Ottawa, October 11, 2024 – The second phase of the national study on wellness in the legal profession has been published, sharing more critical insights into the mental, physical, and emotional challenges within the legal profession in Canada.
Building on the first phase of the study, released in 2022, that presented an overview of the mental health and wellness of Canadian legal professionals, this second phase contextualizes the findings and provide detailed feedback to inform recommendations that consider regional factors.
Phase II produced 12 distinct research reports, one for each law society in Canada, with the exception of the three territories, which were the subject of a single report. A consolidated report synthesizes the overall approach and the results.
Among the main highlights of the study, participants expressed concern about the profession’s culture, which often runs counter to work-life balance and prioritizing personal well-being. New legal professionals, in particular, face added pressure from billable-hour targets during the early stages of their careers. Additionally, stigmatization of mental health struggles remains prevalent, with over half of legal professionals believing that such issues are viewed as a sign of weakness. The report emphasizes the need for greater support and mentorship for young lawyers to promote both mental well-being and professional growth.
The study also shares several well-being initiatives introduced by law societies across Canada, some of which align with the recommendations from Phase I. Each Phase II report also offers a non-exhaustive list of existing resources for legal professionals in their respective jurisdiction, along with insights into what more could be done.
Quotes
“This comprehensive report continues to highlight the heavy toll that our daily work takes on legal professionals. As the justice system is a critical pillar of our democratic system, the high levels of distress experienced by legal professionals should be a concern for all, not just members of our profession. This is why we must continue examining how we conduct business, so that together, we can create healthier work environments and remove the stigma around mental health.”
“Having the data in hand is an essential step in ensuring everyone has the resources they need to tackle their health challenges. The targeted recommendations will help guide our ongoing efforts in the years ahead on this critical issue.”
— CBA President Lynne Vicars
“Generally speaking, legal professionals are stressed and overworked, do not pay enough attention to proper nutrition, do not take enough time to exercise and sleep. People in our profession do not place enough emphasis on either physical or mental health. There is an odd exception for marathon runners and triathletes, but they are, by far, a very small slice. Most of us try to fit healthy habits around our practices.”
— Participant Feedback
Quick Facts
- The Towards a Healthy and Sustainable Practice of Law in Canada project is a partnership between the Université de Sherbrooke, the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and the Canadian Bar Association.
- It is the first comprehensive national study of its kind of the legal profession in Canada and represents five years of research.
- Phase I of the study reported that significantly higher levels of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, burnout and suicidal ideation are experienced by legal professionals compared to the Canadian working population overall, and even greater proportions are reported by younger professionals and members of equity-seeking groups.
- For many years, the CBA has recognized the unique needs of our profession and worked to find solutions that allow our members to lead healthy, balanced lives. Since 1989, the CBA’s Well-Being initiative has been offering support, providing advice, and developing training to allow Canada’s legal professionals to lead healthy, balanced lives.
Related links
Phase II – Consolidated report
CBA Well-Being Committee
Lawyer Assistance Programs
About the Canadian Bar Association
The CBA is dedicated to support the rule of law and improvement in the law and the administration of justice. Some 40,000 lawyers, judges, notaries in Quebec, judges, law teachers and law students from across Canada are members.
For more information, contact:
Vanessa Racine
Manager, Media Relations and Public Affairs
613-237-2925 x153
vanessar@cba.org