The demanding nature of the legal profession is no secret. Long hours, high-stakes cases, and the immense responsibility of upholding justice can take a significant toll on a practitioner’s overall wellbeing. Fortunately, a robust network of organisations across Australia understands these unique pressures. They are dedicated to providing support across a wide spectrum of challenges from managing workplace stress and professional pressures to addressing clinical mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
This comprehensive guide provides a direct link to the key national, state, and territory-based services committed to fostering psychological health and holistic wellbeing. Whether you need confidential counselling for a personal issue, resources to build resilience, or professional guidance, these organisations are here to help.
National Support Services
These organisations provide resources and support to legal professionals across Australia.
- Minds Count Foundation: A leading national charity at the forefront of promoting psychological health and safety in the legal profession. The foundation is responsible for the pivotal TJMF Psychological Wellbeing Guidelines and offers a wealth of resources for legal workplaces and individuals.
- Support For Lawyers: This service provides confidential online counselling delivered by psychologists and counsellors who have a specific understanding of the unique pressures faced by those in the legal profession.
- BarCare: BarCare provides free, confidential counseling and support from specialists for Australian barristers and their immediate families.
- Beyond Blue: While not exclusive to the legal sector, Beyond Blue is one of Australia’s most recognised mental health organisations. It offers an extensive range of trusted information, resources, and 24/7 support services for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.
- Law Council of Australia: The Law Council has a dedicated mental health and wellbeing portal, providing a centralised source of information, resources, and initiatives for the legal profession.
- Mental Health First Aid Australia: This organisation offers a specialised “Standard Mental Health First Aid for the Australian Legal Profession” course, equipping legal professionals with the skills to support colleagues who may be experiencing a mental health problem.
- Lifeline Australia: A national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Phone: 13 11 14.
State and Territory Support Services
In addition to national bodies, each state and territory has dedicated resources, often provided by the local Law Society or Bar Association.
New South Wales
- The Law Society of NSW – Solicitor Outreach Service (SOS): A dedicated and confidential counselling service for NSW solicitors. It provides a 24/7 phone line for initial contact and crisis support, with access to up to three free sessions with a psychologist per year.
Victoria
- VLSBC Wellbeing Support Services: The Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner provides a hub of key support services and resources to promote positive wellbeing in the legal profession.
- Law Institute of Victoria – Member Counselling Service: A confidential counselling service for LIV members, delivered via AccessEAP, to address personal and work-related issues.
- Victorian Bar – Health and Wellbeing: Provides a range of support services, resources, and events focused on the health and wellbeing of its members.
Queensland
- Queensland Law Society – LawCare: An extensive 24/7 program available to QLS members and their immediate families. It offers free, confidential support from experienced psychologists for a wide range of personal and professional issues.
Western Australia
- The Law Society of Western Australia – LawCare WA: Provides a range of resources, including a confidential counselling service, to support the mental health and wellbeing of the legal profession in WA.
South Australia
- The Law Society of South Australia – LawCare: Offers confidential support and access to professional counselling for members and their families.
Tasmania
- Law Society of Tasmania – Wellbeing: Provides a range of wellbeing resources and support for members, including access to a confidential employee assistance program.
Australian Capital Territory
- ACT Law Society – Resilience and Wellbeing: Offers a confidential counselling service and a range of resources to support the mental health of its members.
Northern Territory
- Law Society Northern Territory – LawCare: A free, confidential counselling service for members of the Law Society NT and their immediate families.
Prioritising your wellbeing is not a sign of weakness; it is a cornerstone of a sustainable and fulfilling legal career. If you are struggling, remember that you are not alone and that these dedicated services are available to provide the support you need.