Well-Being in the Legal Profession

The National Alliance on Mental Illness states the importance of community for mental health as follows:

The following are some of the ways you can establish community in the profession. 

• Build positive relationships with those you work with.
• Participate in the Law Society Mentorship Programs, Alberta Lawyers' Assistance Society (Assist) Peer Support programs, or other lawyer centred programs.
• Participate in a Canadian Bar Association Section, other associations or virtual communities relevant to your practice area, practice type or shared identity.
• Volunteer.
• Network at events.

See Why Community Matters so Much - and How to Find Yours for other tips on finding community.

There may be times where you feel you could benefit from seeking professional support. Many lawyers utilize the benefits of professional counselling and coaching to help them work through issues and challenges and manage mental health illness. It is much easier to manage well-being issues when you deal with them early and proactively. 

You can access counselling and other mental health supports through Assist or an employment assistance program if that’s available to you. 

Assist is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides support to Alberta lawyers, articling students, law students and dependant family members. Assist provides free, confidential counselling with registered psychologists as well as education and awareness programs. Assist’s counsellors have an average of  ten years of clinical experience before joining Assist’s program, have Masters’ degrees or PhDs, and specialize in working with regulated professionals. 

Assist is an independent organization with its own board of directors, office, and staff, and is completely separate from the Law Society. Assist does not disclose personal information to anyone except as required by professional codes of conduct or law and reports only on aggregate data. 

Support also entails having the ability to rely on colleagues or other lawyers when you need to step away from practice temporarily or on a more long-term basis. We are all susceptible to concerns about our physical or mental health and other potential incapacities and every lawyer should have a contingency plan in place. The Law Society’s Business Continuity and Succession Plan Guide and Checklist provide information to consider when developing a plan specific to your practice setting. If you are looking for another lawyer to manage your practice while you are away or to assist during busy periods, Locum Connect is available to connect you with a potential locum lawyer.