LawCare figures indicate sharp rise in legal professionals seeking anxiety support

A total of 738 legal professionals sought support from LawCare in 2020, rising 9% on 2019’s figure, according to the mental health charity’s 2020 Impact Report.

Of the 964 calls, webchats and emails the charity received last year, 23% related to stress and 15% to anxiety. Other reported problems included bullying, depression and concerns regarding career development.

The charity experienced its biggest increase in legal professionals reporting anxiety concerns – the figure rose from 45 people in 2019 to more than 100 in 2020. Women made up 69% of those who contacted the service, with half being trainees or pupils, or less than five years qualified, and 6% being law students.

It’s unsurprising to learn that from March 2020, 34% of all calls, emails and webchats to the support service at LawCare had a coronavirus element. The most common problems being reported were concerns relating to existing mental health issues and remote working issues, such as not being allowed to work from home or struggling to adapt to remote working as a result of poor supervision, procedures or equipment. More than 10% felt isolated, while others felt overloaded with work often as a direct result of furloughed colleagues.

Childcare issues, relationship strain, redundancy, job search and financial worries were among other issues raised that linked to the pandemic. The charity also spoke to legal professionals who were being requested to work after being furloughed.

CEO of LawCare Elizabeth Rimmer said: “Our support service continues to grow and help more people year on year. 2020 was a challenging year for most, we are not surprised that anxiety increased at a time of great worry and uncertainty. In addition our website traffic increased by 50% and we allocated more peer supporters and funded more counselling sessions last year than ever before.  We expect demand to continue to grow in 2021 as legal professionals continue to navigate the challenges presented by covid-19.”

Anyone working in the legal industry, including support staff can contact LawCare for free, confidential and emotional support on 0800 279 6888, via email or the charity’s website.