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Mental health and wellbeing

Working as a solicitor offers many rewards but can also be very challenging. The Law Society aims to alleviate these challenges, particularly in the areas of mental health and wellbeing.

The following resources can help solicitors easily find the information they need to overcome both their own personal difficulties as well as those faced by their clients.

Mental health organisations

beyondblue is the national depression initiative, providing comprehensive online information on the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety and how to help someone. You can also ring their info line on 1300 22 4636 for the cost of a local call.

The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit, educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in depression and bipolar disorder. Their website features a host of resources and links, up-to-date research and information on community programs and getting help.

Support for solicitors

Members Assistance Program (MAP)

The Law Society has engaged the services of Davidson Trahaire Corpsych to provide members with an additional support service for both personal and work related issues. MAP offers confidential and short-term counselling by qualified social workers and psychologists 24 hours a day.

MAP is similar to Employee Assistance Programs provided by many employers and can be accessed in person, by telephone or online. MAP is provided free of charge to members of the Law Society. Call 1300 360 364  or visit www.davcorp.com.au. 

Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP)

The Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP) is a free and confidential counselling service for solicitors suffering from stress, depression or other personal difficulties. By contacting LAP you initially speak in confidence with a trained coordinator, who is also an experienced solicitor.

In addition to offering a sympathetic, yet impartial ear, the coordinator may also point you in the direction of suitable counsellors, agencies or schemes such as LawCare for further assistance. To speak with the LAP coordinator call 1800 777 662.

LawCare

LawCare is a professional and confidential counselling service for solicitors and their immediate family members. Counsellors available through LawCare are practising GPs experienced in dealing with the unique difficulties faced by professionals.

Initial assessment and referrals by phone are free of charge. Costs will only be incurred for face-to-face consultations and much of this can be claimed back through Medicare or private health cover for clinically relevant medical conditions. Call 0416 200 788 to speak to a counsellor at LawCare.

Senior Solicitors' Scheme

The Senior Solicitors’ Scheme provides confidential assistance to solicitors who are the subject of a complaint with the Legal Services Commissioner. It aims to resolve problems before they reach a more serious stage. For more information go to the Senior Solicitors' Scheme page.

Solicitors Benevolent Association

The Solicitors Benevolent Association can assist in relieving financial distress suffered by a solicitor or former solicitor, their immediate family or any surviving spouse or dependant. Visit the Solicitors Benevolent Association page for more information.

Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation

The Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation is an independent organisation that aims to decrease distress, disability and the causes of depression and anxiety in the legal profession. Visit the Foundations' website for more information.

Helpful articles

The Law Society Journal has published a number of articles on stress and wellbeing issues. To access these (you will be prompted to log in as a member or subscriber), conduct an Advanced Search on the Journal Archive, using Search terms such as 'stress', 'lawcare', 'lawyers assistance program', 'depression', 'chris shrewsbury', 'ian chung'.

Support for clients

Mental Health Links for Lawyers is a central online information source of mental health services in NSW. This website provides a roadmap to accessing services for clients who may be experiencing mental health problems. 

Understanding Your Clients and Mental Illness is a quick reference guide produced by NSW Young Lawyers to assist legal practitioners with clients who have a mental illness.