Law firms are acknowledging that they have a responsibility to solve the problems of their peers

‘Help’ can be the hardest word for a lawyer to utter. As reported in this week’s feature, a call for assistance clearly goes against the grain for people whose stock in trade is assisting clients of whatever type in solving their problems. Add to that the competitive and adversarial nature of much legal practice, and a tough economy, and it is not difficult to see why twin problems of stress and mental well-being are issues for lawyers.

Fortunately, the profession is taking further steps to support its members. In supporting LawCare and SBA The Solicitors’ Charity, law firms and legal departments are acknowledging that they have a responsibility to solve the problems of their peers - issues that are in part a by-product of a high-octane professional environment. The ups and downs of legal practice - financial and professional - can be enormous.

Lawyers at the Legal Charities Garden Party last week were clearly having fun while backing charities that support lawyers. But there is a point to such public support beyond fundraising. The visibility of support options such as these charities, and their endorsement by the profession, is an important way to remove the enormous mental block that many lawyers feel when the evidence shows them it is time to say ‘help’.