Stress common problem for lawyers
Stress is the most common problem suffered by lawyers who contact LawCare, which offers free and confidential support to legal professionals.
Some 69% of calls related to stress, the most common issue, last year, followed by depression (13%) and alcohol (six per cent).
Among the callers affected by stress, 17% were litigation lawyers, 15% practised commercial law, 12% were high-street and private-client lawyers, 10% were family lawyers, 10% practised conveyancing, eight per cent were criminal lawyers, three per cent were employment lawyers and one per cent practised probate.
The charity opened 378 case files, made or received a further 1,206 follow-up calls and made 77 support calls to lawyers last year.
Of the 272 lawyers who identified a specific reason for their problems, more than a quarter felt unable to cope with their workload, while nearly one in five had financial problems, 14% faced disciplinary issues, 14% were affected by bullying, eight per cent were worried about ethical issues, seven per cent faced redundancy and six per cent had relationship problems.
The helpline number for LawCare is 0800 279 6888.
