*/
In September we released the findings of our research study, Life in the Law. This research into wellbeing questioned participants on work intensity (workload and working hours), and used three recognised scales for burnout (disengagement and exhaustion), autonomy (ability to control what, where, how, and with whom, work is done) and psychological safety (ability to speak up with ideas and questions, and raise concerns or admit mistakes). Over 1,700 professionals, including barristers and equivalents, clerks and chambers staff, from the UK, Republic of Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, and Isle of Man took part.
The results found that legal professionals are working long hours, not getting enough sleep, and are at a high risk of burnout, with 69% sharing that they had experienced mental ill-health including stress, anxiety, and depression in the 12 months before completing the survey. Certain groups in the profession such as younger professionals, women, those from ethnic minority groups, and those with a disability present a greater risk of burnout. Of those experiencing mental ill-health, only 56% had talked about it at work – the most common reason for this was fear of stigma.
One clerk told us: ‘I have often deliberately not discussed feelings of low mood or anxiety with work colleagues and in particular barristers or line managers for fear of it having a negative impact on my future career development or others perceiving me as weak willed or sensitive.’ Others agreed that the Bar can be ‘a toxic place to work’, and that ‘those in the legal profession are more critical of mental health issues’.
Barristers talked about their difficulties in managing work/life balance during the pandemic, and while working practices ‘leapt forward 10 years in 10 weeks’, ‘working from home every day means that you are even more susceptible to being available 24/7 to clients. It makes “switching off” much more difficult, and the lines between home life and work are extremely blurred.’
The figures above made bleak reading, but the aim of Life in the Law was to look at what positive changes we could all make which could make a difference to individual wellbeing, and to the wellbeing of the profession as a whole. As one barrister told us, ‘we all have a role to play, it cannot just come from individuals’.
The overriding theme was that to have a happier life in the law we all need to work together to make all our legal workplaces, whether that’s chambers, court or inhouse, psychologically safe – an environment where people can talk openly, and feel supported.
One barrister told us: ‘Expressing frustrations with cases and having people give advice or simply listen and empathise is invaluable. Hearing other people’s problems (anonymously) can take your mind off your own problems and make you feel less alone, even though you haven’t solved your own issues.’
We want this research to be the start of a radical culture change in the law that will bring us all together to prioritise the wellbeing and the sustainability of the profession. Perhaps you can take one small step today to help make this happen? Think about how you interact with colleagues and provide that listening ear when it’s needed. If you manage others, get the support and time to do it well. Respect people’s boundaries, and value people for who they are.
Sources of help include: www.wellbeingatthebar.org.uk; www.lawcare.org.uk; and www.samaritans.org (tel: 116 123)
Elizabeth Rimmer is Chief Executive of LawCare. She started her career as a solicitor specialising in clinical negligence. Elizabeth has been managing and developing mental health charities for over 15 years, and joined LawCare in 2014.
In September we released the findings of our research study, Life in the Law. This research into wellbeing questioned participants on work intensity (workload and working hours), and used three recognised scales for burnout (disengagement and exhaustion), autonomy (ability to control what, where, how, and with whom, work is done) and psychological safety (ability to speak up with ideas and questions, and raise concerns or admit mistakes). Over 1,700 professionals, including barristers and equivalents, clerks and chambers staff, from the UK, Republic of Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, and Isle of Man took part.
The results found that legal professionals are working long hours, not getting enough sleep, and are at a high risk of burnout, with 69% sharing that they had experienced mental ill-health including stress, anxiety, and depression in the 12 months before completing the survey. Certain groups in the profession such as younger professionals, women, those from ethnic minority groups, and those with a disability present a greater risk of burnout. Of those experiencing mental ill-health, only 56% had talked about it at work – the most common reason for this was fear of stigma.
One clerk told us: ‘I have often deliberately not discussed feelings of low mood or anxiety with work colleagues and in particular barristers or line managers for fear of it having a negative impact on my future career development or others perceiving me as weak willed or sensitive.’ Others agreed that the Bar can be ‘a toxic place to work’, and that ‘those in the legal profession are more critical of mental health issues’.
Barristers talked about their difficulties in managing work/life balance during the pandemic, and while working practices ‘leapt forward 10 years in 10 weeks’, ‘working from home every day means that you are even more susceptible to being available 24/7 to clients. It makes “switching off” much more difficult, and the lines between home life and work are extremely blurred.’
The figures above made bleak reading, but the aim of Life in the Law was to look at what positive changes we could all make which could make a difference to individual wellbeing, and to the wellbeing of the profession as a whole. As one barrister told us, ‘we all have a role to play, it cannot just come from individuals’.
The overriding theme was that to have a happier life in the law we all need to work together to make all our legal workplaces, whether that’s chambers, court or inhouse, psychologically safe – an environment where people can talk openly, and feel supported.
One barrister told us: ‘Expressing frustrations with cases and having people give advice or simply listen and empathise is invaluable. Hearing other people’s problems (anonymously) can take your mind off your own problems and make you feel less alone, even though you haven’t solved your own issues.’
We want this research to be the start of a radical culture change in the law that will bring us all together to prioritise the wellbeing and the sustainability of the profession. Perhaps you can take one small step today to help make this happen? Think about how you interact with colleagues and provide that listening ear when it’s needed. If you manage others, get the support and time to do it well. Respect people’s boundaries, and value people for who they are.
Sources of help include: www.wellbeingatthebar.org.uk; www.lawcare.org.uk; and www.samaritans.org (tel: 116 123)
Countering the gatekeeper agenda, troubling news on earnings disparities, spreading best practice in chambers, Pro Bono Week 2023, and the Rules of War
By David Cosway (with the help of ChatGPT)
Due to advances in research, technology and techniques, AlphaBiolabs can now offer alcohol testing for head hair samples that are just 1cm in length
With the explosion of interest in governance and the growing need to be multi-skilled to keep career options open, adding an extra string to your bow is not without its merits. The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) Fast Track for the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme could be ideal for experienced professionals to reach chartered governance status
The 2023-24 COMBAR mentoring scheme for underrepresented groups is now open for applications - deadline extended to 12 October 2023
The Hodge Professional Mortgage proves more popular with women
The North Eastern Circuit Leader on his trailblazing career, turbulent early years of practice and his mission to equip all barristers, regardless of their characteristics, with the opportunity to thrive. Interview by Glenn Parsons
From a CPS pupillage to Director of Legal Services at one of the largest prosecutors in England and Wales Michael Jennings describes the interesting and varied life an employed barrister in public service can lead
In 2022 Behind the Gown asked the Bar Standards Board to acknowledge online misogyny and sexism. One year on, the regulator’s revised Social Media Guidance doesn’t go far enough in confronting this issue, say Stephanie Hayward and Charlotte Proudman
Growing your junior practice via international conference and how to fund the trip: Daria Gleyze, Emile Simpson and Sajid Suleman share what they gained from the ChBA BVI Conference
Countering the gatekeeper agenda, troubling news on earnings disparities, spreading best practice in chambers, Pro Bono Week 2023, and the Rules of War
