Should I Join Florida Lawyers Assistance Before My Florida Bar Hearing?

I have represented dozens of applicants before the Florida Board of Bar Examiners (“FBBE”) that have had a history of documented alcohol or substance abuse in their past along with DUI arrests that triggered investigative hearings before the FBBE. The FBBE is not made up of doctors or psychologist that could ever determine in one hearing if the Applicant poses a threat to the public with a substance abuse disorder. It is up to you to make your case whether you should be in or out of Florida Lawyers Assistance (“FLA”). There are some circumstances where it makes sense for the applicant to join FLA prior to their hearing. FLA is the only organization that monitors Florida Lawyers and Applicants that reports directly to the FBBE on the Applicants progress in their program. FLA also provides results from randomized urine tests to the FBBE and the Florida Bar after sworn to make sure you are in compliance with your FLA contract.

If the law enforcement contact was years back and is one or possibly two DUI’s it may make sense not to join but to seek a chemical dependency evaluation from an FLA approved physician. If the physician finds no use disorder and doesn’t recommend any term in FLA that can be offered as an exhibit to the FBBE at your formal or investigative character hearing. The good news is the Florida Supreme Court views chemical dependency more as a treatable disease and less of a character flaw. For applicants with more of a history of substance or alcohol dependency there may be no point to not join before the hearing knowing the FBBE is more likely than not just going to order you to join and that set up process will just delay the time it will take to get admitted. This is really a case by case basis and only an experienced character and fitness hearing defense lawyer should make this determination in consultation with you. Lars Soreide, Esq., has represented hundreds of applicants before the Board and offers free consolations to applicants. Call 1-888-760-6552 today to set up a consult by phone or zoom or email [email protected]. We travel to all hearing locations throughout the state before the FBBE and participate in all the FBBE zoom hearings. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice.