The power of connection in the legal profession

If you’re struggling now, contact the Samaritans anytime on 116 123 or Lawcare during office hours on 0800 279 6888. In an emergency, contact 999.

World Suicide Prevention Day is 10 September every year. When this day rolls around, we talk a lot about suicide but only a little about prevention. Whether it be a close family member, a friend or an inspirational role model, everyone has been impacted by suicide. One of the most easily accessible prevention mechanisms is connecting with others.

There are a lot of assumptions about the legal profession – demanding, high stress, lots of pressure, not particularly collegiate. You can decide whether they’re accurate or not but what’s beyond doubt is that, no matter what profession you work in, human connection is important for your wellbeing. Berkeley ExecEd suggests that "social connection is so hard-wired into human behavior, it makes sense that our relationships (or lack thereof) significantly influence our well-being."

With legal practitioners across the UK reporting elevated levels of burnout and emotional detachment, is connecting with others part of the solution to this problem? Whilst doing my research for this blog, I found source after source telling me that disconnection contributes to addiction, anxiety, depression, heart disease, and a suppressed immune system. Those are the highlights; the truth is, the list is much longer!

So, who is responsible for fixing the problem? The answer is, everyone. Lawcare’s Life in Law resource discusses the concept of collective responsibility, suggesting everyone in the profession has a part to play. Whether the lack of connection within the profession is the cause of burnout and emotional detachment doesn’t really matter, it’s a strategy and one of several solutions.

As the legal landscape evolves, so too should the approach to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In this blog, we explore the crucial significance of wellbeing and connection for legal professionals and delve into the actionable steps that they can take to foster a sense of harmony and fulfilment in their careers and personal lives.

• Connection is not digital (especially not through social media); it’s not an exchange of information. It is about sharing stories, being present, and reducing barriers between colleagues. The benefits of increased social capital are different for each person, but the most common benefit is being happy.
• Networking with colleagues, mentors, and clients can lead to new opportunities and a deeper understanding of the legal landscape.
• Neglecting one's mental, emotional and physical health not only impacts individual performance but also undermines the profession's overall effectiveness. A stressed and overworked solicitor is more likely to experience reduced cognitive function, decision-making impairments, and decreased empathy towards clients. Talking to others can help you cultivate empathy, which in turn can motivate you to take action.
• Solicitors often find themselves navigating complex cases that involve significant emotional and ethical dilemmas. This emotional burden can take its toll, leading to compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. Seeking peer support to debrief or social support can help reduce the risk of trauma.
• Prioritising wellbeing is not a sign of weakness but a strategy for increased resilience and effectiveness. In fact, according to the University of Oxford, positive wellbeing has a big impact on productivity.

Prioritising wellbeing and connection is not just a personal responsibility for legal professionals, it is a crucial step towards building a more resilient and compassionate legal community. By nurturing our mental and emotional health and fostering genuine connections, we can create a legal profession that not only advocates for justice but also supports the wellbeing of its practitioners.

How an individual and an organisation work to connect with each other is determined by a variety of factors. Here are some examples of ways you can get involved:

• Join our Men’s Wellbeing Group: This has been running for over a year now as a community group where men can have a chat with no set agenda. The group is a safe space to meet fellow solicitors and talk about your wellbeing.
• Become a mentor: You can offer support and guidance to a future member of the profession. You’ll enhance your leadership skills and form a connection with someone that offers to widen your perspective. The Law Society has a number of mentoring opportunities, and many other organisations and charities also have mentoring schemes. It’s up to you whether you want to share your legal knowledge or get involved in an area outside of your day-to-day practice.
• Join a committee: The Society regularly advertises for committee members, which is an opportunity to connect with others and contribute to the community and the profession. Volunteering your expertise to an organisation or charity builds your social capital as well as helping others.
• Sign up to the Lawscot Wellbeing LinkedIn community: We recently created this group as a social space to share information and connect with others. We’d love for you to join our group to learn and talk about events, resources, and useful information.

Connections are not just about building a professional network, they’re about fostering a sense of belonging and support. By investing time in cultivating relationships you can strengthen your overall wellbeing, enhance your career and positively impact the legal community.