Are law firms prioritising the mental health of lawyers?

In recent years, the legal sector has increasingly recognized the importance of mental health and well-being. The high-pressure environment of law firms can often lead to stress, burnout, and other mental health challenges. This topic is dear to my heart as a working parent in a somewhat pressurised job and mum of two primary school aged children.

I was planning on writing this blog around World Mental Health Day back in October and the irony of me missing my deadline for my “World Mental Health Day” blog is not lost on me! Nor was the level of stress I experienced, in trying to find my 7 year old, pink obsessed little girl something yellow to wear to school to mark this day! Yellow, as it turns out is not a popular colour for my daughter or her peers, and I couldn’t help but chuckle on our way to school at some of the stress inducing efforts that some parents had clearly gone to! World Mental Health Day (along with the dreaded World Book Day!) and of course the latest challenge – a Christmas nativity costume – are often not ideal for working parents.

It’s not that I believe any of these days or celebrations should go unmarked - quite the contrary. Caring for our mental health is something we should be actively doing very regularly - whether it’s meditation, yoga, exercise, coffee / wine with friends or attending the school Christmas play. Different things will work for different people, but it’s all cup filling food for the soul. For those of us juggling work, kids, life especially in the current festive season, there is understandably less time in a day to prioritise our own wellbeing. This is where a supportive employer really comes into their own.

Many law firms are now taking proactive steps to support their employees' mental well-being. There are many things that contribute to a mentally healthy workplace, from providing training on mental health to tackling discrimination and bullying. Importantly, a mentally healthy workplace supports open conversations about mental health.

Here are some of the strategies being implemented, along with specific examples from leading law firms that are really flying the managing mental health ‘flag’:

1. Mental health programmes and resources

CMS Nabarro Olswang have established a mental health and wellbeing committee that provides a safe forum for members to discuss and share ideas and feedback. They have 4200 wellbeing ambassadors located across all UK offices who are trained in mental health awareness and offer confidential support. They have established a ‘Time Out, No Questions Asked’ programme where employees can take one month of unpaid leave per year, in addition to their regular annual leave.

Bristows employees enjoy a wellbeing consultation day, with a specialist medical provider providing 1-2-1 sessions that staff can book for physical and mental health screening. They have a team of 30 qualified mental health first aiders across the firm, which represents just under 10% of the staff and partners.

Other firms include O'Melveny & Myers which has a "Living Well" programme that offers a range of mental health resources and support. Many firms including Shoosmiths provide access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that offers confidential counselling and support services. Others are introducing comprehensive mental health programmes that include access to therapy, counselling services, and mental health apps like Calm and Headspace. Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe is recognized for its wellness programmes that include physical, emotional, and social well-being activities, while Addleshaw Goddard runs wellness programmes that include fitness challenges and mindfulness sessions.

2. Flexible working arrangements

To help balance the demanding nature of legal work, many law firms offer flexible working including remote work options, flexible hours, and the ability to take mental health days. Magic Circle firms like Clifford Chance have been noted for their flexible working policies which help employees manage workload and reduce stress, as do many regional firms including DWF and TLT who offer flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

3. Creating a supportive culture

Building a supportive and open culture is crucial for addressing mental health issues. Law firms are beginning to actively foster environments where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of stigma. McDermott Will & Emery has implemented training for managers to recognize signs of mental distress and provide support. Pinsent Masons is one of many firms that now advertise that they actively promote a culture of openness and support through the mental health first aiders programme.

4. Allocating billable hours to wellbeing

Some innovative firms are allowing lawyers to allocate a portion of their billable hours to wellness activities. Ropes & Gray has adopted this approach, emphasizing the importance of mental health within the firm's operational framework. Eversheds Sutherland allows employees to dedicate time to wellness activities as part of their work schedule.

5. Regular check-ins and surveys

Regular check-ins and anonymous well-being surveys help firms to gauge the mental health of their staff and identify areas for improvement are now becoming the norm. Latham & Watkins and Burges Salmon use these tools to tailor their support programmes to meet employees' needs.

6. Support groups and peer networks

Establishing support groups and peer networks within a firm can provide employees with a sense of community and shared understanding and we have seen these in firms that include Fried Frank and Mills & Reeve. Both have peer support networks that offer a platform for individuals to share their experiences and support each other, as well as fostering a supportive community and culture. Travers Smith have established employee-led groups including the Menopause Awareness Group, Bereavement Support Group and Cancer Support Network, which provide support to those dealing with these issues.

7. Training and Education

Ongoing training and education about mental health are essential. Law firms are organizing workshops and seminars to educate employees about mental health issues, coping strategies, and available resources. White & Case regularly conducts mental health workshops and TLT offers mental health training sessions to all employees.

8. Special Initiatives during the Christmas Period

The holiday season can be particularly stressful for many including legal professionals as they juggle end-of-year client work and personal commitments. I am, like many parents, balancing the nativity plays, Christmas performances on top of a still busy work diary and other personal commitments.

To address this, many law firms implement special initiatives during the festive period:

Extended breaks: Some firms, like Leiper Gupta Family Lawyers, consider extended closing over the Christmas period to allow staff to take a well-earned break, helping them relax and recharge
Holiday well-being programmes: Firms such as Quarles & Brady promote mental health during the holidays by encouraging staff to take time off, offering holiday-themed wellness activities, and providing additional support resource
Flexible scheduling: Firms like Shoosmiths, Eversheds and DWF specifically offer flexible scheduling during the holiday season
Parental support: Pinsent Masons provides parental support programmes that include counselling and workshops on managing stress and work-life balance. Burges Salmon offers holiday childcare support to help parents manage their workload while ensuring their children are cared for during school holidays.

In summary

Feeling supported in the workplace is vital not only to your mental health and work / life balance, but also your career prospects and progression opportunities. No one can reach their full potential whilst constantly feeling on the verge of burnout.

The legal sector is making significant strides in addressing mental health challenges. By implementing the above strategies, law firms are not only supporting their employees' well-being, but also fostering a more productive and positive work environment. As the conversation around mental health continues to grow, it is encouraging to see law firms leading the way in creating healthier workplaces.

I feel very grateful to work for such a flexible and supportive employer Chadwick Nott and have full sympathy for those battling their way to Christmas. Life is to be lived and enjoyed, not endured. If you feel your law firm could do more and you would like to hear about some of the progress firms are making, or you would just like a whinge about the struggles of working parents balancing their careers, then please get in touch…… I’m all ears! There is nothing more rewarding than finding a lawyer a new role at a firm that offers the right culture and support needed.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Briony Barber at Chadwick Nott.

(m) 0121 726 9738
(e) emmalester@chadwicknott.co.uk