Law firms nationwide are incorporating wellbeing and mental wellness programs and initiatives into their business strategy. According to the authors of “Stressed, Lonely, and Overcommitted: Predictors of Lawyer Suicide Risk” (2023), attorneys are experiencing depression, anxiety, and burnout at alarmingly higher rates than other professions; therefore, wellness programs are not simply a nice initiative, but imperative to the business of law firms. The pressures of practicing law can contribute to mental health challenges. Prioritizing mental wellness is essential for enabling attorneys and other legal professionals to bring their best talent and abilities to the workplace. By providing tools for mental wellbeing, law firms can help attorneys and professionals deliver excellent work for both external and internal clients while also fostering a healthy workplace environment and culture.
Alongside the demanding legal profession, underrepresented attorneys and professionals in law firms frequently encounter additional mental health challenges. In honor of Wellbeing Week in Law (May 6-10, 2024) this article will explore these challenges and offer some practical solutions for incorporating wellbeing into your DEI initiatives.
