JLD research reveals 93% of junior lawyers suffered stress in month preceding survey

The Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) of the Law Society has called on firms to provide better training and support for trainees to combat high levels of work-related stress in NQs.

The JLD Resilience and Wellbeing Report was conducted in February 2017, with a survey of all JLD members. Some key findings from the report include that:

• 93% of respondents had suffered with stress in the month before completing the survey;
• 73% of respondents said that their firm could do more to support staff experiencing stress; and
• key stress factors include high workload, lack of support, client demands and ineffective management.

Kayleigh Leonie, the JLD’s council member at the Law Society, prepared the survey and commented: "This survey highlights the huge pressure that junior lawyers feel as they begin their careers, and the impact of that pressure on their mental health. The JLD will be producing guidance for employers to support them with tackling stress and mental health issues affecting junior lawyers in the workplace.”

Law Society president Robert Bourns said: "Law can be a very demanding career. We are driven to do our best for our clients, drawn to the intellectual challenge and we may thrive on the high pressure the work entails. However, if we hope to sustain a rewarding career and maintain the best services for clients, then our own, our colleagues’ and employees’ health and wellbeing are of paramount importance.”

There are a number of sources of advice and support, including:

• Law Society Pastoral Care Helpline: 020 7320 5795
• LawCare: 0800 279 6888
• Solicitors Benevolent Association: 020 8675 6440
• Solicitors Assistance Scheme: 020 7117 8811