Lawyers' support charity reports rise in cases
LawCare has reported a 36% rise in case files.
The charity, which helps lawyers and their families cope with stress, alcohol, drug abuse and other issues, opened 515 case files in 2013, with a further 1,810 follow-up calls made or received.
Stress was the most common problem, affecting nearly 75% of callers, followed by depression (12%) and alcohol (6%).
Two-thirds of callers identified specific underlying reasons for their problems, revealing a sharp rise in bullying in the profession—up from 14% in 2012 to 19% in 2013. More than one in five identified workload as a cause, while 17% identified financial problems and 16% identified disciplinary issues.
A high proportion—two-fifths—were trainees or had been qualified for five years or less.
LawCare provides free and confidential support to the legal profession, staff and families. Its helpline is open 365 days of the year on 0800 279 6888.
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