Unfortunately when lawyers need the medical help the most, they have often exhausted all their financial means to pay for it. The Alabama Lawyer Assistance Foundation is a nonprofit under the management of an elected Board of Directors. The purpose of the foundation is to provide financial assistance to Alabama lawyers suffering from addiction, depression and other mental health illnesses, but who lack the resources to pay for appropriate help. ALAF provides the necessary means to get lawyers treatment during the most difficult times. ALAF is not a give-away, but an opportunity to help lawyers help themselves. Lawyers, judges and law students have to be approved for the ALAF loan. Repayment is expected once the lawyer is back on his or her feet, so that money will be available to aid the next lawyer in need. A revolving loan fund gives lawyers in need the opportunity to get treatment.  Loans from the fund are paid directly to the treatment care providers.