At the best of times practising law is stressful. Recent events, both close to home and internationally, justify a view that these are far from the best of times. These events have added, for many in our profession, an extra burden of stress and, in many cases, grief.

These pressures come atop the demands from clients, the courts and, for those bound to the billable hour, the clock. These stressors aren’t exclusive to the private profession but can extend across all the sectors in which our members practise, whether as government or in-house solicitors, or in the legal assistance sector.

Public expectations for the legal system can also be exceptionally high.  I can understand many members may be feeling a great deal of pressure to solve problems that perhaps reach deeper than what the justice system can reasonably be expected to resolve.

At the beginning of my term, I identified ‘Lawyers’ service to the community’ as one of my President’s Priorities for 2024, along with ‘the wellbeing of solicitors’.

I want to make clear to you that the Law Society of NSW is here to support its members in whatever area they practise, and in contending with the unique challenges you face.

A vibrant legal profession requires a balanced, healthy environment. Our wellbeing portal has a number of resources to support you in staying well in legal practice, including a Vicarious Trauma Awareness course designed specifically for government solicitors.

Our Outreach Service (SOS) provides confidential counselling with up to three psychology sessions per financial year and 24/7 telephone crisis counselling with a psychologist.

Lastly, too many lawyers don’t have a personal GP. For your health’s sake, both physical and mental, I encourage members to take a regular visit to the GP.

ANZAC Day

This Thursday marks 109 years since troops from Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain landed at Gallipoli. Eight years ago, on the hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles, the then Lieutenant Governor the Hon Tom Bathurst KC AC unveiled the Law Society’s Roll of Honour.

The Roll was the initiative of 2016 President Gary Ulman. It bears the names of solicitors and law clerks who served in the Great War and those killed or missing in action. All eleven law students named on the roll perished in the conflict, including the son of Justice Phillip Street, Laurence Whistler Street, who died at Gallipoli.

The legal profession has a long tradition of service in the military, extending both before and since the Great War. Solicitors have served in roles from combat duties on the frontline to positions in the military justice system up to Judge Advocate General.

The Roll of Honour is placed just near our reception desk on the third floor. Should you have occasion to visit the Law Society, I invite you to devote a moment to the memory and service of those whose names are there inscribed.

Brett McGrath, President, Law Society of NSW