What’s it really like to work in law in Scotland?

18th February 2025 | By: Trish McLellan

LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector, highlights why it’s important we know what working in law in Scotland is really like and how individuals and businesses can shape the future of the profession.

Do you think practising law in Scotland is any different to other parts of the UK? Whatever your answer, LawCare want to know what working in law is really like through their new "Life in the Law 2025" surveys.

Through two separate surveys: one for individuals in the legal sector, and another for legal organisations, such as law firms, chambers, and in-house legal departments, Lawcare wants you to help shape improvements in legal working practices.

Sparking conversations and improving workplaces

The first ‘Life in the Law’ report in 2021 was a turning point for understanding mental health in the legal sector. It highlighted the significant challenges faced by legal professionals, such as burnout, long working hours, and the prevailing stigma around discussing mental health issues. It also served as a catalyst for sparking much needed conversations about creating healthier and more supportive working environments. LawCare believes that the 2025 research presents a huge opportunity to build on this progress and are encouraging everyone in the legal sector to get involved and have their say.

Why more surveys?

It’s very straightforward: without updated information, we can’t know if organisations are effectively supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their people – the greatest asset of any business – or measure if progress is being made.

When asked why we need more surveys when the issues in the sector might already seem apparent and whether there is a possibility of survey fatigue, Trish McLellan, LawCare’s Director of Engagement and a member of Law Society of Scotland’s Wellbeing Steering Group commented:

“We see this comprehensive research canvassing the views of both individuals and organisations as adding to a growing range of existing research internationally and closer to home, including the detailed Profile of the Profession report commissioned by Law Society of Scotland. It’s very straightforward: without updated information, we can’t know if organisations are effectively supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their people – the greatest asset of any business – or measure if progress is being made.

"This research will give us insights into the current experiences of those working in law, help us understand more about what may be undermining mental health in the sector and what needs to be done to improve this, ensuring the way forward is informed and driven by the lived experiences of those at the front line.”

Building momentum: Scotland’s perspective

Despite an excellent response so far from the Scottish sector, LawCare is keen to keep up the momentum across the jurisdictions it supports. The broader the response from all parts of the sector working in a variety of locations the more comprehensive the findings and suggested solutions will be.

“The more people working in Scotland take part, the clearer the picture will be and the more relevant the findings and recommendations will be.” Trish McLellan, LawCare

James McFarlane, Legal Counsel at NatWest Group, LawCare Champion and founder of Law Society of Scotland’s Mens’ Wellbeing Group commented:

“The more LawCare know about what is going on and what our experience is, the better they can take steps to help us, as both organisations and individuals, feel better and enjoy the experience of working in the law more.”

Catherine Hart, Partner Digby Brown and LawCare Champion said: “I would encourage colleagues across the legal sector in Scotland to take part in LawCare’s Life in the Law survey.

“With focus on positive wellbeing in the profession increasing, this is a very important piece of research, and the results will help to inform the work needed to improve mental health across the legal sector.

“Completing the survey only takes about 10 – 15 minutes and, the more of us who take part and share our experiences, the more thorough the results will be in giving an accurate picture of life in the law in 2025.”

How to get involved

The surveys are open to everyone working in law and explore key issues such as working hours, job pressure, burnout, mental health at work, bullying, harassment, discrimination, your future in law, and how workplaces support wellbeing.

The research will help the sector understand why people may experience poor mental health and what practical steps organisations and individuals can take to prevent this and achieve positive change.

The surveys are anonymous and confidential, and only take about 10 to 15 minutes to fill out.