How Lexlink is helping legal professionals carry the weight of their role
By Matteo Carli
Partner at CRELEX Studio Legale (Italy)
Member of the Executive Board
When I look back at some of the conversations I have had with colleagues and other professionals in our sector about the challenges of the career we have chosen, we usually end up discussing the weight of the work.
Anyone who has worked as a solicitor or paralegal has experienced the long hours, the high stakes and the demand for precision.
The professionals who work with individuals on matters relating to domestic violence, medical negligence, victims of crime and other deeply personal cases also carry the emotional weight these cases bring.
These are all factors that make our profession so globally respected, but they are also ones that can take a personal toll.
Wellbeing is a shared responsibility
In honour of World Mental Health Day this October, I would like to share some insights on how we, as part of the Lexlink Network, can continue to support mental health and wellbeing across borders.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than one billion people worldwide are living with mental health disorders.
The most common, as I am sure many of you have already guessed, are anxiety and depression.
Two conditions that can make it that much harder to do your job effectively by quietly causing a drop in concentration, motivation and confidence if not carefully managed.
With the WHO figures in mind, it is not hard to come to the realisation that some of the people you work with or some of your clients may have some kind of mental illness.
This should encourage us all to pay closer attention to the people around us and to actively work to improve conditions in our workplaces, which should benefit everyone.
Since 2020, many countries have made progress in strengthening mental health policies, improving preparedness for emergencies and adopting more rights-based approaches.
However, that momentum has not always translated into legal reform. Fewer countries have implemented rights-based mental health legislation and only 45 per cent have laws that fully comply with international human rights standards.
I hope that greater awareness and advocacy will help to close this gap in the near future.
Recognising the mental health risks within our profession
The nature of our work means we are constantly working on complex issues, and while our focus is often on helping others, we sometimes forget to apply the same care to ourselves and our colleagues.
As I mentioned earlier, the risks to mental health within the legal sector typically stem from the long working hours and extensive workloads.
However, there are also other contributing factors, such as a lack of clear roles within firms, insufficient support for those who need it or a lack of career progression.
When long hours and constant availability are seen as marks of dedication, it becomes difficult to admit when we are tired or struggling.
We need to work together to ensure that this type of mindset does not continue.
Changing what it means to show strength
Across the Lexlink Network, our members are beginning to challenge this traditional culture of endurance and replace it with one of openness and support.
Some examples that come to mind are encouraging teams to work more sustainably, to take time off without guilt and to set clearer boundaries between professional and personal life to reduce burnout.
Another is offering a confidential support channel so colleagues know where to turn to when the pressure is getting too much to handle alone.
Several firms have also started to build wellbeing discussions into regular team meetings, treating them as part of the professional conversation rather than a personal concern to be hidden away.
We have also introduced internal mentoring schemes where senior solicitors check in with their younger colleagues to talk about the work itself, but also how they are coping.
These conversations have started to bridge gaps across generations and created a stronger sense of shared understanding within teams.
Making wellbeing part of everyday practice
I think the best way to start making mental health a less “taboo” topic is by building wellbeing into the daily aspects of what we do.
The more people are exposed to the signs that someone might be struggling and understand how to respond, the less uncomfortable these conversations become.
Over time, discussing stress, pressure or burnout should feel no different from discussing a heavy caseload or a challenging client matter.
I encourage everyone within the Lexlink Network to keep these conversations going.
Ask how your team is managing. Notice when someone seems quieter than usual. Share what has worked in your firm so that others can learn from it.
The more we care for the people doing the work, the better the work itself becomes.
