Key takeaways for Juno Learning Mental health and wellbeing for in-house lawyers

 

 

Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a Juno Learning online CPD session on mental health for in-house lawyers. In a profession where expectations are high and pessimism is a bonus, understanding how to protect and enhance wellbeing is essential, for us as individuals and for the people, teams and organisations we work with.

Ngā mihi nui to clinical psychologist Jacqui Maguire, for sharing her expertise, drawing on years of experience in professional workplaces and insights from her research into mental health of the legal profession.

Thanks also to Nicola Hardy, Juno Lawyer, who has compiled this summary for the in-house community from Jacqui's engaging and timely presentation.

Juno Learning Summary: Mental health for in-house lawyers with Jacqui Macguire 

We all know that mental health is a massive topic in New Zealand right now and actually has been for years. How does that relate to those of us lucky enough to work not just in the legal profession but in-house?

Jacqui is a clinical psychologist who gave a very relatable presentation building on her years of experience of working with professional workplaces in Aotearoa and internationally. She draws on the results from a three-year longitudinal study to measure mental health and wellbeing in the legal profession, commissioned by Life Squared Trust. 

The wellbeing continuum

Mental health is something we can’t get away from - we all have it, and we all have to work at it. Jacqui uses the dual continuum model by Corey Keyes, a sociologist and professor emeritus at Emory University, to describe how we view mental health. Our wellbeing continuum ranges from flourishing to languishing, and where we are on this continuum directly affects how we are able (or not!) to face and navigate daily challenges, shaping our ability to stay calm, problem-solve, and keep perspective.

   
 

Burnout is the canary in the coalmine for organisational dysfunction.

 
   

Results of the research

Alongside other mental health issues in NZ, NZ lawyers reported some of the poorest mental health outcomes globally. The stats are comparatively eye watering. The good news is that those participants in the study who had higher scores on the wellbeing continuum were better protected from the adverse effects of stress and anxiety. Put simply, they were better able to cope. 

A key finding from the research was that while individual responsibility matters, organisational culture and connection need to be a major focus. The emphasis needs to be on the collective; leaders and teams that support each other, communicate clearly, and create psychological safety.

Things to be aware of – what is it about the law that has such a negative impact on our wellbeing?

  • Billable hours, utilisation rates, long hours and low levels of autonomy bring corresponding stress
  • Less so for in-house lawyers but on the flip side the client is often on our doorstep (literally!) and there are increased commercial pressures and often less support
  • Stigma around seeking help
  • Exposure to traumatic material in some roles
  • The “pessimistic” mindset that helps with legal problem-solving but can harm wellbeing
  • Perfectionism without balance, which keeps stress systems switched on too long

We need to recognise the negative impact the combined effect of these factors has on our place in the wellbeing continuum.

All of these factors can lead to Burnout which is particularly high for in-house lawyers. Burnout has three symptoms that all need to be present: 1) Emotional exhaustion, 2) Cynicism and detachment, and 3) Lack of faith in our own abilities.

Burnout is the canary in the coalmine for organisational disfunction. While it manifests in an individual, it is clear from the research that organisational change is needed to counteract its occurrence.

So, what can we do about it?

   
 

You can’t be high performing in every part of life at once — be deliberate about where you put your energy.

 
   

  • If you put your energy and attention into doing the daily things that increase your wellbeing and move you towards flourishing,  you are more protected from depression, anxiety and psychological distress.

  • Culture matters: feeling supported by your boss and by your team, clear communication, security in your role, and the ability to speak up without being judged.
     
  • Other key factors that will make a difference:
    • Self-determination and autonomy
    • A sense of belonging and relationships
    • Clear job purpose and thoughtful role design

Finally, Jacqui summed up with the three behaviour modes of Drive, Soothe, and Threat. She provided a timely reminder that so many of us try to “push through” when we are busy, which means we spend too much time in Drive, slip into Threat mode, and risk burnout.

Her tips for spending more time in the “green zone” of Soothe included noticing which mode you’re in, building small moments of recovery into your day, and focusing on the basics that lower stress hormones,  exercise, sleep, connection, and nutrition. Her advice? Pick one to improve on, rather than trying to do it all at once. She also encouraged thinking about life in seasons; you can’t be high performing in all four burners (career, family, health, friends) at once, so be deliberate about which you dial down to protect your energy.

That’ll help you spend more time in the green zone, and avoid burnout. And we could all use a bit of that!

Ngā mihi nui to Jacqui Macquire and everyone who joined the session for your contributions and questions. It’s always a privilege to connect and learn with our in-house legal community.

Because we believe in being open and generous, here are some ways to explore further: