Taking care of staff

The practice of law is a stressful business.

Lawyers face a torrent of change to the methods by which they practise and in the attitude of clients to the provision of legal services.At large commercial firms around the country, there are long-hours and the pressure of multi-million pound deals.

High street practitioners must deal with the shifting position regarding state-funded work and competition from other professional advisers.At both levels increasing customer awareness has, quite rightly, made old-fashioned approaches to client care unacceptable.The latest statistics from the charity LawCare could be the tip of a deeper malaise.

There are signs of alcohol addiction among middle-aged male lawyers, with the macho culture of the City probably stopping many from seeking help.Many female trainees are contacting the LawCare helpline with stress-related problems, and LawCare has indicated that 'outright bullying and harassment' are having an increasing impact.Law firms should heed the warnings.

Lawyers must set an example in the fair treatment of employees.

The practice of law is stressful enough without making it more so for junior staff.