Many lawyers need extra support at some stage during their legal careers. Legal professionals often think it’s a sign of weakness to admit that they have a problem or aren’t coping.
Here we share real stories of people in the legal community who have experienced common concerns: stress, depression, anxiety and alcohol dependence. Each person has openly shared how they recognised they had a problem, the steps they took to seek help, and how they moved on positively.
If you would like to share your story with us email gmatthews@lawcare.org.uk
Like most of my friends I enjoyed a drink through my late teens and early twenties, usually at the weekend. I qualified as a psychiatric nurse at 22, and by 25 had moved from Belfast to London to... Read More
I am 46 and a father of three. I am an employment lawyer by training, having been a partner in Jones Day and then Speechly Bircham, where I led the employment team and sat on the firm’s management... Read More
As I moved into my mid 50’s, I felt less secure in my job, which I had – I now see wrongly – come to believe was the bedrock of my existence. This was despite having a happy marriage, great children... Read More
I was working for a firm in Monaghan, and had forged a good career there, spanning 20 years, since I’d first qualified. I started to feel exhausted all the time, mainly because I wasn’t sleeping... Read More
My name is Jonathan de Lance-Holmes and I work for Linklaters LLP as a partner in the Investment Management Group. I have been working for Linklaters LLP for some time. I am married with two children... Read More
Sam Brown, partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, tells us about her experience of returning to work after a mental illness.... Read More
Chris Parsons filmed this video as part of the This is Me campaign.... Read More
Paula Dillon is a highly regarded development and investment lawyer at Womble, Bond and Dickinson with more than 30 years’ experience. She is also a member of the Northern board of the IPF and also... Read More
Caroline Bradley, barrister and LawCare volunteer, on her experiences with stress.... Read More
Blogs, 31/08/2020
I am a Graduate Member of CILEX and all being well am due to submit my application for Fellowship next month. I specialise in Wills, Trusts... Read More
Blogs, 28/07/2020
I am a retired solicitor of 35 years experience in general/commercial practice, latterly as a consultant in a national real... Read More
Blogs, 10/07/2020
Andrea Brewster, Lead Executive Officer, IP inclusive and LawCare champion tells us how running helps her I don't run far and I don't run... Read More
Blogs, 25/06/2020
I qualified as a solicitor in 1971. I have therefore seen a transition, which has not always been seamless, from a manual typewriter to an... Read More
Blogs, 04/06/2020
I have been a volunteer for LawCare since I retired from practising as a self-employed Solicitor Advocate in England and Wales. My... Read More
Blogs, 01/06/2020
Stuart Weedon, former solicitor, barrister and District Judge explains why he volunteers for LawCare as a peer supporter.... Read More
Blogs, 12/06/2020
"If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented" Dr Nick Cavill People who exercise... Read More
Blogs, 04/07/2019
I am writing this blog to emphasise the importance of good sleep habits and how poor sleep can be the cause of, not the effect of other... Read More
Blogs, 16/05/2019
The interesting thing about mental ill-health is that it often appears as harmless quirks, indistinguishable from a person’s personality.... Read More
Blogs, 14/05/2019
I’m a 6ft 3’ 30-year-old man. I grew up in a loving family, studied at a decent Uni and am a solicitor in the City. I’m not shackled by a... Read More
Blogs, 14/05/2019
When the Law Society’s Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) reported in April 2017 that the proportion of JLD members reporting ‘severe’ or... Read More
Blogs, 17/05/2019
Tuesday, around 6pm: In walks a senior associate to my room and sits down at the chair next to my desk. She says “we’ve just been... Read More
Blogs, 04/04/2019
Mental health issues are something that I care very deeply about. I’ve suffered with depression and anxiety on and off throughout my adult... Read More
