Legal profession must improve mental health at work
10 Oct 2025
Less than 1 minute read
News
The Law Society of England and Wales marks World Mental Health Day (10 October) as new research lays bare the toll on legal professionals’ mental health and the urgent need for the profession to take steps to protect those working to uphold the rule of law and administer justice.
Legal charity LawCare’s Life in the Law 2025 report provides a comprehensive overview of mental health and wellbeing in the profession.
The report reveals the current state of the legal sector, finding that:
Nearly 60% of respondents reported poor mental wellbeing
Almost 79% of respondents regularly work beyond their contracted hours
56% said they could see themselves leaving their current workplace within the next five years, with 32% reporting they could leave the sector entirely
Law Society president Mark Evans said: “LawCare’s landmark report provides an opportunity for the legal sector to take steps towards a healthier future for those working in law.
“The legal profession sees many dealing with heavy workloads and a work culture that may stigmatise being open and honest about mental health.
“Healthy lawyers are vital to a healthy sector. When mental health and wellbeing are not prioritised, it can lead to serious, financial, reputational and ethical consequences, ranging from increased error levels, loss of trust from clients and the public, as well as high rates of sick leave and staff turnover.
“Decisive action to embed mental health and wellbeing into everyday legal practice will lead to a healthy and thriving sector.”
“I will use my year in office to speak out about mental health and wellbeing and engage with our members and partner organisations in a wide range of formats.”
Notes to editors
The Law Society is an independent funder and principal founder of LawCare.
The Law Society is celebrating 200 years of supporting solicitors in England and Wales. It is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.
It is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.