New York State Bar Association Lawyer Assistance Program Celebrates Recovery and Resilience
6.22.2026
The New York State Bar Association’s Lawyer Assistance Program hosted its 36th Annual Spring Retreat May 29 to 31 in Lake George.
The event drew a record number of attendees and featured activities supporting wellness and connection, including hiking, yoga and meditation, recovery meetings and a continuing legal education program on the topic of problem gambling and its impact on the legal profession.
“The Lawyer Assistance Program Retreat allows attorneys and their supporters a time to strengthen relationships, build new connections, and continue to work on their recovery,” said New York State Bar Association President Taa Grays. “The program is an example of the member benefits the Association offers our members to advance their professional success.”
“This year’s retreat saw an increase in attendance, especially among first-time attendees and law students,” said Lawyer Assistance Program chair Richard Wallace. “It is gratifying to see that our message of attorney well-being and recovery is being heard by members.”
A highlight of the weekend was the presentation of the Franklin P. Gavin Memorial Award to Eileen Travis, former executive director of the New York City Lawyer Assistance Program. Meredith Heller, who is now director of the New York City Lawyer Assistance Program, presented the award and shared reflections on Travis’ career and impact on the legal profession.
The retreat also honored Bill Morgan with the Raymond P. O’Keefe Memorial Award. The award was accepted posthumously by his children.
The Lawyer Assistance Program has offered hundreds of events over the last two years.
