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Recession sparks stress epidemic in profession

8 June 2009 | By Luke McLeod-Roberts

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The recession is leading to record numbers of lawyers suffering from stress and depression, according to health advice line for the legal profession LawCare.

The charity has opened 274 case files so far this year, up from 249 in the same period last year. This year 71 per cent of cases involved lawyers reporting stress and depression compared with 63 per cent in 2008.

The downturn and redundancy were factors in 23 per cent of all cases, compared with 7 per cent for the first six months of 2008.

“Unfortunately we haven’t got a magic wand and can’t create jobs, but we do put people in touch with practising lawyers and ­professional counsellors,” a spokesperson said.

Seven per cent of all cases involve alcohol and drug problems. But information from other organisations and anecdotal evidence ­suggest the true number affected is much higher, said the spokesperson.

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Readers' comments (2)

  • Anonymous | 8-Jun-2009 1:12 pm

    I’m a junior solicitor and have been unable to secure any legal work for the last 14 months as either a junior lawyer or a paralegal. Lawcare really helped me a few months ago when things just got too much and I found myself staring into space, crying and thinking irrational thoughts. Despite still being out of work, I now know I am doing everything I can to secure a job and with the support of Lawcare and other professionals I know I’m not alone and can get help. Thank you for being there Lawcare you really do make a difference :-).

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  • Anonymous | 11-Jun-2009 5:20 pm

    I am a Solicitor in an LLP in Norfolk with a young family to feed clothe and house. Like everyone I spend the day looking over my shoulder or above me to see whether the redundancy sword is falling on me.
    Everyonew I work with feels the same. Thank goodness there is some one out their to talk to.

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