Stress remains lawyers' top well-being concern

Stress remained the top well-being concern for lawyers last year according to figures released by charity LawCare today.

Of the 378 files opened by the charity in 2012, 69 per cent related to stress, the same proportion as in 2011, where 392 files were opened.

And as in 2011, the next most common reason for contacting LawCare was depression (13 per cent), followed by alcohol (6 per cent, down 1 per cent from 2011).

These were down from last year however – by 2 per cent for depression and 1 per cent for alcohol – with other causes making up a slightly greater proportion.

Lawyers’ concerns about workload, the most frequently mentioned cause, went up from 21 to 28 per cent. It overtook financial problems, which was the main cause last year.

Women represented nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of callers, while more than a third were trainees or less than five year qualified.

Solicitors made up 62 per cent of callers, followed by barristers (11 per cent), legal executives (7 per cent), and paralegals (3 per cent).

Calls were mostly from lawyers practising in litigation (17 per cent), commercial law (15 per cent), general high street (12 per cent), family (10 per cent) and conveyancing (10 per cent).

Among callers reporting problems with alcohol misuse, 87 per cent were qualified for ten years of more.

By comparison, of those complaining about stress, 37 per cent were qualified for ten years of more.

According to LawCare, this could be because new lawyers drink to alleviate stress, only to find themselves addicted later.

About LawCare: LawCare provides free and confidential support and advice to all sectors of the legal profession, including staff and families, suffering problems such as stress, depression or addiction to alcohol or drugs. The helpline is open 365 days a year on 0800 279 6888. A full and comprehensive report can be found at www.lawcare.org.uk.