Lawyers look for help amid covid-19 concerns

Lawyers have been seeking specialist support with their mental health since the UK’s lockdown began in March, according to recent figures.

Legal mental health charity LawCare revealed that 48 legal professionals have been in contact since 10 March.

Working from home, financial issues due to furloughing or pay cuts, and mental health concerns are among the issues being raised, as well as relationship strain, childcare issues and being asked to work while on furlough.

LawCare’s Chief Executive Elizabeth Rimmer said: “We feel this is very much the tip of the iceberg and anticipate in the coming weeks more and more legal professionals will contact us as the emotional and financial impact of the pandemic begins to really hit home.

“We would like to remind all legal professionals, including support staff, they can contact us for free, in confidence, to discuss anything that is bothering them. Talking through your problems with one of our trained staff and volunteers, who have all worked in the law themselves, can really help.”

A LawCare covid-19 hub has been created, in addition to support via email, webchat and a peer support service.

Meanwhile, lawyers who rent shared accommodation are reportedly experiencing the greatest strain during this period, according to a survey of 1,000 people from professional recruitment firm Walters People.

Researchers found that of those working from home in shared accommodation only 18% were satisfied with their arrangements and 6% felt their productivity levels had increased. Further research revealed that home working has negatively impacted a third of people in shared accommodation, while a quarter of professionals reported space to be limited, meaning many had to work from their beds.