Supporting Wellbeing in the Legal Profession

The recent NZ Herald article by Ric Stevens highlighting research into lawyer wellbeing makes for sobering reading. The findings show many lawyers feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and even considering leaving the profession.

As a property and commercial lawyer, I understand why. Tight deadlines, complex transactions, demanding clients, and significant financial consequences can make the job challenging.

At Neilsons Lawyers, we have high standards and our clients expect a lot from us. There are certainly days when the workload is intense and the pressure is real. Yet one of the things I value most is the culture we have built. We genuinely support one another, share the load when needed, celebrate successes, and still find reasons to enjoy the day. That sense of teamwork makes all the difference.

But I don't believe stress alone is a reason to quit.

Every profession comes with pressure. The difference is how we respond to it.

In law, particularly property and commercial practice, the rewards often outweigh the challenges. We help people buy their first home, build businesses, protect investments, and achieve important life goals. Seeing a complex transaction successfully completed after weeks or months of hard work is incredibly fulfilling.

To young lawyers entering the profession, there will be difficult days. Don't mistake temporary overwhelm for a sign that you've chosen the wrong career.

Find a mentor. Ask questions. Exercise. Meditate. Build strong support networks. Prioritise your mental wellbeing and develop the resilience that every successful professional needs.

My call to action is simple, before you consider leaving the profession, invest in yourself. Develop the habits, mindset, and support systems that will help you thrive, not just survive.

The legal profession needs capable, compassionate and resilient lawyers. Stay the course. The clients you help, the problems you solve, and the impact you make will often be worth the challenges along the way.

To every young lawyer who may be feeling overwhelmed today, don't give up on your future because of a difficult season. Lean into the support around you, keep learning, keep growing, and keep going. The lawyer you aspire to become is built through the challenges you overcome.

#Lawyers #PropertyLaw #CommercialLaw #YoungLawyers #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Resilience #LegalProfession #NeilsonsLawyers #Leadership

By Neha Jamnadas