header-logo header-logo

06 December 2024 / Marc Mason
Issue: 8097 / Categories: Features , Profession , Mental health , Career focus
printer mail-detail

Tackling the emotional toll of legal practice

Marc Mason explores the benefits of a more reflective form of supervision for lawyers & their clients

Traditionally, supervision in legal practice has been managerial and technical, focusing on ensuring that legal work is completed accurately and in compliance with professional standards. This type of supervision typically involves reviewing case files, ensuring that deadlines have been met, and providing oversight to more junior lawyers. While this form of supervision is necessary for maintaining professional standards, it does little to address the emotional and interpersonal challenges that lawyers face, or to address the human element of the work.

Clinical supervision, on the other hand, is a reflective practice that encompasses the relational and emotional aspects of professional work. It is widely used in psychotherapy and counselling, where practitioners are required to engage in regular supervision to ensure that they are practising safely, skilfully, ethically, and competently. In this context, supervision is not just about reviewing technical skills, but also about exploring the therapist’s experience of their work and

To access this full article please fill the form below.
All fields are mandatory unless marked as 'Optional'.
If you already a subscriber to New Law Journal, please login here

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Clarke Willmott—Kevin Joynes & Neil Gosling

Clarke Willmott—Kevin Joynes & Neil Gosling

Clarke Willmott bolsters housebuilder expertise in Birmingham

Carpmaels & Ransford—Kevin Cordina

Carpmaels & Ransford—Kevin Cordina

Firm adds former Simmons Simmons patent head to engineering and tech team

ACTAPS—Sally Goodger

ACTAPS—Sally Goodger

Freeths strengthens its voice in national disputes with ACTAPS committee appointment

NEWS
Some employment law controversies never disappear—they merely lie dormant
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming legal practice, but its successful adoption depends as much on culture as technology
The fallout from Lord Mandelson’s appointment and dismissal as UK ambassador to Washington raises profound questions about constitutional governance, accountability and political appointments
Pastries may be in the firing line while kebabs escape scrutiny, but the reality is far more nuanced
The Supreme Court’s decision in Dillon highlights a central tension in modern public law: rights may be recognised without being fully realised
back-to-top-scroll