Supporting Mental Health of Junior Lawyers

Based on the National Study on Health & Wellness Determinants of Legal Professionals in Canada, the following groups exhibit the highest levels of psychological distress:

• Professionals between the ages of 26 and 35
• Legal professionals with less than 10 years of experiences
• Articling students

There are many factors as to why this may be. After years of hard work in school, many young lawyers are eager to make their mark. This eagerness can lead them to take on more work than usual to impress senior members of the firm, prove themselves, and pay off their student loans. Given these increasing pressures, it is understandable that young lawyers starting at their firms face significant challenges. In light of these challenges, being able to support their well-being is not just a moral obligation, but also essential for sustaining a healthy, productive legal workforce.

The Stressors of Early Legal Careers

Coming out of school, junior lawyers are faced with large stressors such as:

• Long Hours / Large Workloads / Tight Deadlines:
  

  These challenges are predominant features of the profession, particularly in the early stages of a legal career, often leading to a poor work-life balance. It's common for new lawyers to feel pressure to work hard to demonstrate their value and adapt to these demanding expectations.

• Student loans:
  

  According to Slaw, a law graduate from the University of Toronto may face a law debt around $120,000 and theorized that this particular graduate would need to make around $160,000 a year in order to pay back the loan within a 10 year term at 7% interest. With a first year associate's median salary of $66,000 a year, this would be incredibly difficult. Young lawyers may then over exert themselves, which will cause them to burnout within the first few years.

• High Pressure Situations:
  

  This includes court hearings, negotiations, the adversarial nature of litigation, and pressures to perform. Especially when new to this, new lawyers feel as if they cannot make mistakes and need to absolutely prove themselves to the firm they're working for as well as any other legal party (judge, the opposing counsel, etc.).

• High Stakes:
  

  Legal matters can have profound consequences for individuals, clients, family, businesses and this can place a significant burden on lawyers in general. Understanding that any mistake falls squarely on your shoulders can be a heavy burden to bear, especially for someone new to the profession. The constant evolution of laws requires diligence to prevent malpractice issues that could potentially result in losing your license to practice.

• Compassion Fatigue:
  

  Lawyers are often exposed to traumatic and emotionally challenging situations in their line of work. The constant exposure to these events can lead to burnout that results from exposure to the suffering of others. In some cases this can even lead to an individual changing their whole worldview as a result of witnessing or hearing traumatic events experienced by others

The Importance of Mental Health Support

Addressing the mental health needs of junior lawyers is crucial for several reasons. First, retention and performance are significantly impacted when lawyers feel supported, leading to higher retention rates and better performance. Unaddressed mental health issues can cause burnout, reduced productivity, and increased turnover. Second, mental well-being is closely tied to cognitive functioning and decision-making abilities, which are essential for professional development. Ensuring junior lawyers are mentally healthy enhances their ability to learn, grow, and contribute effectively to their teams. Lastly, law firms have an ethical responsibility to care for their employees. Providing mental health support aligns with broader ethical practices and demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being.

Practical Steps to Support Mental Health

To foster a supportive environment for junior lawyers, law firms can implement several strategies:

1. Create a Culture of Openness:
   

   Encourage open conversations about mental health. Normalize discussing stress and anxiety, making it clear that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a responsible step.

2. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources:
   

   Offer access to mental health professionals, either through an employee assistance program (EAP) or by partnering with mental health organizations. Regular workshops and seminars on stress management and mindfulness can also be beneficial.

3. Mentorship Programs:
   

   Pair junior lawyers with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and a listening ear. Mentors can help junior lawyers navigate the challenges of their early careers and provide invaluable advice.

4. Flexible Work Arrangements:
   

   Where possible, offer flexible work hours and remote work options. Flexibility can help junior lawyers manage their workload more effectively and maintain a better work-life balance.

5. Regular Check-ins:
   

   Implement regular check-ins with junior lawyers to assess their workload and stress levels. These check-ins should be conducted by supervisors trained to recognize signs of mental distress and equipped to offer support.

6. Recognize and Reward Efforts:
   

   Acknowledge the hard work and achievements of junior lawyers. Positive reinforcement can boost morale and create a more supportive work environment.

Conclusion

Supporting the mental health of junior lawyers is not just a compassionate approach; it is a strategic one. By fostering a supportive, open, and flexible work environment, law firms can help junior lawyers thrive both personally and professionally. Investing in their well-being is an investment in the future success and sustainability of the legal profession.

If you want to help make a difference, Tracument is currently hosting a fundraiser to help the Distress Centres of Toronto who also staff the Suicide Crisis Helpline. If you'd like to donate please visit Walk to End Suicide to make a donation. Thank you for your support!

If you know or someone you know is in crisis, or is thinking about suicide call or text 9-8-8, where support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you're in immediate danger or need urgent medical support, call 9-1-1.