IN RE: ARKANSAS LAWYERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

___ S.W.3d ___

Supreme Court of Arkansas

Delivered March 22, 2001

Per Curiam. On December 7, 2000, this court handed down a per curiam order establishing the Arkansas Lawyers Assistance Program. Under the per curiam, this court has the authority to appoint the Arkansas Lawyers Assistance Program Committee consisting of nine members, who will be chosen on the basis of geography and diversity. Three members of the Committee cannot be members of the legal profession. We hereby appoint the following persons:

Dr. Phil Barling of Fort Smith Lay Member

Gail Harber of Little Rock Lay Member

Judge David Laser of Jonesboro

Hon. Kathleen Bell of West Helena

James E. Smith, Jr., Esquire, of Little Rock

Janet James Robb, Esquire, of Little Rock

Christopher Thomas, Executive Director of Professional Programs for the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Dr. Joseph Martindale of Benton Lay Member

Gary R. Burbank, Esquire, of El Dorado

The court expresses its appreciation to these persons for their willingness to serve. They shall draw for staggered terms in the following manner, said staggered terms to expire on February 28 of the applicable year: Three members shall draw for terms of four years; three members shall draw for terms of fiveyears; and three members shall draw for terms of six years. As provided in the December 7^th per curiam, the members drawing terms of less than six years are not precluded from reappointment.

The court appoints Janet James Robb as the Chair of this Committee.