Health / Wellness, Law Schools

The Struggle: Will Past Alcoholism And DUIs Prevent You From Being Admitted To The Bar?

This is a question many recovering alcoholics have.

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Gavel, Alcoholic Drink & Car Keys on a Gradating to White Background - Drinking and Driving Concept.Welcome to the latest installment of The Struggle, a series where we examine the mental-health issues that students encounter during the oftentimes grueling law school experience. We are posting these stories because sometimes what law students really need is to know that they’re not alone in their pain. Sometimes what law students need is to know that they’ve got a friend who is willing to share not just in their triumphs, but also in their struggles. These are real e-mails and messages we’ve received from real readers.

If these issues resonate with you, please reach out to us. Your stories need to be heard. You can email us, text us at (646) 820-8477, or tweet us @atlblog. We will share your stories anonymously. You may be able to help a law student who needs to know that someone else has been there before and survived.

I got sober during law school over four years ago and I wanted to share that, in my experience with the New York Bar, they were extremely accepting of my status as a recovering alcoholic. I disclosed on my application that I had received so many citations for drinking-related offenses (including a DUI) that I couldn’t even remember all of them or track them down. I was expecting a litany of questions in my character and fitness interview (all New York applicants have a character and fitness interview).

They simply said, “Congratulations on your sobriety. Welcome to the New York Bar.”

I encourage anyone who believes they are struggling with alcohol or drug addiction to get help. Dealing with it now will greatly reduce the chances of serious consequences down the line. Getting sober (and going to 12-step meetings) during law school was the best thing I’ve ever done. I’m now at a Biglaw firm and see colleagues who may have issues themselves, and I’m incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to handle it before it could adversely affect my legal career.

I’d also encourage students to reach out to their local lawyers assistance program, which will likely be able to connect them with someone who has gone through what they’re going through and come out the other side a happier and more successful lawyer.

Thanks again for shining light on this important issue.

Most colleges and universities have counseling and psychological services resources that students can turn to if they are in crisis or would like counseling, even after hours. If these services are not available at your school, and if you’re depressed and in need help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or a lawyer assistance program in your state. Remember that you are loved, so please reach out if you need assistance, before it’s too late.

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Staci Zaretsky is an editor at Above the Law. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments. Follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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