Lawyers under pressure

Excessive workloads and disciplinary issues were the most common causes of stress cited by callers to lawyers’ charity LawCare in 2014.

High street private client lawyers were the most likely to experience stress (24%) closely followed by litigators (22%) and commercial (18%).

Despite current concerns with legal aid fee cuts and competitive tendering, criminal lawyers accounted for only 7% of calls.

Of the 63% of cases where callers were able to identify a specific cause for their problem, 27% (a 5% increase on the previous year) while 20% were worried about disciplinary issues (up from 16%). 15% complained of bullying while 14% identified financial problems as the root of their concerns, and 9% feared or had faced redundancy.

Overall, LawCare opened fewer case files last year (473 compared to 515 in 2013). Three-quarters of these concerned stress, while 12% were suffering from depression and 5% had issues involving alcohol.

Women made up two-thirds of the callers, and just over a third were trainees or less than five years' qualified.

One in 10 were trainees in Scotland or England and Wales. More than half were solicitors, 5% were chartered legal executives and 11% were barristers.

Elizabeth Rimmer, LawCare chief executive, says that anyone feeling stressed or anxious should remember that they are not alone: “Please call us and talk in confidence with one of our experienced and supportive coordinators, we can provide a listening ear and signpost you to further help. We have helped thousands of lawyers throughout the UK and we understand what it can be like managing a demanding legal career. If you don’t feel ready to call us then please visit our website where you will find a range of information materials that could help.

“It’s not always easy to talk with colleagues or family about worries or concerns, and that’s where we come in. Having someone listen who won’t judge you can be a great relief, many of our callers say that it’s really helpful to talk through their worries and by the end of the call feel better able to take the next steps. Some callers have more complex needs and we can put them in touch with a volunteer LawCare supporter to provide ongoing help. Our supporters are drawn from the legal community and many of them have first-hand experience of personal or professional difficulties.”

The charity helps lawyers, legal professionals and staff, and their families with issues such as stress, alcoholism and other addictions, and runs a confidential helpline. LawCare’s helpline is open 365 days a year on 0800 279 6888.