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LawCare Annual Report 2011
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1. LawCare’s Mission, Vision & Values Mission: To ensure that all legal professionals, their families and staff, can access timely and high quality peer support and assistance with stress, depression, addiction and other health concerns, together with preventative education on these topics. “Lawyers Helping Lawyers Confidentially” LawCare aims to:- (i) assist in the relief of mental and/or physical illness resulting from stress and / or depression; alcohol and/or drug or other addictions, or from other forms of dependence associated with compulsive behaviour (ii) facilitate, by whatever means are appropriate, the access of all members of the legal profession and those connected with it, to any support agencies that may be able to assist them in dealing with alcohol or drug addiction or other forms of dependence associated with compulsive behaviour, or with stress or depression. (iii) educate the public and, in particular, members of the legal profession and those connected with it, in the causes and consequences of alcohol and drug addiction, other forms of addiction or dependence, compulsive behaviour and in the means of managing them. (iv) educate the public, and in particular members of the legal profession and those connected with it, in the means of managing stress and depression.
(v) work with employers to help put in place policies and practices that can help prevent such problems from occurring, or to deal with them positively if they do occur. Vision: If we are achieving our mission, we will see demonstrable movement towards a legal profession where every legal professional:- (i) knows of LawCare, the different ways it can help, and how to contact the service (ii) has received information and/or training which allows them to spot the ‘early signs’ of stress and health concerns in themselves and their colleagues, and recognises the dangers of excessive drink and/or drug use (iii) has information, training and tools to help them cope with the pressures of work before things become overwhelming (iv) contacts LawCare when pressures do become overwhelming (v) every business employing legal professionals recognises that policies and support should be in place to support those in need, and that stress and addiction are not signs of weakness (vi) is provided a range of options, with different information, training, support and tools to support the particular issue and the preferences of the individual (vii) can be supported through a journey to recovery with regular contact (viii) lets us know when they are in a ‘better place’ in their lives (ix) who has benefited from LawCare considers contributing in some way to the support of their professional colleagues who are still suffering Values: Absolutely Confidential – the details of a call to the helpline, or contact thereafter, are seen only by those manning the helpline. Funders are given only statistical information and non-attributable details of areas of concern. Peer led – the helpline assistance is provided by individuals with experience of life in practice as lawyers, whilst the on-going volunteer support comes from lawyers with personal understanding of the issue troubling the caller. Professional Treatment – when appropriate, a caller will be referred on to a treatment centre or healthcare professional. Non judgmental – the focus is on the support and recovery of the caller, not passing judgement on what may have occurred or be occurring. Equality – the single or married; transsexual; disabled; straight, gay or lesbian; pregnant; young; aged; those of different race or religious belief, are all treated with total equality throughout the charity’s operations (service delivery, volunteers, staff, etc). Pro-active –prevention is always better than cure, so educating legal professionals and their staff on stress recognition and management is as important an aid to health as the helpline is in dealing with health issues. 2. Administrative Details Helplines 9am to 7.30pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm weekends and UK Bank Holidays For Solicitors, Chartered Legal Executives, Paralegals and Law Students in England and Wales: 0800 279 6888
For Solicitors and Law Students in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man: 0800 279 6869
For Barristers, Clerks and Judges in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Advocates and Judges in Scotland: 0800 018 4299
For Solicitors in Ireland: 1800 991801
For Barristers in Ireland: 1800 303145 Write to us: P.O.Box 147, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 3WX Websites: www.lawcare.org.uk www.lawcare.ie E-mail us: admin@lawcare.org.uk / admin@lawcare.ie President: The Right Honourable the Lord Judge, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales Chair: Paul Venton Registered Office: 50 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BL Registered Charity in England and Wales: 1061685 Registered Charity in Scotland: SCO39335 Company Number: 3313975 Board of Trustees:
Staff Chief Executive Officer Hilary Tilby, Barrister and Solicitor Coordinator for England and Wales Ann Charlton, former Solicitor Coordinator for Scotland & N. Ireland Patricia McLellan, Solicitor Coordinator for Ireland Mary Jackson, Solicitor Administrator Anna Buttimore Consultant Mark Hepburn Bankers: Barclays Bank PLC, One Churchill Place, London E14 5HP Auditors: Kingston Smith LLP, Devonshire House, 60 Goswell Road, London EC1M 7AD Solicitors: Bircham Dyson Bell LLP, 50 Broadway, London SW1H 0BL 3. Chair of LawCare At the start of 2011 LawCare faced a very uncertain future. Our principal funder (The Law Society Charity) was substantially scaling down its activities and our efforts to replace their generosity of many previous years had not proved successful. This forced the adoption of a deficit budget for the year which could only be achieved by eliminating advertising. In the event we managed to just break even thanks in large part to stringent prudence on the part of our C.E.O. (Hilary Tilby). But the damage caused by no advertising became increasingly apparent as the year progressed and there was a substantial reduction in the number of calls to the helplines. In real terms we fear this meant that many of those we might have been able to help were unable to find us and ask for assistance, or, more likely, simply didn’t think of doing so. Efforts to make good the funding shortfall dominated our non-pastoral activities, although it was not until well into the year that we were relieved to hear that the Law Society of England and Wales (LSE&W) had agreed to a three year donation commitment of Ł130,000 per year and to make good the loss in donation income for 2011.The LSE&W are keen to see LawCare working ever more closely with others who seek to help lawyers and their dependants which is very much what we want to do and which is now highlighted by our expanding and developing relationship with the Solicitors Benevolent Association (SBA). During the year, our work in conjunction with the SBA developed apace, which resulted in our together better serving lawyers and their dependants who face ever-growing challenges. A survey of lawyers in Scotland revealed that 40% of respondents knew of LawCare. This was very encouraging and a tribute to the work of all those representing us in Scotland but we are keen to do better. We will be looking for ways to achieve this both on our own and jointly with the Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates. In the Republic of Ireland we enjoyed enviable levels of support from the Law Society of Ireland, the Bar Council and the legal media. The same held good with our supporters in Northern Ireland. We will also be looking to work with these organisations to improve the support and assistance we offer in these jurisdictions. Returning to a financial theme, I am confident that the service we provide, to many disciplines in various jurisdictions, is second to none and as good “value for money” as it is possible to achieve. This is largely due to the magnificent work of our unpaid volunteers and our exceptional team of staff working under the dedicated leadership of Hilary Tilby, to all of whom I pay tribute and record the enormous heartfelt gratitude of those we seek to serve. 4. Overview of LawCare The Charity is a company limited by guarantee. LawCare was established in 1997 in response to a perceived problem of alcohol abuse within the legal profession. Since then its scope, and the services it offers, have developed considerably. Today, LawCare’s mission is to provide:
80% of those consulting LawCare with an alcohol addiction problem say that they started drinking due to stress at work. John Hopkins University calculates that alcohol abuse amongst lawyers is double the national average and that 26% of lawyers have used cocaine at least once. Further, whilst 1 in 4 of the general population will suffer from a depressive illness in their lifetime, lawyers suffer such illnesses almost 4 times as frequently as non-lawyers. The rate of suicide amongst lawyers is 6 times that of the general population, with it being, in North America, the third highest cause of death amongst lawyers, after cancer and heart disease. LawCare works to minimise the incidences of these issues, which destroy lives, relationships, careers and businesses, as well as damaging the public perception of the legal profession. Where such issues cannot be avoided, our objective is to support the sufferers, and their colleagues, family and friends until the crisis has passed and recovery has been achieved. We do this by a number of means:-
(i) The helplines
LawCare’s helplines are available 365 days a year (9am to 7.30pm on weekdays and 10am to 4.00pm at weekends and UK Bank Holidays). We provide support and assistance to lawyers, their families and support staff who are suffering from stress, depression, alcohol or drug abuse and eating disorders. The calls are free and totally confidential, so provide an opportunity for callers to be absolutely frank as to their concerns and the issues that are worrying them. The LawCare staff manning the helpline are all ex-practising lawyers, so have all had experience of the strains and problems that can arise during a life in the law. They never tell callers what to do, only talk matters through with them, to help them find their own way forward. As one member of staff commented “we will walk the path with you shoulder to shoulder, but the choice of the path must be yours”.
The helplines do make a difference:-
“I feel much better for having spoken to you. It has taken a weight off my mind and just talking things through has reduced my stress.” [Case 2011.260]
“I am very grateful for your support and wish I had found you sooner.” [Case 2011.043]
"You gave me the strength, courage and guidance to carry on when I was exhausted with it all." [Case 2011.106]
(ii) The websites
www.lawcare.org.uk and www.lawcare.ie contain pages full of useful details eg. “I am having a panic attack / being bullied / being made redundant”: click on the button and go straight to a page that gives you suggestions for methods of coping. Read about the issues associated with alcohol and drug abuse and how to tackle them if either yourself, or someone you know, is suffering from addiction. A survey of the websites of all the Lawyer Assistance Programmes in the USA, which included LawCare, ranked LawCare’s third for being so clear, helpful and user friendly.
(iii) The Wellbeing Portal
Through the website, users can access the Wellbeing Portal (WBP). This is a tool to help analyse, and then deal more effectively with, the stresses that occur in a user’s professional and personal life. It is free, totally confidential and entirely personalised. It can be accessed for as long as, and as often as, wanted. The Wellbeing Portal (WBP) was officially launched on 29th January 2009, with a reception hosted by the Partners of Clifford Chance, at their prestigious Canary Wharf Offices. By the end of 2011, 348 users had signed up to use the Portal and they had logged in 784 times.
When the WBP started, average stress scores ran at 39%, but by the end of 2009, this had risen to 52%. In January 2011 it ran at 47%. This had risen to 58% by May, but had reduced to 52% by November. Women’s stress levels started the year at 47%, but had risen to 58% by August. They ended the year back at 47%. Men’s stress levels were fairly steady through the year, dropping at one point to 33%, but ending the year at 45%.
All Solicitors who used the WBP recorded stress levels at 58% in May, rising from 49% in January. They stayed at 58% until November, when they dropped back to 53%, ending the year at 49%.
Barristers showed average stress levels at a constant 49% during the year, until December when they reduced marginally to 45%.
ILEX members went from 48% in January to 51% in May and stayed there until December, when they dropped to 47%.
Support staff stress levels were at 36% in January and stayed there until the summer, when they dropped back to 34%, returning to 36% in the autumn and remaining there for the rest of the year.
Judicial stress stayed steady at 30%.
Retired lawyers recorded stress levels at 42%.
Lawyers’ families recorded stress levels at 44%.
Whilst the stress levels in 2011 did not reach the heights seen in 2009, due to a slight lessening in the effects of the credit crunch which had been felt so badly in the earlier year, the figures for 2010, and those set out above, still underline the levels of personal issues in the professions and those in need of LawCare’s support and assistance.
(iv) The information packs
A wide range of helpful information packs and leaflets is available from LawCare, free of charge. They are also downloadable from our website. They cover such topics as:- Stress and depression, including guidelines on caring for a stressed or depressed colleague or employee Alcohol misuse and/or addiction, including guidelines on how to judge whether or not there is a problem How to deal with an alcohol problem suffered by a colleague Eating disorders Alternative career ideas, including guidance on changing career Drug dependency, including addiction to prescription drugs. Bullying Bereavement Counselling · Gambling Debt How to cope when a family member is an alcoholic · Quitting smoking · Adrenaline addiction Returning to work after time off sick with stress. Includes advice for the firm. Getting back into the workplace following a longer career break due to alcoholism or depression. Facing Disciplinary Proceedings (thus far, for Solicitors in England and Wales only.) (v) The Training LawCare offers a range of stress recognition and management training sessions. They are all free (save for expenses) and in most cases are CPD accredited. In 2011, LawCare provided such sessions and attended conferences, talking to attendees, thus raising profile and awareness with 5,216 lawyers, a rate of 435 a month. Between the sessions being created in 2004 and the end of 2011, 38,108 lawyers had been reached.
Skydiving Without A Parachute For students, pupils, devils and trainees. Available in 20 and 30 minute, and 1 and 1.5 hour versions, covering what is stress; how the body responds to stress; consequences of failing to manage stress; the legal personality; sources of stress; are you stressed; preventing stress; pack your parachute. Stress Recognition and Management: an overviewFor practitioners. Available in 1 hour. 1.5 hour and 2 hour versions.These sessions cover such topics as what is stress; the body’s reaction to stress; the physical, emotional and behavioural signs of stress; the stages of stress; how stressed are you (with interactive test);the legal personality; A+B type personalities (with interactive test);causes of pressure/stress in the workplace; physical coping techniques (including time management and exercises to be done at the desk); mental coping techniques;10 essential tips to manage stress; essential tips for a stress free professional life; and snippets of humorous video.
Vicarious Trauma
(VT) Stress Recognition and Management: an interactive workshop.For practitioners. A highly interactive 3 hour session, covering all of the above topics and more.
Effective use of e-mailFor students/ pupils / devils / trainees / practitioners. A 40-minute session covering the advantages and disadvantages of using e-mail;ineffective e-mail; common mistakes; how e-mail adds to stress; spam and how to recognise it / deal with it; the golden rules to writing effective e-mail; what to ask yourself before sending an e-mail, replying to or forwarding an e-mail; using e-mail with clients; organising e-mails to avoid stress.
Time ManagementFor students/ pupils / devils / trainees / practitioners. 1 hour and 2 hour sessions covering signs of stress in the workplace; how to reduce stress through good time management; time management techniques, including the Pareto Principle and the four quadrants; mental coping techniques; plus interactive exercises during the longer session.
"I enjoyed your talk. It was an insight! I think it's vital that NQs should attend these forums to prepare themselves for the future. Stress is an issue that is inherent in this profession but isn't talked about enough." (Nina Sperring, Bartletts Solicitors, Chester. September 2011.Name used with permission.) “As I said on my feedback form, and I note one or two others have said in your ‘feedback’ section, I think this course should be compulsory for all lawyers – it has certainly made me think very seriously about actually addressing the issue of stress (if only because even I realised some time ago that being stressed out does not make me as effective as I need to be to run a successful business) rather than reaching for another beer at the end of a long day.” “Your presentation was a very pleasant surprise, and it is extremely reassuring to know that there is an organisation out there that is trying to help. When I have put some of your ideas into practice I shall make a donation.” (vi) The volunteers LawCare has a network of 167 volunteers across all areas covered. These are lawyers, or family members of lawyers, who have direct or indirect personal experience of the issues with which LawCare offers assistance. They will befriend another lawyer going through a bad time for as long as is necessary. Sometimes, it may only amount to a few phone calls; other times, it may go on for years. Callers to the helpline can be put in touch with someone who has been in the same situation as themselves, but who has recovered and put their life back on track, or who has assisted another sufferer to achieve recovery. Again and again, callers have reported how uplifted and inspired they have felt by talking to someone who has personal knowledge of their problem. This one-to-one help is invaluable to suffering lawyers and is often a crucial element in their recovery. Volunteers are not counsellors. Their role is primarily to befriend and support and to give the benefit of their own experience. They also report back to LawCare regularly, so that additional steps can be taken if further help is needed. Our volunteers are very special people who really care about those sharing their own past experiences and want to help them and we could not do our work without them. “Thank you for your support. It has been invaluable. Also your volunteer has been great and I am so grateful.” [Case 2011.161] “I found the volunteer service very, very helpful. It was incredibly helpful knowing that I did not need to explain the context, and knowing that [the volunteer] had been through a similar situation.” [Case 2011.072] Achievements Unfortunately, LawCare suffered the loss of Ł30,000 of funding in 2011, when the Law Society of England and Wales Charity was unable to afford to continue to support us to the same extent as historically. Fortunately, this funding was replaced by the Law Society of England and Wales, but this was not until very late in the year, by which time we had a deficit budget. LawCare had had to cease all advertising and to reluctantly decline to attend many of the events where we were invited to have a presence. This had a demonstrable effect on the call numbers and the training events booked and what we could achieve during the year. 2009 had been the busiest year on record (549 new case files opened), since LawCare began operating in 1997, with 2010 following close behind (517 new case files). In 2011, 392 new case files were opened, plus 1,342 additional calls were made carrying matters forward. LawCare’s Facebook page was liked by 60 people and LawCare had over 600 followers on Twitter. A new two hour Time Management training session, with interactive exercises, was added and a further two have been developed – Survival Strategies for the Office and The Lawyer Lifestyle – but not yet finalised / put into use. That will occur in 2012. The Wellbeing Portal (WBP) had 348 registered users by the end of 2011. On average during the year, women users had run at about 65/66% and men at 34/35%. The highest user group was amongst those aged 25 to 34 (40%), followed by those aged 35 to 44 (28%) and 45 to 54 (20%). The lowest user group was those aged over 64 (1%). In January 2011, the average stress level was running at 47%. By May, this had risen to 58%, but by the end of August it had dropped back to 47%. In November it was running at 52%, but had dropped back to 45% by the year-end. Women’s stress levels were at 47% in January but had risen to 58% by May, staying there until November, when they dropped back to 52%. They continued to drop to 47% by the end of 2011. Men’s stress levels started the year at 45% and remained unchanged until August, when they dropped back to 33%. They ended the year back at 45%. All Solicitors who used the WBP recorded stress levels at 58% in May, rising from 49% in January . They were at 53% in November, but by December, they had dropped back to 49%. Barristers showed average stress levels at a constant 49% throughout the year, dropping marginally to 45% at the end of the year. ILEX members went from 48% in January to 51% in May and ended 2011 at 47%. Support staff stress levels were at 36% in January and stayed there until the summer, when they dropped back to 34%. They returned to 36% by December. Judicial stress stayed steady at 30%. Retired lawyers recorded stress at 42%. Lawyer’s families showed stress levels at 44%. In April 2011, the Judiciary in Scotland became eligible to access LawCare’s support and advice. This means that the Judge of the Court of Session; the Chairman of the Scottish Land Court; the Sheriff Principals; the Sheriffs; any temporary Judges; the Stipendiary Magistrates; and the Justices of the Peace (725 Judges in total) all fell within LawCare’s remit. There were a total of 202,266 hits on the website during the year, averaging 554 hits per day and lasting an average of 6.55 minutes each, demonstrating that LawCare not only assists by personal contact (the helpline and preventative education courses), but also through the large range of materials available on the website – there were 67,849 document views. The heavy website use suggests that, in line with the increased use of technology in general daily life, many lawyers are now finding the help that they need anonymously through the website, rather than by phoning the helpline. Free (save for expenses) preventative education presentations, seminars and workshops were given to legal groups across the UK and Ireland, and LawCare attended many events, ranging from conferences to local law societies; from firms to special interest groups; from chambers to law students. During 2011, LawCare reached over 5,516 lawyers by these means. From the time the training courses started in 2004 to the end of 2011, 38,108 lawyers had been reached by LawCare at various events. LawCare continued to work with other support organisations such as the Solicitors Benevolent Association (SBA) and the Solicitors Assistance Scheme (SAS) and maintained contact with special interest groups such as the Sole Practitioners Group (SPG); the Black Solicitors Network (BSN); the Junior Lawyers Division (JLD); the Group for Solicitors with Disabilities (DSBA); the Association of Women Solicitors (AWS) and others. Case studies (names and all identifying features have been changed) Case Study 1 Aanil Aanil was a newly qualified solicitor who had joined a Home Counties firm and been told by his supervisor on his first day “I am going to break you”. Consequently she overloaded him with work, berated him publicly and was very unpredictable and inconsistent in her treatment of him, being sweet and helpful sometimes and completely obnoxious and insulting at other times. Another member of the department had already left under the strain and Aanil was now signed off with depression. His GP had been excellent and had referred him to a very good counsellor and prescribed him pills which were starting to work, but he felt he needed to go back to work and was angry and upset that this person was destroying him and his career. LawCare pointed out that his supervisor was also causing serious problems for the firm, and he should speak to HR. If nothing was done about the situation then Aanil’s only option was to leave, and this pattern could cause the firm considerable expense in recruitment costs so they should be informed of what was going on. It was also suggested he read our information on bullying from the website, which included advice on dealing with a bully. Aanil called back later to say that he had found the bullying information very helpful and had made an appointment to meet up with the member of staff with responsibility for HR. He hoped to return to work soon, and felt much better knowing that the situation was being dealt with. Case Study 2 Janet Janet called saying that she had been suffering from severe stomach pains for some time and her firm was starting to get tired of all the time she was having to take off. In the last month she had been into work for only eight days in total, although her work had been excellent. The firm had asked for medical reports and she had been for these but didn’t want to send them in. She asked whether she had the right to refuse to do so. The LawCare staff member on the helpline explained that LawCare cannot give legal advice but asked why she was reluctant to let the firm see the test results. Janet explained that the liver test suggested that she was an alcoholic and thought they might sack her since they would say her illness (she thought the stomach pain was due to her liver) was self-inflicted. Janet said that she was not an alcoholic since she didn’t drink at all during the week, although she did like to drink at weekends. Further questioning revealed that Janet was drinking four times the safe weekly levels every weekend, and had been drinking this way for over twenty years, since her marriage broke down. Janet insisted she went out drinking at the weekend just because she enjoyed spending the time with the people she knew in her local. It was suggested to Janet that she was lonely and drinking for company, and it was also explained to her that binge drinking is just as dangerous as heavy drinking each day, and that she could still be defined as an alcoholic even though she was sober for four days of the week. It was suggested that she attend Alcoholics Anonymous where she could meet new people and make more helpful friends. She was also advised to see her GP urgently to discuss her drinking. She was offered the support of a LawCare volunteer, (a fellow lawyer in recovery from alcoholism) and inpatient treatment was mentioned. Janet refused the help of a volunteer and said that she did not want to go to AA. She had already had to discuss the liver test with her GP and was very angry and upset with him for some of the things he had said. She insisted that she had only called to ask whether she could refuse to give her firm the test results and it was important because the partner responsible for her department was coming to see her at home that afternoon. The LawCare staff member reiterated that we could not give legal advice, but could help her with her alcohol problem and would be ready to do so as soon as she was able to accept that she needed that help. It was also entirely possible that her firm would be supportive if she were to be honest with them. Janet hung up at that point and did not call back. Staff remain ready and willing to help her when she recognises that she has a problem. Case Study 3 Siobhan Siobhan phoned the helpline feeling very fragile and upset. She was a sole practitioner and had just had to make two of her staff redundant which she had found very difficult. Her practice was in financial difficulties, in particular with regard to insurance, and she was at a loss to know what to do. It would almost certainly have to close, but she couldn’t afford the run-off cover, and was concerned about how she would make a living and support her son once she no longer had the practice. The LawCare helpline staff member referred Siobhan to her doctor in the first instance, since she sounded very tearful. She also suggested that there were other options available rather than just closing her practice and declaring bankruptcy, and put her in touch with someone from the Consult-a-Colleague scheme and another support organisation, run by the Law Society of Ireland. Finally, she suggested that Siobhan might benefit from the emotional support of one of our volunteers, which Siobhan gratefully accepted. Some months later the volunteer called back to report that Siobhan, with help from the experts locally, had been able to merge her practice with another. She was still feeling somewhat delicate, but was working and able to meet her financial obligations. Case Study 4 Anon An anonymous caller phoned to ask what help we could offer his barrister wife. She had been under great stress and as a result had done something she shouldn’t have done and was now in disciplinary difficulties with her professional body. The caller didn’t understand the technicalities, but was worried that it could lead to his wife being disbarred. He worked too but she was by far the highest earner and their mortgage was barely affordable, even with her income. Although as yet this wasn’t a great or widely known scandal, she had noticed the quality and frequency of instructions diminishing. When they talked about it, she assured her husband that it was minor and that it would all blow over, but he remained worried. It was explained that these things take time, that the fact that she was under stress would be taken into account, and that if his wife told him there was nothing to worry about then he could do no more than take that at face value. He said that his wife remained very stressed – about work, more than the disciplinary issue – and he was concerned that something even worse might happen. It was suggested to him that he look at the LawCare website with his wife, in particular the pages about stress, and the online Wellbeing Portal which both of them could use to learn how to manage their stress and worry. If his wife felt in need of support she could also phone LawCare, and she could then be referred to a counsellor or volunteer. He was very concerned about remaining anonymous, however, but said that he felt much better and reassured following his chat with LawCare. Operations LawCare offers its support service to lawyers through its freephone telephone helplines. These lines are open 365 days a year, operating from 9 a.m.—7.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at weekends and UK Bank Holidays. Clients who call these helplines are assured of totally confidential, one to one support, plus a wealth of other resources including:- discussion about their problems and the options open to them referral to a LawCare Volunteer for ongoing one-to-one support, if appropriate referral to a professional counsellor or treatment centre, if appropriate comprehensive printed information packs about the health problem affecting them advice for third parties on dealing with health issues with a relative or colleague referral to other pastoral care agencies, where appropriate. Clients are never told what to do but, rather, are guided to find solutions for themselves, with different options being suggested for consideration. Our motto is “we will walk the path with you shoulder to shoulder, but the choice of the path must be yours”. After each new client calls, a case file is opened on our secure server, so that if there is on-going support, the client does not have to go through all their issues again, which can be very painful, but can pick up where he / she last left off. No one sees these files but the members of staff who man the helplines. Where a volunteer or health care professional has been involved, there are follow-up calls to ensure that the client is progressing satisfactorily in his / her recovery and the case file is updated accordingly. General statistical data is also extracted from the case files and is kept on the secure server, which enables LawCare to assist those researching articles / radio / TV programmes on the health issues affecting the legal profession. All of this is anonymised so that no callers can be identified. LawCare also has a very informative and easily navigable website to which those who require information, but prefer to remain anonymous, may refer. LawCare offers free and informative literature to those in need. The topics covered include:- stress and depression alcohol abuse drug misuse bullying bereavement how to deal with the issues that arise if a colleague or member of staff has an alcohol problem advice on caring for colleagues and staff with stress problems a handy and practical desktop workbook about stress debt gambling advice on caring for someone who has an alcohol problem alternative careers counselling redundancy returning to work after time away from the workplace due to mental illness or addiction facing disciplinary proceedings eating disorders stopping smoking adrenaline addiction LawCare also offers a range of free (except for expenses) presentations and seminars to firms, National and Local Law Societies, Bar Associations, Faculties, Chambers, special interest groups etc. These are on the subjects of stress recognition and management, vicarious trauma, time management etc and aim to equip lawyers to recognise and deal with their problems before they occur. Newsletter LawCare also publishes a regular newsletter that includes articles on relevant health or legal issues, and is sent, free of charge, to anyone who requests it. Historically sent as a free hard copy to over 1,100 individuals and firms, from January 2010 onwards, this will be sent as an e-zine. All LawCare volunteers will also receive, as an e-zine, their own newsletter keeping them up to date with developments at LawCare and within the team of volunteers, as well as giving advice and training to better equip them to help those referred to them. “Good material. Interesting.” (Feedback on LawCare News Summer 2011 from Jonathan Martin, European Director of Marketplace Chaplains, Europe. Used with permission.) Volunteers LawCare currently has 167 volunteers across the UK and Ireland. 5. Statistics In 2011, 392 case files were opened. As set out earlier, a drop for the year of Ł30,000 in LawCare’s funding at the start of 2011 meant that LawCare’s advertising budget was slashed to almost zero, with a serious knock-on effect on call numbers. Attendances at events (which carry a cost in travelling and staff overtime) also had to be reduced. See above. By far the most common issue reported by callers was stress - 69% of the calls. This was followed by depression (15%), Alcohol (7%) and others issues, including eating disorders and drugs, making up the remaining 9%. We think that one reason why we do not receive more addiction calls may be because it is particularly hard for lawyers, who pride themselves on their ability to cope and to solve other people’s problems, to ask for help for themselves, especially in relation to an addiction and even more so if illegal drugs are involved. Although we know anecdotally that a large number of lawyers are using drugs, the illegality means that those who acknowledge it as a problem are reluctant to admit it to anyone, even anonymously, on a free and confidential helpline. Also a lot of users are still young so that the long-term results of their usage have not yet manifested themselves. 59% of callers were female and 41% were male. 271 of the callers were able to identify a specific cause for their problem, as follows:- Financial problems – 22% Workload – 21% Disciplinary issues – 15% Bullying – 14% Relationship problems – 11% Redundancy – 8% Ethical issues – 6% Bereavement – 3% A certain number of calls did not fall into any of these categories of impairment and were classified as “other”. These included bipolar disorder, gambling addiction and OCD. During 1997, its first year of operation, LawCare opened 60 case files. In 2011, the figure was 392, each one a lawyer (and potentially family and colleagues as well) being caused great distress due to the levels of stress, depression and / or addiction in their lives. Between 1997 and the end of 2011, LawCare assisted nearly 4,500 lawyers to deal with issues that were affecting their quality of life, their ability to work effectively, their personal and working relationships, and in some instances, their entire businesses. Year on year case files opened relating to alcohol and stress/depression.
6. Performance
During 2011 LawCare’s aim in ensuring that all legal professionals, their families and staff, could access timely and high quality peer support and assistance with stress, depression, addiction and other health concerns, together with preventative education on these topics was guided by the following themes:- · Access and Availability · Quality and Consistency · Sustainability and Capacity · Organisation and Structure. Access and Availability The LawCare helpline was available to those in need of help 365 days of the year, providing emotional and practical support to individuals. In 2011, LawCare helpline staff responded to more than 1,500 contacts by phone, e-mail, text and letter. The website had 202,266 hits (171,208 in 2010 and 161,692 in 2009), averaging 554 a day (469 in 2010 and 442 in 2009), averaging 6.55 minutes a time. There were also 67,849 documents views on the website. This indicates that a lot of people found the information that they needed on the website itself without the need to call the helpline. The Wellbeing Portal was launched at the beginning of 2009. This Portal, accessible through the LawCare website, is another facet of LawCare’s proactive approach of aiding members of the legal professions to avoid meltdown by recognising and dealing with the stresses in their life. It enables its users to create a free, totally personalised and confidential assessment of the stresses in their lives, from all perspectives. At the end of the assessment, a report is provided, highlighting problem areas and making recommendations for dealing with them. The system can be accessed as often, and for as long as, the user wants, being updated as circumstances change. By the end of 2011, there had been 348 users, who had logged in 784 times. The age groups of the highest users were, in order, 0-5 years post qualification (pqe) (34%); 11-20 years (20%); 21+ years pqe (18%); 6-10 years pqe and Trainees / Pupils / Devils (14%). 59% of users were Solicitors, followed by 11% Barristers, 10% support staff, 8% Legal Executives, 6% law students and 2% lawyer’s families. Advocates were at 2% and the Judiciary and the retired were at 1% each. Quality and Consistency Training - each Trustee is provided with a Trustee Manual that contains comprehensive information about LawCare, its structure and its method of functioning; together with details of Trustee fiduciary duties and skills; a model Trustee Code of Conduct; key principles of good governance; Equal Opportunities Policy; Risk Management Policy / Emergency Plan; a copy of the Strategic Plan and other documents e.g. the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Case monitoring – the CEO reviews each day’s confidential case notes and provides feedback and guidance to team members, if needed. If there are particularly challenging cases, the team will seek input from the CEO, colleagues and LawCare’s Consultant. All the LawCare staff work closely together as a team. Testimonials – the individual feedback from case files, as seen from the quotations that occur throughout this report, is that the service provided is welcome and has given support and assistance at very difficult times in individuals’ lives:- “For nearly seventeen years LawCare has been there for me every time I have needed help.” (LawCare client.) “I really am so indebted to you for your kindness” (email thank you to staff) “Your help was an absolute timely miracle as although you did not know it, it was so bad that I had got to the point of planning ending it all.” (Case 11.106) Complaints – in LawCare’s 15 years of existence, there have only been 2 complaints, compared to the many thousands of lawyers who have been dealt with and the many compliments and letters / e mails of thanks. This suggests that the services are functioning to the high standards that they should. A deliberate decision has been taken not to approach clients after their involvement, to canvas opinions on LawCare’s performance, as it is strongly felt that this would be unwelcome and intrusive at a time when people are recovering, but that said, we are always open and receptive to any comments on any aspects of the support we offer, whether positive or negative, and take the views of our users very seriously. Sustainability and Capacity There are always issues of the demands of the annual caseload as against available staff time. This is, therefore, continuously monitored. The same applies to the demand for training as against available staff time, which is also constantly monitored. New volunteers are constantly being sought, both in established areas and in those that are newly added. Long-term funding is always an issue. In earlier years three year commitments were made by funders, then it moved to year to year. However, in 2011, the Law Societies of Scotland and England and Wales reverted to giving LawCare a 3-year commitment to funding and other funders are considering following suit. This provides some security to the Charity and makes long-term planning much easier. Some funders continue to be under threat financially themselves, so the likelihood of their ongoing support is under constant review. Given that LawCare started with 1 funder and now has 15, the risk to the charity of one ceasing to support it has been addressed and, it is hoped, diluted to some extent. Organisation and Structure. LawCare is a registered charity in England and Wales and in Scotland. It meets the Charity Commission’s/OSCR’s requirements for compliance and provides each of them with an annual return, an annual report and a set of accounts. The Trustees meet quarterly to review cash flow; statistical data; the CEO’s report as to performance; and any issues that may arise. One such meeting each year is devoted to a brainstorming session, with a review of the charity’s performance to date; its way forward, and its Corporate Governance framework. The CEO, the Administrator, and one member of staff usually attend these meetings. The staff also have their own quarterly meeting, when they review the progress of initiatives for the last quarter; decide upon those for the coming quarter; and discuss any matters of concern. To be cost effective, these are mostly achieved by telephone conferencing, which has proved surprisingly successful. However, for mutual support and morale, the staff meet face to face whenever they can. LawCare is subject to independent examination each year. 7. Future Objectives and Plans Achievable in the short term / ongoing To carry out some basic and inexpensive research into issues of work / life balance, stress, drink and drugs. To commission a redesign of the website. To commission a new server and hardware. To ensure that the website contains subtle indicators that we respect diversity and equality, not only in relation to clients but also with reference to the other support services and special interest groups that we work with. To keep under review the Legal Services Acts in England and Wales and Scotland and their likely impact on LawCare To continue to extend links with other charities and organisations, investigating the synergy between us and meeting with them, when appropriate, to exchange ideas and experiences. To continue to undertake low cost, high impact, projects to raise profile. To continue to develop contacts with LPC and Diploma providers and try to persuade them to make Lawcare training a compulsory part of their courses. To keep under review means of diversifying funding. When objectives have been set for 12 months, to report back on overall progress with objectives, staff and board contribution, and impact. Achievable in the long term / when funding allows To examine whether CPD training on-line is practicable or advisable. To develop and evaluate a marketing campaign.
8. Governance & Management LawCare is constituted by its Memorandum and Articles of Association and managed by the Board of Trustees which currently has 11 members (maximum 12: Reg. 22(i)), who are also Directors of the Company. The Board normally meets four times a year and at one of these meetings will spend the majority of the time on strategic planning, considering the strategic direction of the charity, the approval of key policies, the approval of operational plans and budgets, expansion of the organisation’s growth operations into new activities or geographical areas and any other matter having a material impact on LawCare’s financial position, strategy, reputation or risk profile. Selected members of staff join the Board for all parts of these meetings, save any confidential Trustee business. At each Board meeting, the Trustees monitor financial performance against budget; the implementation of policy; review the organisation’s risk management strategy; and monitor the effectiveness of the support and assistance being offered by the charity. Subject to the above, the Chief Executive is able to approve routine contracts, authorise expenditure and recruit staff as long as these activities are consistent with the organisation's strategic direction and in line with annual budgets previously approved by the Board. Appointment of Trustees The Chair of the Board of Trustees is elected by members of the Board. The other members of the Board of Trustees are appointed by the existing Trustees (Reg. 22(2) ). Trustees serve a period of 5 years but are then eligible to be re-elected by the Board (Reg. 22(6) ). Induction and Training of Trustees Following their appointment, each Trustee is provided with a Trustee Manual which contains wide-ranging and comprehensive details about the charity, governance matters and Trustee / Director responsibilities. Once fully studied, the Trustee signs, dates and returns a copy of the index to the Chief Executive to confirm that this training has been completed. Thereafter, there is periodic training on relevant topics. Additional relevant materials are added to the manual when appropriate. Risk assessment At every Board meeting, consideration is given to risk assessment. Major risks that affect the charity include the possibility that the financial support currently available from our funders may cease; adverse publicity could result in damage to our reputation; our information technology or communication systems, on which we rely to provide the 365 day a year service which is at the very heart of the work we do, could fail. Trustees’ remuneration and expenses The Directors of the charitable company are the Trustees under charity law and receive no remuneration. In this financial year, the Trustees agreed that the charity would reimburse the reasonable expenses of any Trustee whose expenses were not met elsewhere. One Trustee was reimbursed for travelling expenses during the year, in the sum of Ł95.30. 10. Donors & Supporters We are extremely grateful to all those who have supported us financially during the year. Every donation we receive helps us to provide our vital services to lawyers, their families and staff. We are also, in particular, extremely grateful to the Partners of Bircham Dyson Bell LLP and MacFarlanes for their continued support, in providing meeting rooms for the Board and staff. We are also grateful to those who have supported us with their time, energy and commitment. Without our volunteers, we could not provide such a valuable service and we really do appreciate the wonderful job that they do. "It is from the very bottom of my heart I thank you. I can honestly say I cannot imagine where I would be now without your help and support and the thought that you are always there. There are no words to fully describe my appreciation." [Email received July 2011.]
“I just wanted to say thank you. I feel everyone in the profession should know that LawCare is there for support.” [Case 2011.140]
“Thank you for being there and listening to me - it made all the difference as I had been feeling very low. I have now got my dream job and I am thrilled.” [Case 2011.243]
"We are impressed with LawCare's commitment and results" Ryan Ottman, Editor, CPD for Lawyers.
LawCare Annual Report 2010
1. LawCare’s Mission, Vision & Values
Board of Trustees
Paul Venton (Chair) - Solicitor and former Member of the Council of the
Law Society (England and Wales) Louise Campbell - Support Services Executive, Law Society of Ireland Iain Mackie - Solicitor in Private Practice Tom Murran - Solicitor in private practise and Member of the Council of the Law Society of Ireland (resigned 31.12.10) Neil Stevenson - Director of Representation and Professional Support, Law Society of Scotland Bronwen Still - Former Head of Policy Ethics Unit, Solicitors Regulation Authority (England and Wales) Dr. David Thomson - Barrister and Registered Medical Practitioner Robert Venables - Solicitor, former Charity Commissioner, and former Member of the Council of the Law Society England and Wales. Attracta Wilson - Solicitor and Past President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Paul Marsh - Solicitor and Member of the Council of the Law Society (England and Wales)
80% of those consulting LawCare with an alcohol addiction problem say that they started drinking due to stress at work. John Hopkins University calculates that alcohol abuse amongst lawyers is double the national average and that 26% of lawyers have used cocaine at least once. Further, whilst 1 in 4 of the general population will suffer from a depressive illness in their lifetime, lawyers suffer such illnesses almost 4 times as frequently as non-lawyers. The rate of suicide amongst lawyers is 6 times that of the general population, with it being, in North America, the third highest cause of death amongst lawyers, after cancer and heart disease.
Free (save for expenses) preventative education presentations, seminars
and workshops were given to legal groups across the UK and Ireland, and
LawCare attended many events, ranging from conferences to local law
societies; from firms to special interest groups; from chambers to law
students. During 2010, LawCare reached over 5,552 lawyers by this means.
From the time the training courses started in 2004 to the end of 2010,
32,892 lawyers had been reached by LawCare at various events. LawCare continued to work with other support organisations such as the Barristers Benevolent Association, Solicitors Benevolent Association (SBA) and the Solicitors Assistance Scheme (SAS) and maintained contact with special interest groups such as the Sole Practitioners Group (SPG); the Black Solicitors Network (BSN); the Junior Lawyers Division (JLD); the Group for Solicitor with Disabilities (DSBA); the Association of Women Solicitors (AWS) and others.
2010 was LawCare’s second busiest year to date. 2009 had the highest demand for LawCare’s support and assistance partly, but not entirely, due to the additional stress the global recession placed upon lawyers. However, in 2010, we opened 517 new case files and over 1,000 additional calls were made or taken relating to carrying these cases forward. Helpline staff also noted that calls were becoming longer and more complex.
During 1997, its first year of operation, LawCare opened 60 case files. In
2010, the figure was 517, each one a lawyer (and potentially family and
colleagues as well) being caused great distress due to the levels of
stress, depression and / or addiction in their lives.
In LawCare’s 13 years of existence, there have only been 2 complaints,
compared to the many hundreds of lawyers who have been dealt with and the
many compliments and letters / emails of thanks. This suggests that the
services are functioning to the high standards that they should. A
deliberate decision has been taken not to approach clients after their
involvement to canvas opinions on LawCare’s performance, as it is strongly
felt that this would be intrusive at a time when people are recovering.
Achievable in the long term / when funding allows
8. Governance & Management
Due to formatting restrictions, please see the
word or
PDF documents for accounts.
LawCare Annual Report 2009 1. LawCare’s Mission, Vision & Values Mission To ensure that all legal professionals, their families and staff, can access timely and high quality peer support and assistance with avoiding and coping with stress, depression, addiction and other health concerns, together with preventative education on these topics. “Lawyers Helping Lawyers Confidentially”. LawCare aims to:- (i) assist in the relief of mental and / or physical illness resulting from stress and / or depression; alcohol and / or drug or other addictions, or from other forms of dependence associated with compulsive behaviour (ii) to facilitate, by whatever means are appropriate, the access of all members of the legal profession and those connected with them, to any support agencies that may be able to assist them in dealing with alcohol or drug addiction or other forms of dependence associated with compulsive behaviour, or with stress or depression. (iii) to educate the public and, in particular, members of the legal profession and those connected with them, in the causes and consequences of alcohol and drug addiction, other forms of addiction or dependence, compulsive behaviour and in the means of managing them. (iv) to educate the public, and in particular members of the legal profession and those connected with them, in the means of managing stress and depression. (v) to work with employers to help put in place policies and practises that can help prevent such problems from occurring, or to deal with them positively if they do occur. Vision: If we are achieving our mission, we will see demonstrable movement towards a legal profession where every legal professional:- (i) knows of LawCare, the different ways it can help, and how to contact the service (ii) has received information and/or training which allows them to spot the ‘early signs’ of stress and health concerns in themselves and their colleagues, and recognises the dangers of excessive drink and/or drug use (iii) has information, training and tools to help them cope with the pressures of work before things become overwhelming (iv) contacts LawCare before pressures become overwhelming (v) every business employing legal professionals recognises that policies and support need to be in place to support those in need, and that stress and addiction are not signs of weakness (vi) is provided a range of options, with different information, training, support and tools to support the particular issue and the preferences of the individual (vii) can be supported through a journey to recovery with regular contact (viii) let us know when they are in a ‘better place’ in their lives (ix) who has benefited from LawCare considers contributing in some way to the support of their professional colleagues who are still suffering Values: Absolutely Confidential – the details of a call to the helpline, or contact thereafter, are seen only by those manning the helpline. Funders are given only statistical information and non-attributable details of areas of concern. Peer led – the helpline assistance is provided by staff with experience of life in practise as lawyers, whilst the on-going volunteer support comes from lawyers with personal understanding of the issue troubling the caller. Professional Treatment – when appropriate, a caller will be referred on to a treatment centre or healthcare professional. Non judgemental – the focus is on the support and recovery of the caller, not passing judgement on what may have occurred or be occurring. Equality – the single or married; disabled; straight, gay or lesbian; pregnant; young; aged; those of different race, faith, or political opinion; and transsexuals are all treated with total equality throughout the charity’s operations (service delivery, volunteers, staff, etc) Pro-active –prevention is always better than cure, so educating legal professionals and their staff on stress recognition and management is as important an aid to health as the helpline is in dealing with health issues.
2. Administrative Details Helplines 9am to 7.30pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm weekends and UK Bank Holidays
Write to us P.O.Box 147, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 3WX
Websites www.lawcare.org.uk / www.lawcare.ie
E-mail us
President: The Right Honourable the Lord Judge, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales
Chair: Olivia Burren
Registered Office 50 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BL
Registered Charity in England and Wales: 1061685
Registered Charity in Scotland: SCO39335
Company Number: 3313975
Board of Trustees Olivia Burren (Chair) - Solicitor in Industry Louise Campbell - Support Services Executive, Law Society of Ireland Carolyn Kirby - Solicitor and Past President of the Law Society, England and Wales (resigned 31st December 2009) Iain Mackie - Solicitor in Private Practice Tom Murran - Solicitor in private practise and Member of the Council of the Law Society of Ireland Neil Stevenson - Director of Representation and Professional Support, Law Society of Scotland Bronwen Still - Head of Policy Ethics Unit, Solicitors Regulation Authority Dr. David Thomson - Barrister and Registered Medical Practitioner Robert Venables - Solicitor, former Charity Commissioner, and former Member of the Council of the Law Society of England and Wales Paul Venton - Solicitor and former Member of the Council of the Law Society of England and Wales Attracta Wilson - Solicitor and Past President of the Law Society, NI
Staff Chief Executive Officer : Hilary Tilby, Barrister and Solicitor Coordinator for England and Wales: Ann Charlton, former Solicitor Coordinator for Scotland and Northern Ireland: Patricia McLellan, Solicitor Coordinator for Ireland: Mary Jackson, Solicitor Administrator: Anna Buttimore Consultant: Mark Hepburn
Bankers: Barclays Bank plc, One Churchill Place, London E14 5HP
Accountants: Kingston
Smith LLP 60 Goswell Road EC1M 7AD
Solicitors: Bircham Dyson Bell LLP, 50 Broadway, London SW1H 0BL
3. Chair of LawCare
2009 saw some impressive achievements by LawCare, including the expansion of our membership to include the Irish Bar, giving us representation amongst all the legal disciplines in the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic. This year also saw the launch of our Well-Being Portal, a way to enable many more people to access advice and guidance on dealing with stress. Sadly, our services have been even more in demand than in previous years. Despite the public perception that lawyers are in well-paid, secure jobs it is no surprise to other lawyers that many solicitors, barristers and others have experienced or are anticipating redundancy, and that others who are still in their jobs are facing increased workloads or reduced working hours. Calls to our Helpline have increased year on year, and there is a clear focus now on stress and working relationships, although these are often made worse by, or contribute to, alcohol dependency. We at LawCare also suspect that there is a growing problem of drug addiction amongst lawyers, although this is difficult to determine as few of our callers are willing to admit to this. Despite our guarantee of absolute confidentiality, those lawyers who are struggling with a drug problem are often afraid to admit this because of fears for their future employment.
The changes to the structure of the legal profession and the stresses imposed by the recession do not make life any easier for practitioners, and we anticipate that our Helpline will be as busy as ever during the next year, whilst the Trustees of LawCare do their best to secure funding to enable the service to continue.
This has been my last full year as Chair of LawCare and during the last three years I have seen LawCare’s membership grow substantially and seen the demands on our service increase as well, and it is a credit to Hilary Tilby, our Chief Executive, and to our loyal and hard-working staff that these demands are still being met. Paul Venton is taking over as Chair, and I am sure he will provide strong leadership through the challenges of the next three years.
Olivia Burren. Chair, LawCare.
4. Overview of LawCare
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee.
LawCare was established in 1997 in response to a perceived problem of alcohol abuse within the legal profession. Since then its scope, and the services it offers, have developed considerably. Today, LawCare’s mission i:
80% of those consulting LawCare with an alcohol addiction problem say that they started drinking due to stress at work. John Hopkins University calculates that alcohol abuse amongst lawyers is double the national average and that 26% of lawyers have used cocaine at least once. Further, whilst 1 in 4 of the general population will suffer from a depressive illness in their lifetime, lawyers suffer such illnesses almost 4 times as frequently as non-lawyers. The rate of suicide amongst lawyers is 6 times that of the general population, with it being, in North America, the third highest cause of death amongst lawyers, after cancer and heart disease.
LawCare works to minimise the incidences of these issues, which destroy lives, relationships, careers and businesses, as well as damaging the public perception of the legal profession. Where such issues cannot be avoided, our objective is to support the sufferers, and their colleagues, family and friends until the crisis has passed and recovery has been achieved. We do this by a number of means:-
(i) The helplines. LawCare’s helplines are available 365 days a year (9am to 7.30pm on weekdays and 10am to 4.00pm at weekends and UK Bank Holidays). We provide support and assistance to lawyers, their families and support staff who are suffering from stress, depression, alcohol or drug abuse and eating disorders. The calls are free and totally confidential, so provide an opportunity for callers to be absolutely frank as to their concerns and the issues that are worrying them. The LawCare staff manning the helpline are all ex-practising lawyers, so have all had experience of the strains and problems that can arise during a life in the law. They never tell callers what to do, only talk matters through with them, to help them find their own way forward. As one member of staff commented “we will walk the path with you shoulder to shoulder, but the choice of the path must be yours”. The helplines do make a difference:- “The wisdom I showed by contacting LawCare originally and asking for help. I wanted to thank you for all your support. My volunteer has been fantastic.” ( 09.259) “Your help is much appreciated.” (09.198) (ii) The websites www.lawcare.org.uk and www.lawcare.org.ie contain pages full of useful details e.g. “I am having a panic attack / being bullied / being made redundant”: click on the button and go straight to a page that gives you suggestions for methods of coping. Read about the issues associated with alcohol and drug abuse and how to tackle them if either yourself, or someone you know, is suffering from addiction. A survey of the websites of all the Lawyer Assistance Programmes in the USA, which included LawCare, ranked LawCare’s third for being so clear, helpful and user friendly.
(iii) The Wellbeing Portal Through the website, users can access the Wellbeing Portal (WBP). This is a tool to help analyse, and then deal more effectively with, the stresses that occur in a user’s professional and personal life. It is free, totally confidential and entirely personal. It can be accessed for as long as, and as often as, wanted.
(iv) The information packs A wide range of helpful information packs and leaflets is available from LawCare, free of charge. They are also downloadable from our website. They cover such topics as:-
(v) The Training LawCare offers a range of stress recognition and management training session. They are all free (save for expenses) and in many cases are CPD accredited. In 2009, LawCare provided such sessions to 6,646 lawyers, a rate of 554 a month. Between the sessions being created in 2004 and the end of 2009, 23,396 lawyers had been assisted by training.
Skydiving Without A Parachute For students, pupils, devils and trainees. Available in 20 and 30 minute, and 1 and 1.5 hour versions, covering what is stress; how the body responds to stress; consequences of failing to manage stress; the Legal Personality; sources of stress; are you stressed; preventing stress; pack your parachute. Stress Recognition and Management: an overviewFor practitioners. Available in 1 hour. 1.5 hour and 2 hour versions.These session cover such topics as what is stress; the body’s reaction to stress; the physical, emotional and behavioural signs of stress; the stages of stress; how stressed are you (with interactive test );the legal personality; A+B type personalities (with interactive test );causes of pressure / stress in the workplace; physical coping techniques (including time management and exercises to be done at the desk); mental coping techniques;10 essential tips to manage stress; essential tips for a stress free professional life; and snippets of humorous video.Vicarious Trauma (VT)For practitioners. A 1 hour session covering the effect it has on lawyers to be constantly working with the stressed and distressed, with a test to see how vulnerable participating lawyers are to VT, whether they are already suffering from it, and the amount of emotional satisfaction gained from their work.
Stress Recognition and Management: an interactive workshop.For practitioners. A highly interactive 3 hour session, covering all of the above topics and more.
(vi) The volunteers LawCare has a network of volunteers across all areas covered. These are lawyers, or family members of lawyers, who have direct or indirect personal experience of the issues with which LawCare offers assistance. They will befriend another lawyer going through a bad time for as long as is necessary. Sometimes, it may only amount to a few phone calls; other times, it may go on for years. Callers to the helpline can be put in touch with someone who has been in the same situation as themselves, but who has recovered and put their life back on track, or who has assisted another sufferer to achieve recovery. Again and again, callers have reported how uplifted and inspired they have felt by talking to someone who has personal knowledge of their problem. This one-to-one help is invaluable to suffering lawyers and is often a crucial element in their recovery. Volunteers are not counsellors. Their role is primarily to befriend and support and to give the benefit of their own experience. They also report back to LawCare regularly, so that additional steps can be taken if further help is needed. Our volunteers are very special people who really care about those sharing their own past experiences and want to help them and we could not do our work without them. Achievements and Events
Case studies (names and all identifying features have been changed)
History 1 Alan was a Solicitor whose firm had run into difficulties and had eventually failed, leaving the Partners with considerable debts. Complaints had arisen and Alan was facing disciplinary proceedings over these, although no dishonesty was alleged. Adding to his problems was the fact that Alan had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and had only about a year to live. He was also suffering from depression. LawCare staff members ensured first that Alan received counselling, and also contacted the Solicitors Benevolent Association (SBA) who were able to confirm that they would help with living expenses for Alan and his wife, and would continue to support his wife following his death. LawCare also contacted the Solicitors Assistance Scheme (SAS) to ask that legal representation be provided for Alan, and in an unusual step but with Alan’s full agreement, wrote to the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) explaining his situation. After discussion, the SRA agreed to drop the disciplinary proceedings on compassionate grounds and to cover all the costs of work done so far. This came as a great relief to Alan, and he was able to die without fear of his family facing poverty. History 2 Gloria was a Barrister in financial difficulty. She had invested in two buy-to-let properties, but both were now in negative equity and she was unable to sell them. She had given the tenants notice so was receiving no rent. Although she spent up to twelve hours a day in chambers and court, she seemed to get little done. She was thinking about declaring herself bankrupt. She was also thinking about suicide. LawCare advised Gloria to see her GP, who diagnosed depression, told Gloria to take two months sick leave, and referred her to a counsellor. She felt that she could not take time away from her practice, so LawCare put her in touch with a volunteer for support. LawCare also referred her to the BBA who provided some help with living expenses. Gloria made a slow recovery over the course of six months and put her own home on the market with a view to downsizing, ridding herself of the smallest mortgage, and releasing some funds. She also started taking on new cases. History 3 Kieran, a Solicitor in Ireland, had been drinking too much for many years. He had been drinking when he called us and did not really want to listen to our advice. Nevertheless, we sent him an Alcohol pack and an Al-Anon pack for his family; a list of AA meetings in his area; and sourced a choice of local alcohol counsellors for him. We kept in touch by phone and Kieran eventually admitted that he really wasn’t ready yet to deal with the process of giving up drinking. We knew that matters had to proceed at his pace, so we kept in touch with him from time to time, encouraging him to think positively about it not being an end to his drinking, but a start to a new and better life for himself and his family. When he was ready, we sourced treatment for him. History 4 Iona was a Scots Trainee who was afraid that she had made a major mistake on a file. She was not supervised very well and was frequently left to deal with cases that were really too complex for her level of knowledge. We advised her to sit down and write clear notes on the case and where she felt her error lay. Then to take these to her Supervisor and insist on having a time slot where they could go through the matter together. We reassured her that there was no dishonesty here, only lack of knowledge, so the financial consequences of any error should be covered by the firm’s insurance, if that proved necessary. Operations LawCare offers its support service to lawyers through its freephone telephone helplines. These lines are open 365 days a year, operating from 9 a.m.—7.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at weekends and UK Bank Holidays. Clients who call these helplines are assured of totally confidential, one to one support, plus a wealth of other resources including:-
Clients are never told what to do but, rather, are guided to find solutions for themselves, with different options being suggested for consideration. Our motto is “we will walk the path with you shoulder to shoulder, but the choice of the path must be yours”. After each new client calls, a case file is opened on our secure server, so that if there is on-going support, the client does not have to go through all their issues again, which can be very painful, but can pick up where he / she last left off. No one sees these files but the members of staff who man the helplines. Where a volunteer or health care professional has been involved, there are follow-up calls to ensure that the client is progressing satisfactorily in his / her recovery and the case file is updated accordingly. General statistical data is also extracted from the case files and is kept on the secure server, which enables LawCare to assist those researching articles / radio / TV programmes on the health issues affecting the legal profession. All of this is anonymised so that no callers can be identified. LawCare also has a very informative and easily navigable website to which those who require information, but prefer to remain anonymous, may refer. LawCare offers free and informative literature to those in need. The topics covered include:-
LawCare also publishes a regular newsletter that includes articles on relevant health or legal issues, and is sent, free of charge, to anyone who requests it. Currently over 1,100 individuals and firms receive this publication. In addition, all LawCare volunteers receive their own newsletter keeping them up to date with developments at LawCare and within the team of volunteers, as well as giving advice and training to better equip them to help those referred to them. LawCare also offers a range of free (except for expenses) presentations and seminars to firms, National and Local Law Societies, Bar Associations, Faculties, Chambers, special interest groups etc. These are on the subjects of stress recognition and management and vicarious trauma, and aim to equip lawyers to recognise and deal with these problems before they occur. 5. Statistics 2009 was LawCare’s busiest year to date partly, but not entirely, due to the additional stress the global recession has placed upon lawyers. Over the year, 549 case files were opened. This was an almost 10% increase over the previous year. Helpline staff also noted that calls were becoming longer and more complex, and callers were much more likely to call back for further help than in previous years. Over 3,000 additional calls were made or taken relating to these 549 case files, a 25% increase on the previous year. · 64% of callers were female and 36% were male. · 410 cases (74%) related to stress · 47 cases (9%) related to clinical depression. · 32 cases (6%) related to alcohol addiction. · 55% of alcohol related calls were from men and 45% from women, showing a slight shift away from the 50/50 split seen in 2007. · There were also 3 cases related to illegal drugs, and 54 “other” cases. These related to miscellaneous problems such as eating disorders, OCD and panic attacks. · 9% of new case files related to bullying. Of these, 20% of callers were male and 80% female. Callers came from all age ranges, though 57% of callers were qualified five years or less. In the January-April period, 56% of callers who identified a cause of their problem blamed redundancy or financial issues. Between May and August this dropped to 45%, but in September-December it rose slightly to 46%.
For the first time in 2009 callers were asked if they could identify the primary cause of their problem. Just over half (55%) were able to give a specific cause. Of these:
Other causes given were relationship problems, ethical issues and bereavement.
Year on year increase in case files opened relating to alcohol and stress / depression.
6. Performance During 2009 LawCare’s aim in ensuring that all legal professionals, their families and staff, could access timely and high quality peer support and assistance with stress, depression, addiction and other health concerns, together with preventative education on these topics was guided by the following themes:-
Access and Availability The LawCare helpline was available to those in need of help 365 days of the year, providing emotional and practical support to individuals. In 2009, LawCare helpline staff responded to more than 3,000 contacts by phone, e-mail, text and letter. This compares with 2,500 in 2008 and is an increase of almost 25%. The website had 161,692 hits during the year (442 a day), averaging 10 minutes a time. There were also 69,062 documents views on the website and 24,638 downloads. This indicates that a lot of people found the information that they needed on the website itself without the need to call the helpline. During 2008, LawCare worked with Inner Physique to create the Wellbeing Portal, which was launched at the beginning of 2009. This Portal, accessible through the LawCare website, is another facet of LawCare’s proactive approach of aiding members of the legal professions to avoid meltdown by recognising and dealing with the stresses in their life. It enables its users to create a free, totally personalised and confidential assessment of the stresses in their lives, from all perspectives. At the end of the assessment, a report is provided, highlighting problem areas and making recommendations for dealing with them. The system can be accessed as often, and for as long as, the user wants, being updated as circumstances change. By the end of 2009, there had been 205 users, who had logged in 478 times. The age groups of the highest users were, in order, 0-5 years post qualification (pqe); 21+ years pqe; and 11-20 years pqe. 58% of users were Solicitors, followed by 13% Barristers and 13% support staff. The rest of the users were Advocates, Legal Executives, students, retired lawyers and family of lawyers. Quality and Consistency Training - each Trustee is provided with a Trustee Manual that contains comprehensive information about LawCare, its structure and its method of functioning; together with details of Trustee fiduciary duties and skills; a model Trustee Code of Conduct; key principles of good governance; Equal Opportunities Policy; Risk Management Policy / Emergency Plan; a copy of the Strategic Plan and other documents eg. the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The manual is updated and extended as necessary. The staff had a training session on drugs, covering their medical and street names; effects; what they look like; and treatments. Case monitoring – the CEO reviews each day’s confidential case notes and provides feedback and guidance to team members, if needed. If there are particularly challenging cases, the team will seek input from the CEO, colleagues and LawCare’s Consultant. All the LawCare staff work closely together as a team. Testimonials – the individual feedback from case files is that the service provided is welcome and has given support and assistance at very difficult times in individuals’ lives:- LawCare is one of the most valuable resources available, having seen in at least one of the cases I have dealt with what wonderfully supportive assistance is given by the dedicated team. Long may it continue. (SRA Caseworker, September 2009) “I have found [the LawCare volunteer] to be extremely helpful in the past three months that I have been away due to stress/anxiety/depression etc.” (09.476) Complaints – in LawCare’s 12 years of existence, there have only been 2 complaints, compared to the thousands of lawyers who have been dealt with and the many compliments and letters / e mails of thanks. This suggests that the services are functioning to the high standards that they should. A deliberate decision has been taken not to approach clients after their involvement, to canvas opinions on LawCare’s performance, as it is strongly felt that this would be intrusive at a time when people are recovering.
Sustainability and Capacity
There are always issues of the demands of the annual caseload as against available staff time. This is, therefore, continuously monitored.
The same applies to the demand for training as against available staff time, which is also constantly monitored. New volunteers are constantly being sought, both in established areas and in those that are newly added. Long-term funding is always an issue. Whereas, in earlier years, 3 year commitments would be made by funders, now it is from year to year. Also, some funders are themselves under threat financially, so the likelihood of their ongoing support is under constant review. Given that LawCare started with 1 funder and now has 13, the risk to the charity of one ceasing to support it has been addressed and, it is hoped, diluted to some extent. Organisation and Structure.
LawCare is a registered charity in England and Wales and in Scotland. It meets the Charity Commission’s / OSCR’s requirements for compliance and provides each of them with an annual return; an annual report and a set of accounts.
The Trustees meet quarterly to review cash flow; statistical data; the CEO’s report as to performance; and any issues that may arise. One such meeting each year is devoted to a brainstorming session, with a review of the charity’s performance to date; its way forward, and its Corporate Governance framework.
The staff usually attend these meetings. They also have their own quarterly meeting when they review the progress of initiatives for the last Ľ; decide upon those for the coming Ľ; and discuss any matters of concern.
LawCare’s accounts are subject to independent detailed examination each year. 7. Future Objectives and Plans
8. Governance & Management LawCare is constituted by its Memorandum and Articles of Association and managed by the Board of Trustees, which currently has 11 members (maximum 12: Reg. 22(i)), who are also Directors of the Company in a non-voting capacity. The Board normally meets four times a year and at one of these meetings will spend the majority of the time on strategic planning, considering the strategic direction of the charity, the approval of key policies, the approval of operational plans and budgets, expansion of the organisation’s growth operations into new activities or geographical areas and any other matter having a material impact on LawCare’s financial position, strategy, reputation or risk profile. All members of staff join the Board for all parts of these meetings, save any confidential Trustee business. At each Board meeting, the Trustees monitor financial performance against budget; the implementation of policy; review the organisation’s risk management strategy; and monitor the effectiveness of the support and assistance being offered by the charity. Subject to the above, the Chief Executive is able to approve routine contracts, authorise expenditure and recruit staff as long as these activities are consistent with the organisation's strategic direction and in line with annual budgets previously approved by the Board. Appointment of Trustees The Chair of the Board of Trustees is elected by members of the Board. The other members of the Board of Trustees are appointed by the existing Trustees (Reg. 22(2)). Trustees serve a period of 5 years but are then eligible to be re-elected by the Board (Reg. 22(6) ). Induction and Training of Trustees Following their appointment, each Trustee is provided with a Trustee Manual which contains wide-ranging and comprehensive details about the charity, governance matters and Trustee / Director responsibilities. Once fully studied, the Trustee signs, dates and returns and copy of the index to the Chief Executive to confirm that this training has been completed. Thereafter, there is periodic training on relevant topics. Additional relevant materials are added to the manual when appropriate. Risk assessment At every Board meeting, consideration is given to risk assessment. Major risks that affect the charity include the possibility that the financial support currently available from our funders may cease; adverse publicity could result in damage to our reputation; our information technology or communication systems, on which we rely to provide the 365 day a year service which is at the very heart of the work we do, could fail. Trustees’ remuneration & expenses The Directors of the charitable company are the Trustees under charity law, and receive no remuneration. In this financial year, no Trustees’ expenses were paid.
LAWCARE LIMITED Statement of financial activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 December 2009
Total resources expended in 2009 were Ł222,499. There appears to be an operational deficit of Ł105,176, but this is because donations are recorded in the year in which they are received and the Ł125,000 donation from the Law Society of England and Wales Charity, to cover the year 2009, was paid at the end of 2008, and so appeared in the 2008 accounts. Also, although all the funders listed in the accounts continued to support LawCare during the year, some funders did not make their donations for 2009, or the quarter ending December 2009, until January 2010, so those sums will appear in the 2010 accounts. The amount of Ł125,000 shown in the designated fund in 2008 was the payment in advance, from the Law Society of England and Wales Charity, that was intended for funding April 2009-April 2010. This was fully utilised in the year, and no such fund is considered necessary at the end of 2010.
*
Please note the following if you have downloaded or printed this page
prior to 22nd December 2010:
We regret that we have found an error in the presentation of the accounts on page 21 of our Annual Report for 2009. It does not attribute to the Bar Council of Northern Ireland the donation of Ł1,200 made by them but, rather, accumulates it with the Ł4,600 donation from the Bar Council of Ireland, giving an overall figure of Ł5,800. We sincerely regret this lack of attribution of a donation, which should have been clearly shown, but can confirm that the donation of Ł1,200 was made by the Bar Council of Northern Ireland.
LAWCARE LIMITED Balance sheet at 31 December 2009
10. Donors & Supporters We are extremely grateful to all those who have supported us financially during the year. Every donation we receive helps us to provide our vital services to lawyers, their families and staff. We are, in particular, extremely grateful to the Partners of Bircham Dyson Bell LLP for their continued support, in providing meeting rooms for the Board and staff. We are also grateful to those who have supported us with their time, energy and commitment. Without our volunteers, we could not provide such a valuable service and we really do appreciate the wonderful job that they do. E mail to a LawCare Volunteer: “Many thanks for taking the time to listen to me today and encourage me through this most painful period of my adult life. I really appreciate your time with me today and for volunteering to be there for me…. It was good to hear a reassuring voice who knows and understands the emotions of this traumatic and punishing experience… Thank you for being there and for taking the time to just let me know that others have gone through this and live content happy and fulfilling lives today.” 09.125
He has made a decision about his future but wanted to thank us for our support. He was keen to write a recommendation of and/or thanks for us. 09.137
I must thank you for all your support and help as your advice was 100% right and was so very helpful. You gave me the strength I needed and the guidance necessary to get through. I am very much indebted to you - thank you again. I genuinely mean this. The quality of advice, plus the fact that LawCare is an essential and excellent organisation and very, very well run. I really don't quite know how to say thank you as I am so very, very grateful- more than any one can ever appreciate. E mail Dec. 09
I would like to give something back and would like to become a volunteer. 09.240
LawCare Annual Report 2008
Chairman's Report Sadly, in 2008 our services have been even more in demand than in previous years, including overseas (Ireland) for the first time. Despite the public perception that lawyers are in well-paid, secure jobs it is no surprise to other lawyers that many solicitors, barristers and legal executives are facing increased workloads or reduced working hours and feel that their job security is under threat. Calls to our Helpline have increased year on year, and there is a clear focus now on stress and working relationships, although these are often made worse by, or contribute to, alcohol dependency. We at LawCare also suspect that there is a growing problem of drug addiction amongst lawyers, although this is difficult to determine as few of our callers are willing to admit to this. Despite our guarantee of absolute confidentiality, those lawyers who are struggling with a drug problem are often afraid to admit this because of fears for their future employment. The forthcoming changes to the structure of the legal profession and the stresses imposed by the recession do not make life any easier for practitioners, and we anticipate that our Helpline will be as busy as ever during the next year, whilst the Trustees of LawCare do their best to secure funding to enable the service to continue. I have seen LawCare’s membership grow substantially and seen the demands on our service increase as well, and it is a credit to Hilary Tilby, our Chief Executive, and to our loyal and hard-working staff that these demands are still being met. so well. Olivia Burren Objectives LawCare was established in 1997 in response to a perceived problem of alcohol abuse within the legal profession. Since then its scope and the services it offers have developed considerably. Today, LawCare’s mission is twofold: To provide support, assistance, information and referral for professional treatment, to lawyers, their families and their staff, suffering from health problems such as substance abuse, addiction, stress, depression and eating disorders across the UK, Ireland and the Isle of Man. In England and Wales the services are available to Judges, Barristers, Solicitors, Barristers Clerks and Legal Executives; in Scotland, to Solicitors and Barristers; in Northern Ireland, to Judges, Barristers and Solicitors and in Ireland to Solicitors. The services are also available to lawyers’ immediate families, colleagues, and staff. To educate and inform the legal profession and the public at large about such issues, encouraging firms and individuals to put in place practises and policies which can help prevent problems from arising, or make them easier to deal with if they do occur. LawCare’s objective is to minimise the incidences of issues which destroy lives, relationships, careers and businesses, as well as damaging the public perception of the legal profession. Where such issues cannot be avoided, then our objective is to support the sufferer, and his / her colleagues, family and friends until the crisis has passed and recovery has been achieved. Achievements and Events
Operations LawCare offers its support service to lawyers through freephone telephone helplines.
These lines are open 365 days a year, operating from 9 a.m.—7.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at weekends and UK Bank Holidays. Callers to these helplines are assured of totally confidential, one to one support, plus a wealth of other resources including:-
Clients are never told what to do but, rather, are guided to find
solutions for themselves, with different options being suggested for
consideration. Our motto is “we will walk the path with you shoulder to
shoulder, but the choice of the path is yours”.
LawCare also publishes a regular newsletter which includes articles on
relevant health issues, and is sent, free of charge, to anyone who
requests it. Currently over 1,100 individuals and firms receive this
publication. In addition, all LawCare volunteers receive their own
newsletter keeping them up to date with developments at LawCare and within
the team of volunteers, as well as giving advice and training. to better
equip them to help those referred to them. LawCare also offers a range of
free (except for expenses) presentations and seminars to firms, Local Law
Societies, Faculties, Chambers, special interest groups etc. These are on
the subjects of stress recognition and management and vicarious trauma. The People at LawCare Trustees
Staff
Volunteers Statistics 2008 was LawCare’s busiest year to date, with 500 new case files opened – over 66% more than in 2007. A total of 1,925 additional calls were also made or taken relating to these case files or on-going cases from earlier years. In addition, LawCare volunteers are known to have made at least 256 calls in relation to lawyers they were supporting on a one-to-one basis.
Case History 1
] LawCare Annual Report 2007 Objectives LawCare was established in 1997 in response to a perceived problem of alcohol abuse within the legal profession. Since then its scope and the services it offers have developed considerably. Today, LawCare’s mission is twofold:
This education is vital, as 80% of those consulting LawCare with an alcohol addiction problem say that they started drinking due to stress at work. John Hopkins University calculates that alcohol abuse amongst lawyers is double the national average and that 26% of lawyers have used cocaine. Further, whilst 1 in 4 of the general population will suffer from a depressive illness in their lifetime, lawyers suffer such illnesses almost 4 times as frequently as non-lawyers. The rate of suicide amongst lawyers is 6 times that of the general population, with it being, in North America, the third cause of death amongst lawyers, after cancer and heart disease. LawCare’s objective is to minimise the incidences of these issues, which destroy lives, relationships, careers and businesses, as well as damaging the public perception of the legal profession. Where such issues cannot be avoided, then our objective is to support the sufferer, and his / her colleagues, family and friends until the crisis has passed and recovery has been achieved. Achievements and Events ¨ In May 2007 LawCare celebrated its tenth anniversary with a lecture from former Barrister, celebrity cook ( she is adamant that she is not a chef) and recovering alcoholic Clarissa Dickson-Wright. The event was hosted by Clifford Chance at their Canary Wharf offices and attended by members of all areas of the legal profession, including LawCare’s President, Lord Phillips, the Lord Chief Justice. ¨ Two new sets of literature were created, one about Eating Disorders, and the other, timed to coincide with the smoking ban in England and Wales, on giving up smoking. ¨ There were an average of 375 hits per day on the LawCare website during the year, lasting an average of 5 minutes each, demonstrating that LawCare not only assists by personal contact (the helpline and preventative education courses), but also through the large range of materials available on the website. The heavy website use suggests that, in line with the increased use of technology in general daily life, many lawyers are now finding the help that they need anonymously through the website, rather than by phoning the helpline. ¨ Preventative education presentations, seminars and workshops were given to legal groups across the UK, ranging from conferences to local law societies; from firms to special interest groups; from chambers to law students. During 2007, LawCare reached over 4,400 lawyers by this means. These courses were on the subject of recognition of the symptoms of stress and the problems it can lead to, particularly in relation to increased drinking, together with suggestions for managing stress.
¨
During 2007, it was agreed
with the Law Society of Ireland; the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland,
and the Law Society of the Isle of Man that LawCare’s help and support
would become available their members from 1st January 2008.
Operations LawCare offers its support service to lawyers through freephone telephone helplines.
These lines are open 365 days a year, operating from 9 a.m.—7.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at weekends and Bank Holidays. Clients who call these helplines are assured of totally confidential, one to one support, plus a wealth of other resources including:- · discussion about their problems and the options open to them · referral to a LawCare Volunteer for ongoing one-to-one support, if appropriate · referral to a professional counsellor or treatment centre, if appropriate · comprehensive printed information packs about the health problem affecting them · advice for third parties on dealing with health issues with a relative or colleague · referral to other pastoral care agencies, where appropriate. Clients are never told what to do but, rather, are guided to find solutions for themselves, with different options being suggested for consideration. Our motto is “we will walk the path with you shoulder to shoulder, but the choice of the path is yours”. After each new client calls, a case file is opened on our secure server, so that if there is on-going support, the client does not have to go through all their issues again, which can be very painful, but can pick up where he / she last left off. No one sees these files but the members of staff who man the helplines. Where a volunteer or health care professional has been involved, there are follow-up calls to ensure that the client is progressing satisfactorily in his / her recovery and the case file is updated accordingly. General statistical data is also extracted from the case files and is kept on the secure server, which enables LawCare to assist those researching articles / radio / TV programmes on the health issues affecting the legal profession. LawCare also has a very informative and easily navigable website to which those who require information, but prefer to remain anonymous, may refer. In 2007, the website had an average of 375 hits per day, with each visitor staying on line for at least 5 minutes. LawCare offers free and informative literature to those in need. The topics covered include:- · stress and depression · alcohol abuse · drug misuse · bullying · bereavement · how to deal with the issues that arise if a colleague or member of staff has an alcohol problem · advice on caring for colleagues and staff with stress problems · a handy and practical desktop workbook about stress · debt · advice on caring for someone who has an alcohol problem · alternative careers LawCare also publishes a regular newsletter which includes articles on relevant health or legal issues, and is sent, free of charge, to anyone who requests it. Currently over 1,100 individuals and firms receive this publication. In addition, all LawCare volunteers receive their own newsletter keeping them up to date with developments at LawCare and within the team of volunteers, as well as giving advice and training to better equip them to help those referred to them.
LawCare also offers a range of free
(except for expenses) presentations and seminars to firms, Local Law
Societies, Faculties, Chambers, special interest groups etc. These are on
the subjects of stress recognition and management and vicarious trauma,
and aim to equip lawyers to recognise and deal with these problems before
they occur. The People at LawCare Trustees LawCare’s policies and development are dealt with by a Board of Trustees, who meet quarterly and who also have a Business Planning Meeting annually. They are:-
StaffLawCare’s day-to-day running is dealt with by the Chief Executive, assisted by three members of staff, together with a Consultant, Mark Hepburn, who is a specialist in issues of drug and alcohol abuse and eating disorders.
Volunteers
Absolutely essential to LawCare’s work is
its team of over 150 volunteers across the country. These are lawyers who
have experienced health issues such as those reported by LawCare’s clients
and who freely give of their time to befriend, encourage and support
impaired lawyers referred to them by the LawCare staff. Again and again,
clients report how uplifted and inspired they have felt by talking to
someone who has walked in their shoes and gone on to recover their lives.
This one-to-one help, from someone who has been through the same problem,
is invaluable to suffering lawyers, and is often a crucial element in
their recovery. Volunteers are not counsellors. Their role is primarily to
befriend and support and to give the benefit of their own experience. They
also report back to LawCare regularly, so that additional steps can be
taken if further help is needed. Statistics In 2007, LawCare opened 301 new case files and carried out a further 1,310 telephone calls relating to ongoing cases. ¨ 15% of callers reported difficulties due to addiction to alcohol and/or drugs. The number of lawyers calling about alcohol problems has remained fairly steady during the ten years that LawCare has been operating. ¨ In relation to Barristers, the numbers reporting addiction problems was higher – 32% of Barristers asking LawCare for help reported a problem with alcohol or drug addiction, which may indicate a greater preparedness to recognise this issue when it occurs and to ask for help. This percentage is higher than in 2006. ¨ For the first time there was an equal number of alcohol related calls from men and women. In past years, men have made up around two-thirds of alcohol abusing callers. ¨ 75% of calls relating to workplace bullying were from women. However, the overall number of calls relating to bullying fell from 8% in 2006 to 6% in 2007. ¨ Cases relating to addiction accounted for 12% of initial calls, but each of those cases involved an average of 5 further calls, as opposed to 3 further calls in stress or depression cases. In total, 1,310 calls were made or taken relating to the 301 cases. Calls were also made relating to case files opened in earlier years. Case Histories Case History 1 Scott was a young lawyer and a binge drinker—sober during the working week, but blind drunk all weekend. He had noticed that his binges were starting earlier and finishing later and affecting his work, and felt that the time had come to stop drinking. At the point he called LawCare, had not had a drink for two weeks. He was worried about his ability to stay sober, but his GP had been unsure as to whether Scott was alcoholic or not, since he did not suffer any withdrawal symptoms. We congratulated him on recognising his problem and confirmed that binge drinking is a form of alcoholism. We arranged for Scott to speak to a LawCare volunteer who was also a lawyer in recovery from alcohol addiction. We encouraged Scott to attend AA meetings and he was soon able to recognise that picking up the first drink was the trigger for his binges, and alter his lifestyle to prevent his benders occurring. He has now been sober for eight months. Case History 2Emma had been a lawyer for over fifteen years. However, personnel changes led to her working with a bullying partner who made her life extremely unpleasant. Coupled with the break-up of her marriage, this caused her to slip into a clinical depression. She had seen the doctor and had been signed off work for an extended period. Four months after she went on sick leave, the firm called her in for a meeting and informed her that failure to turn up to work the following day would be accepted as her resignation. Emma was still unfit for work, and did not go in. With considerable debts from the divorce, a child to support, no income and still suffering debilitating depression Emma called the LawCare helpline in some distress. We gave her details of the Solicitors’ Benevolent Association who were able to provide some funds to cover her day-to-day living expenses. We also put her in touch with the Solicitors’ Assistance Scheme through which she was able to find a solicitor to represent her in a case for unfair dismissal, and another to help with her financial difficulties. She was already receiving counselling through the NHS, but we assigned her a volunteer for additional personal one-to-one support and friendship. Although Emma’s case for unfair dismissal has yet to be heard, she is starting to recover and is hopeful for the future.
LawCare Annual Report 2006
Objectives LawCare was established in 1997 in response to a perceived problem of alcohol abuse within the legal profession. Since then its scope and the services it offers have developed considerably. Today, LawCare’s mission is twofold: To provide a support, advice, information and referral for professional treatment service to lawyers suffering from health problems such as substance abuse, addiction, stress, depression and eating disorders across the UK. In England and Wales the services are available to Judges, Barristers, Solicitors a To educate and inform the legal profession and the public at large about such issues, encouraging firms and individuals to put in place practises and policies which can help prevent problems from arising, or make them easier to deal with if they do occur. This education is vital, as 80% of those consulting LawCare with an alcohol addiction problem say that they started drinking due to stress at work. John Hopkins University calculates that alcohol abuse amongst lawyers is double the national average and that 26% of lawyers have used cocaine. Further, 1 in 4 of the general population will suffer from a depressive illness in their lifetime and lawyers suffer such illnesses almost 4 times as frequently as non-lawyers. The rate of suicide amongst lawyers is 6 times that of the general population, with it being, in North America, the third cause of death, after cancer and heart disease. LawCare’s objective is to minimise the incidences of these issues, which destroy lives, relationships and business, as well as damaging the public perception of the legal profession. Where such issues cannot be avoided, then to support the sufferer, and his / her colleagues, family and friends until the crisis has passed and recovery has been achieved. Achievements and Events January, March and April 2006 were LawCare’s busiest months on record, with 46, 51 and 41 new case files being opened respectively. Each case file can involve many hours of one to one consultation with a client; plus finding, where appropriate, a volunteer lawyer to give detailed support; plus identifying a suitable professional individual or facility for treatment, where necessary. Overall, 2006 was LawCare’s busiest year to date, with 423 new case files opened. LawCare extended its services to cover pastoral care for Barristers’ Clerks and, also, Judges in Northern Ireland, by agreement with the Institute of Barristers Clerks and the DCA respectively. Two new sets of literature were created, one to aid lawyers who were returning to work following a period away from the profession due to addiction or mental illness and the other to explain the various forms of counselling available, including contributions from therapists and counsellors about their approaches. At the annual conference of the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs, held in San Francisco, LawCare’s website was voted in third place in the award for Best Websites amongst LAPS all across the USA and Canada. There were 419 hits per day on the LawCare website during the year, demonstrating that LawCare not only assists by personal contact (the helpline and preventative education courses), but also through the materials available on the website. Each hit lasted an average of nine minutes. Operations LawCare offers its support service to lawyers through freephone telephone helplines.
These lines are open 365 days a year, operating from 9 a.m.—7.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at weekends and Bank Holidays. Clients who call these helplines are assured of totally confidential, one to one support, plus a wealth of other resources including:- discussion about their problems and the options open to them referral to a LawCare Volunteer for ongoing one-to-one support, if appropriate referral to a professional counsellor or treatment centre, if appropriate comprehensive printed information packs about the health problem affecting them advice for third parties on dealing with health issues with a relative or colleague referral to other pastoral care agencies, where appropriate. Clients are never told what to do but, rather, are guided to find solutions for themselves, with different options being suggested for consideration. Our motto is “we will walk the path with you shoulder to shoulder, but the choice of the path is yours”. After each new client calls, a case file is opened on our secure server, so that if there is on-going support, the client does not have to go through all their issues again, which can be very painful, but can pick up where he/she last left off. No one sees these files but the members of staff who man the helplines. Where a volunteer or health care professional has been involved, there are follow-up calls to ensure that the client is progressing satisfactorily in his/her recovery and the case file is updated accordingly. General statistical data is also extracted from the case files and is kept on the secure server, which enables LawCare to assist those researching articles / radio / tv programmes on the health issues affecting the legal profession. LawCare also has a very informative and easily navigable website to which those who require information, but prefer to remain anonymous, may refer. In 2006, the website had an average of 419 hits per day, with each visitor staying on line for at least 9 minutes. LawCare offers free literature to those in need. The topics covered include:- stress and depression alcohol drug misuse bullying bereavement how to deal with the issues that arise if a colleague or member of staff has an alcohol problem advice on caring for colleagues and staff with stress problems a handy and practical desktop workbook about stress and time management. debt advice on caring for someone who has an alcohol problem alternative careers LawCare also publishes a regular newsletter which includes articles on relevant health or legal issues, and is sent free of charge to anyone who requests it, currently over 1,100 individuals and firms. In addition, all LawCare volunteers receive their own newsletter keeping them up to date with developments at LawCare and within the team of volunteers, as well as giving advice and training to better equip them to help those referred to them. LawCare also offers free (except for expenses) presentations and seminars to firms, Local Law Societies, Faculties, Chambers, special interest groups etc. These are on the subjects of stress, vicarious trauma, and bullying, and aim to equip lawyers to recognise and deal with these problems before they occur. The People at LawCare Trustees LawCare’s policies and development are dealt with by a Board of Trustees, who meet quarterly. They are:
Staff LawCare’s day-to-day running is dealt with by the Chief Executive, assisted by three members of staff, together with a Consultant, Mark Hepburn, who is a specialist in issues of drug and alcohol abuse and eating disorders
Volunteers Absolutely essential to LawCare’s work is its team of over 150 volunteers across the country. These are lawyers who have experienced health issues such as those reported by LawCare’s clients and who freely give of their time to befriend, encourage and support impaired lawyers referred to them by the LawCare staff. Again and again, clients report how uplifted and inspired they have felt by talking to someone who has walked in their shoes and gone on to recover their lives. This one-to-one help, from someone who has been through the same problem, is invaluable to suffering lawyers, and is often a crucial element in their recovery. Volunteers are not counsellors. Their role is primarily to support and to give the benefit of their own experience. They also report back to LawCare regularly, so that additional steps can be taken if further help is needed. Statistics In 2006, LawCare opened 423 new case files. This was 20% higher than in 2005 (352 new case files) which was in turn 26% higher than in 2005 (279). 12% of callers were reporting difficulties with addiction to alcohol and/or drugs. This is lower than 2005 (at 20%) but higher than in previous years, when this figure has been consistently around 15%. In relation to Barristers the numbers reporting addiction problems was higher – 23% of Barristers asking LawCare for help reported a problem with alcohol or drug addiction, which may indicate a greater preparedness to recognise this issue when it occurs and to ask for help. 68% of alcohol related calls were from men, as opposed to 40% of stress/depression calls. 70% of calls relating to workplace bullying were from women, compared with 91% in 2005. Although cases related to addiction accounted for only 12% of initial calls, each of those calls involved an average of 5 further calls to deal with the case, as opposed to 3 further calls in Stress or Depression cases. In total, 1,368 calls were made or taken relating to the 423 cases. Case Histories Case History 1 Robin was an experienced City solicitor who had recently had to move to the Sheffield area in order to help care for his invalid parents. He had found a position with a firm there, but was being constantly belittled and bullied by his female supervisor. This had knocked Robin’s confidence to the extent that his GP had signed him off with stress. He was bewildered at how this could have happened to him. The LawCare staff member dealing with the call helped Robin to recognise that his supervisor felt threatened by Robin. It was suggested that he put together a list of grievances, keeping a diary as necessary, and speak to the Partners about the supervisor’s behaviour. Robin was also able to admit that he was feeling lonely, away from his old friends, and this may have contributed to his vulnerability. He was assigned a LawCare volunteer who spoke to him regularly, offering support and encouragement to help rebuild his confidence. Robin also began attending his local Law Society where he established a new network of friends. He is now back at work and feeling able to stand up to the supervisor’s behaviour. Case History 2 Gillian phoned about her Barrister husband who was using cocaine and drinking very heavily. He was very unpleasant to be with, blamed her for everything that went wrong, and was a poor parent to their young children. She had tried to discuss the problem with him but he became very defensive first, and angry later. When the possibility of treatment was mentioned she said that he would refuse to take six weeks off work to get better, even though she felt his future depended on it. She was reassured when told that her husband’s blaming behaviour was typical for an addict, and was advised that if her husband would call LawCare he could be put in touch with a volunteer—a fellow lawyer who was a recovering addict—and helped to find treatment. It was also suggested to her that she attend Al-Anon meetings where she could speak to others going through similar difficulties, and she was assigned her own LawCare volunteer, who had also had an alcoholic partner. To date Gillian’s husband has not called LawCare, but Gillian knows that the help he needs is available as soon as he is ready to ask for it, and is receiving the support she needs to cope until that time comes.
LawCare Annual Report 2005
1. Chairman's Report
2005 has seen yet another increase in the demand for LawCare's services. The number of cases opened, and phone calls in relation to ongoing cases, has reached the highest recorded figures in our history. We also recorded the largest number of new cases opened on one day - 11. Another important development has been the extension of our services to Solicitors in Northern Ireland.
On the one hand, this continued growth is very pleasing, because it means that awareness of the existence of LawCare and the help it can offer is continuing to spread. On the other hand, it is a depressing sign of the pressures on those working in the legal professions, and their families and staff, that more and more are feeling the need of the help and assistance LawCare can offer.
It is particularly satisfying that we reached 3,458 lawyers with our free, preventative education seminars. We take the view that it is far better to prevent a crisis than simply to pick up the pieces afterwards. We know only too well the very high cost of actual crises in personal terms and, potentially, in damage to the reputation of the professions.
We can not stress too much that the service which we provide is completely confidential. We are still very proud of the comfort and help we are able to bring to those who need it. We are equally grateful to all those who make it possible - all our funders, our tremendously committed staff, and our volunteers who walk beside our newer clients and help them through the difficult phase of recovery. We are also grateful to all who refer people to us - an increasing band - and we ask all who read this to spread the word, so that we can try to help even more people.
LawCare offers a free and confidential 365 day a year service to members of the legal professions and their families and staff. To misquote Voltaire, “ if it did not exist, we would have to invent it."
Robert Venables Chairman, Board of Trustees
2. Objectives
LawCare was established in 1997 in response to a perceived problem of alcohol abuse within the legal profession. Since then its scope and the services it offers have developed considerably. Today, LawCare’s mission is twofold:
To educate and inform the legal profession and the public at large about such issues, encouraging firms and individuals to put in place practises and policies which can help prevent problems from arising, or make them easier to deal with if they do occur. This education is vital, as 80% of those consulting LawCare with an alcohol addiction problem say that they started drinking due to stress at work. John Hopkins University calculates that alcohol abuse amongst lawyers is double the national average and that 26% of lawyers have used cocaine. Further, 1 in 4 of the general population will suffer from a depressive illness in their lifetime and lawyers suffer such illnesses almost 4 times as frequently as non-lawyers. The rate of suicide amongst lawyers is 6 times that of the general population, with it being, in the USA, the third cause of death, after cancer and heart disease. LawCare’s objective is to minimise the incidences of these issues, which destroy lives, relationships and business, as well as damaging the public perception of the legal profession. Where such issues cannot be avoided, then to support the sufferer, and his / her colleagues, family and friends until the crisis has passed and recovery has been achieved.
3. Achievements and Events
4. Operations
LawCare offers its support service to lawyers through freephone telephone helplines. For Solicitors and Legal Executives in England and Wales 0800 279 6888 For Solicitors in Scotland and Northern Ireland 0800 279 6869 For Judges in England and Wales and Northern Ireland 0800 018 4299 For Barristers in England and Wales 0800 018 4299 These lines are open 365 days a year, operating from 9 a.m.—7.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at weekends and Bank Holidays. Clients who call these helplines are assured of totally confidential, one to one support, plus a wealth of other resources including:- discussion about their problems and the options open to them referral to a LawCare Volunteer for ongoing one-to-one support, if appropriate referral to a professional counsellor or treatment centre, if appropriate comprehensive printed information packs about the health problem affecting them advice for third parties on dealing with health issues with a relative or colleague referral to other pastoral care agencies, where appropriate. Clients are never told what to do but, rather, are guided to find solutions for themselves, with different options being suggested for consideration. Our motto is “we will walk the path with you shoulder to shoulder, but the choice of the path is yours”. After each new client calls, a case file is opened on our secure server, so that if there is on-going support, the client does not have to go through all their issues again, which can be very painful, but can pick up where he/she last left off. No one sees these files but the members of staff who man the helplines. Where a volunteer or health care professional has been involved, there are follow-up calls to ensure that the client is progressing satisfactorily in his/her recovery and the case file is updated accordingly.
General statistical data is also extracted from the case files and is kept on the secure server, which enables LawCare to assist those researching articles/radio/tv programmes on the health issues affecting the legal profession. LawCare also has a very informative and easily navigable website to which those who require information, but prefer to remain anonymous, may refer. The website takes an average of 6,375 hits per month, with each visitor staying on line for at least nine minutes.. LawCare offers free literature to those in need. The topics covered include:- stress and depression alcohol drug misuse bullying bereavement how to deal with the issues that arise if a colleague or member of staff has an alcohol problem advice on caring for colleagues and staff with stress problems a handy and practical desktop workbook about stress and time management. debt advice on caring for someone who has an alcohol problem alternative careers LawCare also publishes a quarterly newsletter which includes articles on relevant health or legal issues, and is sent free of charge to anyone who requests it, currently over 1,100 individuals and firms. In addition, all LawCare volunteers receive their own quarterly newsletter keeping them up to date with developments at LawCare and within the team of volunteers, as well as giving advice and training to better equip them to help those referred to them. LawCare also offers free (except for expenses) presentations and seminars to firms, local law societies, faculties, chambers, special interest groups etc. These are on the subjects of stress, vicarious trauma, and bullying, and aim to equip lawyers to recognise and deal with these problems before they occur.
5. The People at LawCare
Trustees LawCare’s policies and development are dealt with by a Board of Trustees, who meet quarterly. They are:
Staff LawCare’s day-to-day running is dealt with by the Chief Executive, assisted by three members of staff, together with a Consultant, Mark Hepburn, who is a specialist in issues of drug and alcohol abuse and eating disorders
Volunteers Absolutely essential to LawCare’s work is its team of over 150 volunteers across the country. These are lawyers who have experienced health issues such as those reported by LawCare’s clients and who freely give of their time to befriend, encourage and support impaired lawyers referred to them by the LawCare staff. Again and again, clients report how uplifted and inspired they have felt by talking to someone who has walked in their shoes and gone on to recover their lives. This one-to-one help, from someone who has been through the same problem, is invaluable to suffering lawyers, and is often a crucial element in their recovery. Volunteers are not counsellors. Their role is primarily to support and to give the benefit of their own experience. They also report back to LawCare regularly, so that additional steps can be taken if further help is needed.
6. Statistics
In 2005 LawCare opened 352 new case files. This was 26% higher than in 2004 (279 new case files) which was in turn 27% higher than in 2003 (220). LawCare’s busiest day on record —with 11 new case files opened— was 19th September 2005. 20% of all cases related to alcohol. This is higher than in previous years when it has consistently been around 15%. In relation to Barristers, it was higher – 40% of Barristers calling LawCare reported a problem with alcohol., which may indicate a preparedness to recognise this issue when it occurs and to ask for help. 62% of alcohol related calls were from men, as opposed to 38% of stress/depression calls. 91% of calls relating to workplace bullying were from women. Although cases related to alcohol accounted for only 20% of initial calls, each of those calls involved an average of 5 further calls to deal with the case, as opposed to 3 further calls in Stress or Depression cases. In total, 1,234 calls were made or taken relating to the 352 cases. 7. Case Histories
Case History 1 Mark was a Barrister practising in Manchester who had a severe alcohol problem. He was not getting any work and had considerable financial difficulties. His wife had asked him to leave a year before but he had just spent the last of his money, which was set aside for rent, on whisky, and had been threatened with eviction. LawCare initially put Mark in touch with a local volunteer, but the volunteer reported that having spoken to Mark he felt that inpatient treatment was required. Mark himself asked whether he might go to The Priory. With limited funds available the Priory, at about Ł3,000 per week, was not an option, but LawCare contacted another treatment centre where costs were below Ł500 per week. We were also able to arrange funding through the Barristers’ Benevolent Association, and even sorted out kennelling for Mark’s dog. The volunteer drove Mark to the station and put him on the train, and he was met at the other end by staff of the treatment centre. At the close of the year Mark was still in treatment, had been sober for ten weeks, and was feeling much more positive and confident that he would be able to rebuild his life.
Case History 2 Alison was a newly qualified solicitor who was struggling to cope with her workload and concerned that the stress was bringing about a recurrence of an eating disorder she had suffered as a teenager. The LawCare staff member who spoke to Alison began by discussing methods of coping with the stress, but during the conversation it became apparent that Alison was wondering whether she was suited to the practice of law at all. However, when it was suggested that she consider a change of career Alison expressed the opinion that it would be a waste of her efforts in qualifying if she were to do so. The helpline operator sent Alison LawCare’s Alternative Careers pack and arranged for Alison to speak to LawCare’s specialist consultant on the subject of eating disorders. LawCare also arranged a professional counsellor for Alison. Working through her issues with the counsellor Alison concluded that it would be worse to waste her life in a profession she didn’t enjoy than waste the time she had put into qualifying. She is now fully recovered and working in a Law Centre, a job which she enjoys very much, and which draws on the knowledge and experience she has.
Please contact LawCare if you require a copy of the audited financial statements.
LawCare Annual Report 2004
1. Objectives
LawCare was established in 1997 in response to a perceived problem of alcoholism within the profession. Since then its mission and scope has developed considerably. Today, LawCare’s mission is twofold:
To provide a support, advice, information and referral for treatment service to lawyers (Judges, Legal Executives, Solicitors, Barristers, their staff and immediate families) suffering from health problems such as addiction, stress, depression. To educate and inform the legal profession about such issues, encouraging firms and individuals to put in place practises and policies which can either prevent these problems from arising, or make them easier to deal with when they do occur. How were these objectives achieved during 2004? 279 new case files were opened by LawCare (see “Operation”, page 3) during 2004. There were also 716 additional calls in relation to continuing support of existing clients. Preventative education presentations, seminars and workshops were given to legal groups across the UK, ranging from conferences to local law societies; from firms to special interest groups; from chambers to groups of law students. We reached 2,018 lawyers by this means during 2004. These courses were on the subject of stress, the most common problem reported to our helpline and also the most easily prevented. 80% of callers to our helpline complaining of an alcohol problem state that they started drinking due to work related stress. 2. Operations LawCare offers its support service to lawyers through three freephone telephone helplines.
These lines are open 9 a.m.—7.30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m.—4 p.m. at weekends and Bank Holidays, 365 days a year. Callers to these helplines are offered totally confidential support and a wealth of resources including:
A case file on each client is kept on a secure and closed computer system and, where appropriate or where a volunteer has been involved, there are follow-up calls to ensure that the client is progressing satisfactorily in his / her recovery. LawCare also has an informative and easily navigable website to which those who require information, but prefer to remain anonymous, may refer. Having consulted the website, many people then take the step of calling LawCare. The website takes an average of 5,000 hits per month, each visitor staying on for at least ten minutes. The printed literature available to those in need includes:- A comprehensive pack about stress and depression A comprehensive pack about alcohol and drug misuse Bullying Bereavement What to do if a colleague or member of staff may have an alcohol problem Advice on caring for colleagues and staff with stress problems A handy and practical desktop workbook about stress and time management. 3: Staffing Trustees LawCare’s policies and development are dealt with by a Board of Trustees, who meet quarterly. They are:
Please note that this is the trustee list as it stood in December 2004 and not necessarily the current list of trustees. Staff LawCare’s day-to-day running is dealt with by the Chief Executive, assisted by three members of staff. Hilary Tilby (Chief Executive) has been a lawyer for 30 years and is both a former Barrister and a Solicitor. Tom Paul (Co-ordinator, England and Wales) has several years experience as a practice management consultant within the legal profession. Mark Hepburn (Co-ordinator, Scotland) is a counsellor and experienced in alcohol and eating disorder treatment. Anna Jones (Administrator) has counselling training, experience of working with alcoholic solicitors, and skills in writing, design and IT. Please note that this is the staff list as it stood in December 2004 and not necessarily the current list of staff. Volunteers Also essential to LawCare’s work is its team of over 100 volunteers across the country. These are lawyers who have experienced health issues such as those reported by callers to LawCare’s helpline, and who freely give of their time to befriend, encourage and support impaired lawyers referred to them by LawCare staff. This one-to-one help, from someone who has been through the same problem, is invaluable to suffering lawyers, and often a crucial element in their recovery. 4: Statistics In 2004 we saw the number of stress calls from men overtake the number coming from women for the first time. This may be because men are now feeling more able to admit to feeling stressed or depressed. In al cohol cases the male/female split was less pronounced than in previous years, however. 36% of calls relating to alcohol abuse were from women compared with 28% the pervious year.The variety of problems reported on the helpline increased during 2004, with 16% relating to something other than stress, depression, addiction to alcohol or drugs, or bullying. These “other” impairments included a personality disorder, bulimia and obsessive compulsive disorder. Bullying cases were slightly higher than in the previous year with women slightly more likely to report being bullied than men. Trainees and Assistant Solicitors are the most vulnerable. 5: Achievements and Events
6: Chairman's Report “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”.
2004 saw LawCare help a record number of lawyers, which is something of
which I am proud. On the other hand the fact that a record number of
people needed our assistance remains worrying. 7: Case Histories Case History 1 Peter was a sole practitioner who had been battling
with depression on and off for several years. He was now suffering with
another bout and had decided that the time had come to give up his
practice. He was not achieving anything in the office, and was frustrated
at his own inability to cope. At the age of 55 he felt his career as a
solicitor was over. Hannah was a legal executive in the West Country who
called initially to say that she was suffering from depression and her
husband was unsympathetic. She didn’t want to take any anti-depressants,
but when given assurances from the LawCare staff member that they were
safe and non-addictive she asked whether there were any which would not
require her to “avoid alcohol”. LawCare Annual Report 2003
1: Objectives LawCare was established in 1997 in response to a perceived problem of alcoholism within the profession. Since then its mission and scope has developed considerably. Today, LawCare’s mission is twofold: To provide a support, advice, information and referral for treatment service to lawyers (Judges, Legal Executives, Solicitors, Barristers, their staff and immediate families) suffering from health problems such as addiction, stress, depression. To educate and inform the legal profession about such issues, encouraging firms and individuals to put in place practises and policies which can either prevent these problems from arising, or make them easier to deal with when they do occur. How were these objectives achieved during 2003? 220 new case files were opened by LawCare (see “Operation”, page 3) during 2003. There were also nearly 700 additional calls in relation to continuing support of existing clients. Preventative education presentations, seminars and workshops were given to legal groups across the UK, ranging from conferences to local law societies; from firms to special interest groups; from chambers to groups of law students. These courses were on the subject of stress, the most common problem reported to our helpline and also the most easily prevented. 80% of callers to our helpline complaining of an alcohol problem state that they started drinking due to work related stress. 2: Operations LawCare offers its support service to lawyers through three freephone telephone helplines.
These lines are open 9 a.m.—7.30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m.—4 p.m. at weekends and Bank Holidays, 365 days a year. Callers to these helplines are offered totally confidential support and a wealth of resources including: Discussion about their problems and the options open to them Referral to a LawCare Volunteer for one-to-one support, if appropriate Referral to a professional counsellor or treatment centre, if appropriate Comprehensive printed information about the health problem affecting them Advice for third parties on dealing with health issues with a relative or colleague Referral to other pastoral care agencies, where appropriate. A case file on each client is kept on a secure and closed computer system and, where appropriate or where a volunteer has been involved, there are follow-up calls to ensure that the client is progressing satisfactorily in his / her recovery. LawCare also has an informative and easily navigable website to which those who require information, but prefer to remain anonymous, may refer. Having consulted the website, many people then take the step of calling LawCare. The site took 85,700 hits during 2003. The printed literature available to those in need includes:- A comprehensive pack about stress and depression A comprehensive pack about alcohol and drug misuse Bullying Bereavement What to do if a colleague or member of staff may have an alcohol problem Advice on caring for colleagues and staff with stress problems A handy and practical desktop workbook about stress and time management. 3: Staffing Trustees LawCare’s policies and development are dealt with by a Board of Trustees, who meet quarterly. They are:
Staff LawCare’s day-to-day running is dealt with by the Chief Executive, assisted by three members of staff. Hilary Tilby (Chief Executive) has been a lawyer for 30 years and is both a former Barrister and a Solicitor. Barry Pritchard (now retired) (Co-ordinator, England and Wales) is a Solicitor and has been in recovery from Alcoholism for almost 20 years. Mark Hepburn (Co-ordinator, Scotland) is a counsellor and experienced in alcohol and eating disorder treatment. Anna Jones (Administrator) has counselling training, experience of working with alcoholic Solicitors, and skills in writing, design and IT. Volunteers Also essential to LawCare’s work is its team of over 100 volunteers across the country. These are lawyers who have experienced health issues such as those reported by callers to LawCare’s helpline, and who freely give of their time to befriend, encourage and support impaired lawyers referred to them by LawCare staff. This one-to-one help, from someone who has been through the same problem, is invaluable to suffering lawyers, and often a crucial element in their recovery. 4: Statistics In 2003, for the first time, there were an almost equal number of stress calls from male and female lawyers. Also, no one area of law stood out as the most stressful . The male/female split for the stress / depression cases was 52% female and 48% male. The male / female split in alcohol cases was far more pronounced, however, at 24% female and 76% male. Alcohol cases were also far more likely to have been secondary referrals – 39% of calls relating to an alcoholic lawyer came from someone other than the addicted professional himself, against 7% in the cases of stress or depression. For the first time in 2003 we kept records relating specifically to workplace bullying, rather than grouping these with the stress and depression cases. 70% of bullying cases came from female Solicitors, and 60% were from Trainees or Solicitors qualified five years or less. 5: Achievements and Events LawCare’s 1,000th new case file was opened during 2003. The second LawCare Lecture was held on 24th November. Though smaller than the inaugural event, it was a great success and was attended by a variety of figures from the legal and counselling professions. Two new members of staff were appointed during 2003. Mark Hepburn replaced Tony Lappin as Co-ordinator for Scotland, and Tom Paul was selected to replace Barry Pritchard, following his retirement at the end of 2003. In December 2003 the number of LawCare volunteers assisting lawyers across the country reached and then passed 100. 6: Case Histories (All names and identifying details have been changed) Case History 1 Kevin, the managing partner of a medium sized firm, telephoned us with concerns about their assistant, Brian. He was arriving at work in the morning smelling of alcohol, the quantity and quality of his work was deteriorating and he was becoming argumentative with other members of the staff. We sent Kevin a copy of our publication “An Alcoholic in the Firm?” He approached Brian in a supportive manner, indicating that the firm were anxious to keep his services and to ensure his recovery. However it was also made clear that if he was unable to deal with the problem then his future with the firm was likely to be a short one. It was suggested that Brian should contact LawCare.
After some persuasion he did so. Initially he was in strong denial both of the nature and the extent of the problem. However we put him in touch with one of our local volunteers and were able to persuade him that a sensible first step would be to go to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. The volunteer took him to his first meeting. Within two weeks Brian had stopped drinking altogether and after two months he returned to work on a structured part-time basis, the amount of time that he put in at the office increasing over the next few weeks. He is now working full time in a fully effective professional manner and the firm is delighted with his progress.
Case History 2 Margaret was a newly qualified solicitor in distress. She had found a position with a firm with the intention of dealing with a wide range of magistrates court work. She had been promised full support from the partner who had previously undertaken this work but this support had not been forthcoming. Three weeks previously she had been told that “We want you to deal with all the private client litigation.” Margaret pointed out that her experience in this area was limited. The response indicated that she had little choice in the matter if she wanted to keep her job. When she asked about appropriate training she was told that if she wanted it she would have to pay for it herself.
We suggested that the first step for her to take would be to make it clear to the firm that she was not prepared to venture into new areas of expertise without proper training and adequate backup. To help her with this we supplied her with a list of ways to say No gracefully. We also sent her some of our stress management and relaxation leaflets. Margaret felt that the experience had badly affected her self confidence. We therefore arranged for her to have a short course of counselling with a professional counsellor, who had experience of the legal profession. With this support, Margaret was able to convince the firm of the short-sightedness of their previous approach. They provided her with the necessary training and support and she is now fully enjoying the new role which she has within the firm.
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