LawCrossing’s Post

Why do lawyers burnout? In this article, Dr Catherine Sykes talks about how lawyer burnout is a multifaceted issue driven by high stress, long hours and the emotional toll of legal work. To combat this, law firms need to foster supportive environments, promote work-life balance, and provide mental health resources. By addressing these factors, the legal industry can help its professionals maintain their well-being and sustain their careers. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/der-Cq2i #LawyerBurnout #MentalHealth #LawFirmCulture #LegalCareers #DrCatherineSykes

Why are lawyers so stressed? ‘While most people experience stress in their lives, lawyers and people in the legal profession face a unique conundrum. For many, the drive and dedication that make them successful as a lawyer is also what’s causing stress and burning them out.’ Do you agree? #Law #lawstudents #lawyers #Innovation #lawfirmmarketing #lawyerlife #lawyering #lawsuits #lawschool #burnout

83% of lawyers report feeling stressed regularly 71% experience anxiety 28% have experienced depression 15% work more than 60 hours per week Some worrying statistics. Are we doing enough to look after our own, and our colleague’s mental health and wellbeing. A really interesting article in the The Law Society Gazette from JMC Legal Recruitment sharing the findings from the report by Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology ‘2024 Legal Trends for Mid-Sized Law Firms’. Thank you for highlighting the issue wellbeing in the legal profession If you do one thing next week, make it something that helps the wellbeing of yourself or another Make a pledge….. what will be your wellbeing win? #randomactofkindness #wellbeing #mentalhealth #the_law_society #duttongregorysolicitors #familylawyer #lawyersoflinkedin https://lnkd.in/eR2VBMsU

As a former family law solicitor, I understand first-hand the intense pressures of working in a stressful environment. Family law, by its very nature, deals with clients who are often under significant emotional distress. But who supports the lawyers themselves? Who is there for those who are tasked with supporting others through their own emotional turmoil? During my time as a family lawyer in London, I experienced the weight of these pressures. Not only was I working long hours and feeling the strain of the job, but I also had to deal with life-changing events, including the loss of three members of my immediate family, prolonged court proceedings following a relationship breakdown and a significant health diagnosis. It was challenging, and at times I found it difficult to function at my best. While pushing through and serving my clients, I couldn't help wonder: was I really doing myself any favours by soldiering on? And what support was there for family lawyers like me who were facing their own emotional struggles while trying to support clients through theirs? In a recent post I talked about the pressures faced by HR Professionals as part of my series on ‘Who supports the supporters?’ It's essential to recognize that many professions are inherently stressful and emotionally charged. In the case of family lawyers, layer on top of that situations where they are dealing with their own emotional challenges, and it’s easy to see how this can lead to stress and burnout. Have you experienced similar challenges in your career? How do you cope with stress and emotional pressure in the workplace? Do you feel supported by your firm/employer? Are there workplace well-being protocols in place addressing loss and life-changing events? I recorded a video on this a few weeks ago. See below. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Wishing you all the very best, Celia Conrad LawCare - Legal mental health & wellbeing charity Jonathan Edgeley Ben Parry-Smith Elizabeth Rimmer Justine Osmotherley Dr Martha Harrison BP Legal Solicitors #wellbeing #legalprofession #mentalhealth #humanresources #leadership

This insightful article underscores the importance of lawyer burnout prevention. ‘Lawyer burnout is a serious problem. While legal work can be incredibly fulfilling, it can also, by nature, be stressful and downright exhausting. Industry wide, ultra-competitive professional cultures and excessive hours are leading to overworked lawyers and widespread wellness and mental health struggles. Lawyer burnout, however, isn’t inevitable—especially if you can manage it before it wears you too far down.’ Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/d64ZfGiM #Law #lawstudents #lawyers #Innovation #lawfirmmarketing #lawyerlife #lawyering #lawsuits #lawschool #burnout

Join us in our mission to support mental wellness! Legalfoxes Advocates and Consultants and LEGALFOXES SOURCING PRIVATE LIMITED a law firm and legal outsourcing company, we recognize the pressing need to address issues like depression, anxiety, loneliness, and work pressure. Too many lives are lost to suicide, and we're determined to make a difference. That's why we've launched a campaign to provide free counseling and support services to those in need. We've teamed up with counselors, experts, and life coaches to offer guidance and assistance, completely free of charge. If you or someone you know is struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your mental health matters, and we're here to help. Contact us today on [email protected] with your contact details and a brief of issue you are facing so we can support you through difficult times. If you wish to discuss your issues anonymously you can text us on our website www.legalfoxess.com without mentioning your contact details. Together, we can make a difference. Issued in Public Interest. #MentalHealthMatters #SupportForAll #EndTheStigma #FreeCounseling #YouAreNotAlone

2024 has arrived, and like any other new year, it brings with it new lessons, room for growth, and limitless opportunities. To kick off the new year, my first post is dedicated to the candidate attorneys, or "baby lawyers," who are transitioning from law school to law firms. Below are three items I thought I'd share based on my own experience that may be useful to candidate attorneys just starting out.   1. Remember that you’re there to help as much as you are to learn This aspect can be challenging, especially for new candidate attorneys who are entering a law firm for the first time. We're all eager to get started by handling or being involved in big cases; after all, that's what we signed up for. Though you may believe you are prepared to handle large cases or argue in court, your supervisor may require you to do nothing more than legal research and possibly make a copy or two. Keep in mind that none of these tasks are "beneath you." You've come to learn and to assist the law firm in any way you can. Accept each task with a smile and keep in mind that everyone has to start somewhere. 2. Your Mental Health matters Legal practice is a results-oriented profession in which lawyers are constantly expected to produce results for their clients. As a result, lawyers work in high-pressure environments, which increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Candidate attorneys are not immune to the aforementioned; the desire to work long hours and simply produce the best work their supervisor has ever seen in order to prove that they deserve to be where they are increases the risk of depression and anxiety. The best tips to navigate the stresses of legal practice and get you on the path to wellness are the following -  Take care of your mind and body. Simply put, try to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and constantly consume positive content on social media. - Create a support network. Friends and family are the best ways to stay grounded and maintain a healthy life outside of the law.   3. Respect and politeness should be extended to everyone you meet. Rudeness and ego are two of the worst characteristics an intern can have. Even if you make mistakes with your legal tasks, being personable and respectful will help you gain favor. If you are rude to someone, word will spread quickly. You could be the best in your class but lose potential job opportunities because of your attitude. Though your politeness should not be motivated by any ulterior motives, being a pleasant co-worker will benefit you in the long run. You might be stuck on a job assignment and don't know who to turn to for help. Other employees are more likely to help the friendly intern than the know-it-all or egotistical one. #growth #development #legalcommunity

The law is scary because most of us were never taught to understand it. When we're scared, our nervous systems freak out and our brain's executive functioning decreases. This is called a stress response. Instead of reacting to the stress response, it's important to take time to settle your nervous system before you make any decisions or take any actions that have legal implications in your work -- that includes quitting. I say this as both a lawyer and the former co-owner of a wellbeing business that taught people how to manage their stress levels. Once you soothe your nervous system, then ask for help from your community. If you're still not sure what to do and/or feeling scared, hire me to get some reassurance and a simple plan of action. Read more here:

For all the law clerks and new barristers/solicitors who may not be aware but who may find this useful - the NZLS have a "Practicing Well" page on their website which offers multiple helping hands to the mental wellbeing of anyone in the legal workplace. There is a free counselling service, an offer of mentoring, and a 'National Friends Panel' for a place to ask the tricky questions with confidentiality. The counselling service is available to anyone in the legal workplace, "whether they're admitted or not". You can self-refer for at least three sessions & it's all free and confidential. You can talk about anything at all - it doesn't have to be related to work or law. It's important that these services are visible to all, especially those starting out, and that we take care of our wellbeing at the first instance. Here is a link for some more information: https://lnkd.in/gs4E5vMd Noho ora mai.

Vulnerability can seem like a soft goal for lawyers, but in practice, it can strengthen client relationships, foster innovation, and improve mental health. On today's blog, we dive into using vulnerability successfully in the legal workplace: https://lnkd.in/gfmshXn8