The number of lawyers seeking confidential help regarding stress, depression, alcoholism and other problems grew by more than 20% in 2006, the charity providing support and advice to the profession across the UK has revealed.


Hilary Tilby, chief executive of LawCare, said the rise was due to several factors, including the 'growing cultural acceptability of acknowledging you have a problem'. The charity's clients ranged from trainees to partners and from sole practitioners to the City, she added.



Some 67% of the initial 424 helpline calls received in 2006 related to stress or depression. Ms Tilby said: 'The bulk of these calls were made by women, who generally find it easier to share and talk about problems.' In contrast, twice as many men - mainly more than 11 years qualified - as women asked for help with alcohol issues.



Last year was the fourth consecutive year that LawCare has seen a 20% or more rise in calls. LawCare has just received a major £82,500 grant from the Law Society Trustees, which should keep it going until April 2009, but funding thereafter is uncertain.



A Law Society spokeswoman said: 'We are extremely concerned about reports of solicitors being placed under potentially harmful levels of stress.' All firms and employees must manage the demands on their solicitors, she added.



By Jonathan Rayner