• Educational (Continuing Legal Education) trainings on substance use, mental health issues, and attorney wellness;

• Crisis intervention and supportive counseling;

• Referrals to treatment programs, professionals, and self help groups;

To indicate interest in and eligibility to provide these services , please complete the Required Response Form and send:

• the Required Response Form;

• a letter of interest to:

Kyle Cunningham

Court Analyst

Kccunnin@nycourts.gov

Please write “SOI 009: Lawyers Assistance Program” in the subject line.

To receive consideration, the letter of interest must in the format defined herein and must include a brief description of prior experience providing LAP services (if relevant), the organization’s capacity to provide the services, including capacity to administer government-funded contracts and volunteer-based services.

Le tters of interest and forms are due at the email address above by 2pm Eastern on June 27, 2025.

Due Date: 6/27/2025 at 2pm

County(ies): New York State

Location: New York State Counties