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04 July 2025 / Elizabeth Rimmer
Issue: 8123 / Categories: Features , Mental health , Legal services , Profession , Career focus
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Driving change at the top

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Elizabeth Rimmer sets out practical steps for legal leaders to make a difference on mental health & workplace culture

In recent years, especially since the pandemic, there has been more open discussion about working culture and mental health in the legal sector. Firms and chambers are winning awards for their wellbeing initiatives. Regulators and professional bodies are sharing best practice. But we now need to turn this amplified conversation into meaningful and lasting change.

If we want to build a thriving, sustainable legal profession, we must look deeper. We need to move beyond surface-level fixes and begin reshaping the accepted norms and practices that undermine mental health in the workplace. Legal leaders play a critical role in this transformation. Here are seven practical steps to help guide the way.

Define a shared purpose

We need to be clear that mental health is not a ‘nice-to-have’ or a one-off campaign during Mental Health Awareness Week. It is fundamental to delivering effective, ethical, and sustainable legal services.

When people

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Flint Bishop—Charlotte Harris

Flint Bishop—Charlotte Harris

Sheffield expansion continues with appointment of commercial property partner

Browne Jacobson—Paul Duggan

Browne Jacobson—Paul Duggan

Browne Jacobson strengthens banking and finance practice with latest partner appointment Paul Duggan

Ward Hadaway—Chris Piggott

Ward Hadaway—Chris Piggott

Employment partner joins Ward Hadaway

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Mr Justice Nicklin’s decision to order costs on an indemnity basis may be a ‘significant win’ but it’s still ‘far from game, set and match’ for Associated Newspapers, a former costs judge has said
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
Can a meticulously maintained spreadsheet turn a couple’s informal financial arrangements into legally enforceable obligations? 
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