Dr Kate Jackowski1, Dr Kayleigh Young2, Dr Tina Popa3, Dr Christina Platz4
1Director of Workplace Conversations, Melbourne, Vic, 3000, 2Director of Workplace Conversations, Melbourne, Vic, 3000, 3Senior Lecturer, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic, 3000, 4Senior Lecturer, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic, 3000
Abstract:
There is a spotlight on mental health, with government initiatives in Australia highlighting the importance of, and need for, greater focus on psychological wellbeing and on addressing psychosocial hazards and harms at work. The growing body of evidence in Australia and internationally suggests that the mental health and wellbeing of lawyers is adversely affected by their work. This cross-disciplinary evidence highlights the need for mental health concerns to be addressed systemically to prevent psychosocial injury and for tailored, proactive psychological support services in the legal environment. In this symposium, we present evidence derived from qualitative interviews with Victorian personal injury lawyers, which form part of a broader study of lawyers and mediators engaged in emotion-laden work. This study aimed to ascertain to what extent the legal system considers the emotional wellbeing and mental health needs of personal injury disputants, lawyers and mediators, identify ways to reduce stigma associated with help seeking and inform proactive prevention initiatives and tailored support services. Findings from this build on past research and continue to highlight themes around stigma, vicarious trauma and collegial support and call attention to the psychological impact of legal practice on Australian lawyers. From this, we will discuss preventative measures that have been developed and are in the process of being implemented to avoid psychosocial injury and provide much-needed specialised support services.