Mental health a priority for solicitors’ groups
Four legal associations have formed an alliance to improve the mental health and wellbeing of solicitors across the profession.
The Law Society of England & Wales, LawCare, The Solicitors’ Charity and the Mindful Business Charter announced the Solicitor Wellbeing Alliance on 12 October, with the goal of helping solicitors access mental health and wellbeing support.
It comes after LawCare – which is the mental health charity for the legal profession in the UK – published its Life in the Law 2025 report last year. The survey asked individuals and organisations about current levels of wellbeing in the legal sector, factors undermining it, recommendations for improvements and evidence-based steps for firms.
The report identified a “turning point” in the legal sector, with lawyers facing “significant strain”. It said almost 79% of lawyers regularly work beyond their contracted hours, and that 59.1% had poor mental wellbeing. More than half of those surveyed said they could see themselves leaving their current role in the next five years.
Half of all individuals surveyed had experienced anxiety often in the last year.
The Alliance is designed to make it easier to access support by improving awareness and flagging relevant organisations. The associations will also work on shared priorities, provide insights on trends and emerging issues relating to solicitor wellbeing, and identify opportunities for change in firm cultures and working practices.