LawCare report reveals stress and anxiety as most common reason legal professionals seek support
updated on 12 February 2025
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Mental health charity LawCare’s recent report revealed a 35% increase in people reaching out for support in 2024. The charity was contacted 1,037 times – the most ever in a single year and a 13% increase on 2023 – with stress and anxiety the most common reason people contacted the charity for support.
Career concerns (15%) and workplace bullying and harassment (10%) were the next most cited reasons. The organisation offered peer support to 82 people in 2024, a 17% increase on 2023. One person commented that it was “incredibly helpful” and “great […] to know somebody was there to listen”.
Private practice solicitors made up the largest group of individuals LawCare assisted at 43%. This was followed by trainee solicitors (10%), in-house solicitors (7%), barristers (5%) and paralegals (4%). The report also highlighted that 21% of supported individuals who disclosed their diversity data identified as having a disability.
LawCare is also running its Life in the Law 2025 survey to find out more about why people are experiencing poor mental health and what steps individuals can take to prevent it. There are currently two surveys open until 21 March, one for individuals and one for businesses.
Chief executive of LawCare, Elizabeth Rimmer, said: “At LawCare, we believe real, positive change happens when we come together as a community. 2024 was our busiest year ever, with people reaching out to us for support more than 1,000 times. This shows both the growing pressures in the legal sector and the increasing courage to ask for help.
“Behind every number is a person – a junior lawyer battling imposter syndrome, a lawyer facing burnout, a business support professional struggling with anxiety. These stories are why our work matters. Our goal is simple but vital: to create a legal sector where mental health is a priority and everyone can thrive."
Read this Feature to find out more about mental health in the legal profession.
