The Professional Wellbeing Commission’s aims include promoting the importance of wellbeing, raising awareness of the challenges and stigma surrounding discussion of wellbeing, and promoting positive policies and working practices.
Co-chairs Steven Richman and Deborah Enix-Ross said: ‘The wellbeing challenges faced by the profession seem to be growing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘It is vital that any response to this crisis is coordinated at a global level, and so we look forward to working with our commissioners, and dedicated IBA staff, to make a difference to lawyers and other legal professionals wherever they may be in the world.’
A 2021 IBA report, ‘Mental wellbeing in the legal profession: a global study’, revealed a general lack of good working practices and support, while stigma prevented many lawyers from seeking help.
