Many lawyers find their work meaningful but high workloads, stress, workplace culture and psychological health can affect whether legal practice remains sustainable.

Findings in the Law in Distress report released in July are largely consistent with our 2023 Workplace Environment Survey and our engagement activity – to inform the strategy, Our Profession, Our Future – earlier this year. Many survey respondents identified wellbeing as an important factor in whether people remain and progress in the profession.

Some of the key themes I’m coming across in my interactions with the profession include burnout and workload, mental health literacy, psychologically healthy workplaces, leadership capability, connection and belonging, and help-seeking and support pathways.

While challenge and pressure are a normal part of legal practice, maintaining wellbeing requires ongoing attention. It is not something that can be addressed through a single initiative or annual awareness campaign. Wellbeing depends on how legal work is organised, the support available and the habits that help people manage pressure throughout their careers. Creating healthy workplaces, maintaining professional connections and developing sustainable ways of working all contribute to wellbeing over time.

The annual Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to encourage conversations and reduce stigma, yet equally important is what happens throughout the rest of the year.

We are focusing on developing a more substantial and coordinated wellbeing programme that seeks to support both individual wellbeing and the wider systems, environments, and professional practices that influence it.

This builds on the good work that has already taken place – such as our mentoring programme, access to free counselling, and our partnership with Optimally to deliver the Optimising Performance and Wellbeing webinar series over the last 18 months. Sessions have focused on practical, evidence-based approaches to maintaining wellbeing, managing professional pressures and building sustainable careers.

Watch out for more on our Practicing Well hub, including further resources and support.

Free, confidential counselling is available for all lawyers through Vitae. Call 0508 664 981 or visit vitae.co.nz to make an appointment. Make sure you mention you’re accessing the ‘Legal Community Counselling Service’.