Members of the legal community paid tribute to Bill Kane, the director of the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program (NJLAP), who is retiring this summer.
“One never has to wonder whether Bill will be there to provide the support and personal attention necessary to assist any of us in getting a suffering attorney into the process of recovery.… Bill understands that when dealing with addiction, mental illness or other crises, genuine concern and caring for the individual by those rendering assistance is the key component.”
John Zarych, an attorney who is actively involved in lawyer assistance in southeastern New Jersey for the past 30 years
“Bill Kane is a person who is unequaled. His energy is boundless. He’s a remarkable individual and I’m proud to say he’s a good friend. He will spare no effort to help someone.”
- Patrick Roche, a former judge who has been active with NJLAP
“He has lessened the stigma that was so often associated with the addict because of his ability to communicate and point out that it is a disease, not a weakness of the will.… His mark is indelible. He’s a trailblazer in this field. He has set the standard. He has helped so many people. A lot of lives have been saved.”
John P. Doran, a former NJSBA trustee
“Our LAP program is recognized as one of the finest in the country and it is by no accident that Bill Kane is known by everybody in the country, not just in New Jersey, as a source for expertise in the area. He’s got a great network of lawyer assistance programs throughout the country that he can tap into.”
Robert Nies, chair of NJLAP Board of Trustees
“You can’t even quantify the positive impact he has had on the legal community.”
Helen Hoens, former New Jersey Supreme Court justice, who served as the Court’s liaison to NJLAP
“Anyone who knows anything about the history of lawyer assistance programs learned it from Bill Kane. He is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge…. He may officially retire, but will never stop being of service.”
Laurie Besden, executive director, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania
“He is one of the warmest, most charismatic people out there. He draws you in. You just want him to be your best friend. He’s so funny, smart, warm and interested in people. He really cares.”
Anna Levine, former director of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Massachusetts