The Law Society is concerned about new research published this week showing that New Zealand lawyers and law students have higher levels of depression, anxiety and psychological distress than international counterparts and other professions across the board.
The study surveyed nearly 800 New Zealand lawyers and law students over three years, and was carried out by Associate Professor Dr. Aaron Jarden, at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Wellbeing Science.
Law Society Chief Executive Katie Rusbatch says "the more focused data there is in this area, the better. High levels of depression, anxiety and stress are of great concern.”
Ms Rusbatch says that the Law Society will look at the research. The Law Society’s 2023 Workplace Environment Survey looked at workplace wellbeing and showed that three quarters of the legal community have a great deal of job satisfaction. Ms Rusbatch says this is not surprising. “Many lawyers say that they entered the legal profession because they want to help people.” In that survey job stressors were reported to have reduced since 2018; however, lawyers were less likely to feel that their stress is appropriately managed in 2023. “We know that some areas of legal work such as criminal law and family law are under immense workload pressure,” says Ms Rusbatch. Many lawyers are also experiencing financial stresses, with the Law Society’s Cost of Practice report finding that the cost of practising law in New Zealand has increased by an average of 15.3 per cent every year over the past three years.
With more than 16,500 lawyers across the motu, the legal community in Aotearoa New Zealand represents a large community of people carrying out important mahi every day. “We recognise and respect that each and every day can bring unique challenges to lawyers, many of which are high stress triggers that can negatively impact mental wellbeing. Through our network of branches, sections and national support services, the Law Society offers practical help, support and connection for people in legal workplaces,” Ms Rusbatch says.
The Law Society has a programme to support the profession in all areas of mental health. As well as the opportunities for connection provided by a nationwide network of branches, sections and groups, it includes free confidential counselling, a Friends Panel, Practising Well resources, and guidance for new lawyers.
The Law Society has also contracted Vitae to offer a free and confidential counselling service. More than 500 individuals have taken advantage of this service in the past two years.
“As a regulator, we’re aware that if left unaddressed, poor wellbeing can flow into disciplinary issues,” Ms Rusbatch says. “We’d prefer to prevent those outcomes, and I encourage lawyers to take advantage of the Law Society’s Practising Well initiatives.”
“Part of our role as an advocate for the profession is the frequent conversations that we have with the judiciary and others involved in the legal system about the wellbeing of lawyers.”
“We’re aware that providing options to help with individual symptoms will only go so far – there is a significant role for workplaces in recognising the collective nature of wellbeing and building healthy workplaces.” Ms Rusbatch continued.
“We recognise that good mental health does not happen by accident. Mental Health Week encourages us all to focus on looking to our networks, connections and communities as a way of supporting our ongoing mental health.”
Options for lawyers:
- Make a call – use the free and confidential counselling service Vitae
- Connect with lawyers in your area – there are local events and networking opportunities Law Society Events
- Connect with a local branch or specialists in your practice area: Branches, Sections and Groups
- The Law Society provides a mentoring programme as a free way to connect with other lawyers and support each other professionally.
- Use the resources on our Practising well website pages
- Read our guidance especially designed for New Lawyers
- Consider giving back by mentoring a new lawyer Become a mentor
- Read the advice on lawyer wellbeing from clinical psychologist Dr Sarah Anticich
Read the research from Associate Professor Dr. Aaron Jarden.