The Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP) is a free, confidential assistance program providing help to members of the legal community who are struggling with substance abuse, stress or emotional health issues. In 2020, when TLAP itself was struggling, Executive Director Buddy Stockwell was hand-picked by the Tennessee Supreme Court to transform it into the sustainable program it is today.
“There’s been such a transition over the last 50 years,” said Stockwell. “Back in the early days, alcoholism was not seen as a treatable disease, and having a severe alcohol problem could be a career ending event. There wasn’t a way back. All of this is new, to be able to effectively fight the disease, establish reliable recovery, and be safe to practice again. Now, we have a detailed set of clinical principles and protocols in place that are hinged to national best practices to support l icensed professionals.”
Stockwell is 43 years into his own recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. In 1982, at 27 years old, he completed treatment for alcoholism. Once sober, he completed college and law school and was admitted to the Louisiana Bar in 1993. His active involvement in Lawyers Assistance Programs spans 33 years.
“When I applied to the Louisiana Bar, I was able to demonstrate that I was in solid recovery from alcoholism and safe to practice law. I know what it feels like to be in a position where everything is on the line and your mental health is being questioned,” he said.
After six years as TLAP’s executive director, Stockwell is now preparing to pass the baton.
“It’s been the most rewarding and challenging job of my professional career,” said Stockwell. “It’s been a wonderful experience, and I think the thing I appreciate most about it, and why I came to Tennessee in the first place, is because I knew that the Tennessee Supreme Court provided strong support for its lawyers assistance program.”
The Tennessee Supreme Court established TLAP under Rule 33, adopted on January 7, 1999. TLAP serves to protect the public, provide confidential mental health help to members of the legal community, and educate legal professionals about the mental health issues that lawyers often encounter.
“Twenty-five percent of our cases have some regulatory involvement,” said Stockwell. “The other 75% are confidential as a matter of law and we can help people who have developed mental health issues get back on their feet before health issues become disciplinary issues. When someone confidentially reaches out early to TLAP for help, everyone wins.”
Over the years, the program has expanded from assistance with alcoholism and drug use, to all other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar issues, burnout and compassion fatigue.
“The profession with all its pressures and the speed of information these days, and just how tough it can be to practice law, it has ushered in a new era for LAPs. Substance use disorder cases are still significant, but TLAP is comprehensive now. We have a professional clinical staff that can help address any type of mental health issue,” said Stockwell. “It’s become very complex, but our program works really well, and we cover all of those bases.”
“As our Executive Director, he has transformed our program from a sinking ship to the grandest vessel,” said Judge Michael Spitzer, Commission Chairman TLAP. “Today, the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program is known nationally as a gold standard, top-tier program, and its stability is without question.”
Stockwell describes himself and his wife as hardworking and fastidious. They are U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captains and seasoned ocean mariners who sailed the seas full-time from 2005 to 2010, covering over 19,000 miles. “It demands dedication, attention to detail and preparedness.”
“I had an old 30-foot Catalina sailboat in Louisiana that I sold when I came up to Tennessee,” said Stockwell. “I already bought another one to enjoy during retirement. You’ll never find a happier Buddy Stockwell than with a tool bag in one hand and a tiller in the other hand, and an old sailboat to sail around and work on.”
Stockwell retires on April 15, 2026.
