Law firm culture
Wellbeing initiatives: Breakthrough or lip service?
Wellbeing awareness in law has grown significantly. Related policies and initiatives are far more common. The intention is great. But is it enough?
Category: Stress and burnout
Law firm culture
Are we pushing the profession’s future out?
Succession planning is problematic when working conditions impact wellbeing and the fallback response is, “Shut up and toughen up, or get out.”
Time management
The billable hour: Time is money. Or, is it?
The billable hour model is ubiquitous in law. It’s meant to drive productivity. But is it really just a legacy we can no longer afford?
Law firm culture
“It’s just the way it is” … Time for a new normal.
Every profession has its typical workloads, personalities, and culture. It sets expectations and builds structure. But is normal always a good thing?
Time management
Client relationships: What’s in the mix?
Managing client relationships can be challenging. With the right combination of ingredients, method, and serving suggestions, though, you can master it.
Law firm culture
Leading on wellness. Leading in law.
You mentor people, manage teams, and set professional practise and business success standards. But without leading on wellness, you’re not really leading.
Stress and burnout
Yoga is great … It’s not a complete solution.
Employee benefits like free fitness classes or memberships are well-intended. But wellbeing isn’t just a solitary pursuit. We need collaboration and multi-level reform.
Law firm culture
Constructive competition: Running your own race
Adversarial relationships are the hallmark of a legal career. But there’s a lot to be said for running solo.
Stress and burnout
Ethics and wellbeing: Structural change
There’s a lot of talk. But wellbeing in action largely remains an individual pursuit. Structural solutions are crucial for meaningful change.
Law firm culture
Ethics and wellbeing: Toxic cultural norms
Profit over people and a hypercritical culture of perfectionism and overwork. Yikes! The second article in this series explores toxic workplace culture.
Mental health
Ethics and wellbeing: Our duty of care
Is wellbeing an ethical issue? For many helping professions it is. This three-part series considers the legal profession’s stance and its impacts.
Stress and burnout
Shhh … We don’t say the “W” word!
In the theatre you can’t say, “Macbeth.” In a hospital, you dare not suggest it’s, “Quiet.” But how can “Wellbeing” be a curse?
Stress and burnout
Do you know when your people are struggling?
Research shows many legal workers struggle and they’re very good at hiding it. So, how do employers know when and how to help?
Mental health
More than just a cog the machine
Legal work often requires sacrifice. Helping others is a great motivator. But your sense of worth and wellbeing are inextricably linked.
Mental health
Imposter Syndrome: The ultimate trickster
Despite their achievements, many legal professionals are plagued by self-doubt and fear of exposure. Imposter Syndrome is the ultimate trickster, but not infallible.
Mental health
Self-care and the power of reflection
Wellbeing awareness, conversations, and initiatives have evolved. The intention is right, but where do we start?
Mental health
Is vulnerability our true super power?
Lawyers are often hailed as superheroes – stoic in the face of danger and fighting for justice. But when the mask comes off …
Mental health
How does your wellbeing program measure up?
The results are in. Awareness raised: Check. Plan promoted: Check. Initiatives implemented: Check. Actions evaluated: … Wait, what?!
Time management
Under pressure: When value is found on the bottom line
In law, the weight of unhealthy, profit-centric rules and expectations is crushing. Instead of surrendering, what if we redefined the bottom line?
Mental health
High Court decision not a fait accompli for cultural change
Employer duty of care in Kozarov v State of Victoria was uncontested. Sadly, it didn’t help the plaintiff, and may not help others.
Article Topics
If you wish to gauge your emotional wellbeing, consider evaluating your distress level with the expertise of Beyond Blue through their K10 Anxiety and Depression Test. The results are anonymous, giving you the freedom to decide what to do next – seek assistance or simply acknowledge your mental wellbeing. Remember, you are not alone, and support is available.
Latest Posts
Wellbeing initiatives: Breakthrough or lip service?
Wellbeing awareness in law has grown significantly. Related policies and initiatives are far more common. The intention is great. But is it enough?
Are we pushing the profession’s future out?
Succession planning is problematic when working conditions impact wellbeing and the fallback response is, “Shut up and toughen up, or get out.”