Please join us for the first MCLE event of the 2023 calendar.

Attorney Competency & Impaired Colleagues: The Warning Signs and Where to Go for Help

This program will provide information on:

• Identifying and detecting substance use and mental health issues among attorneys;
• An attorney’s duties regarding an impaired colleague;
• How to discuss possible impairment issues with a colleague;
• Developing a self-care plan and wellness strategies; and
• Knowing where to find help, including the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) and other resources.

We urge all our members to join this important discussion.

• Speaker: Lita Abella, Lita is a Senior Program Analyst at the State Bar of California, where she conducts outreach and is an MCLE presenter for the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP). LAP assists law students, bar exam applicants, and attorneys with substance use and mental health issues.
• Date: Thursday, January 12th, 2023
• Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

The HLS will apply for 1 unit of MCLE credit in California for this presentation

Reading Material for the Session

About the Speaker

Lita Abella is a native of Southern California. Lita earned a Juris Doctor from Western State  University College of Law in Orange County in 2004. While in law school, Lita was a law clerk for the Riverside District Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Attorney General, and a certified mediator for the Superior Court of Orange County. 

Lita is a Senior Program Analyst at the State Bar of California, where she conducts outreach and is an MCLE presenter for the Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP). LAP assists law students, bar exam applicants, and attorneys with substance use and mental health issues.  

Prior to that, Lita worked as an investigator in the Office of Chief Trial Counsel where she investigated and assisted in the prosecution of attorneys for misconduct. She has been with the  State Bar for 10 years. 

Beginning in 1980, Lita served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 20 years, breaking many glass ceilings as a female and minority. She worked various assignments including but not limited to patrol, Internal Affairs, narcotics, and vice. She was a court-qualified narcotics expert during her years in law enforcement and attained the rank of lieutenant. 

Lita was a fitness instructor for 20 years and is currently a health and wellness consultant. She is nationally certified by the Athletic and Fitness Association of America. She is also a business owner for the past 23 years.  

Lita has served on many boards and committees within many organizations and entities. For the past seven years, she has been a Library Commissioner with the City of Azusa. She is a proud  mom of a newly licensed attorney!