As illustrated by my commitment to building solicitors’ health and wellbeing as one of my President’s Priorities, I believe that looking after our mental health is a year-round, daily task, a bit like brushing our teeth.

Not everyone has been able to establish that sort of routine with respect to their mental health, but we know that men can often take a ‘she’ll be right’ approach.

That’s borne out in some statistics telling us that one in seven Australians are experiencing social isolation. Among Australian men that increases to one in six.

When men recognise they might be experiencing anxiety and/or depression, a culture of silence often prevents them from seeking support.

With June being International Men’s Health Awareness Month, there’s no better time to draw attention to this issue and to let interested practitioners know about next week’s hybrid Men’s Mental Health Forum – Minds Over Matters.

The forum will feature two powerful keynotes. Clinical counsellor and psychotherapist Nick Valentine will lead a workshop designed specifically for lawyers, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and resources to navigate the stressors, risks and triggers of their unique work, and to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

The stressors of our profession are well known. Practitioners are exposed to a higher risk of burnout, depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms due to the unique pressures of our work.

Joining him is Michael Seton, Solicitor Director of Seton Family Lawyers, who will share candidly his experience of solicitor burnout and mental health exhaustion, and how he found the strength to stay in the profession.

The session takes place next Wednesday at 5.30pm online (free for members). In person attendees can join us from 5.00pm for networking and are asked to make a $10 donation to my President’s Charity, Stillbirth Foundation Australia. Should you wish to join, either in person or online, register here.

Looking out for our elders

Yesterday was Elder Abuse Awareness Day. That caused me to look back on an article from March this year by LSJ’s Wendy Yang. Wendy reported that the Ageing and Discrimination Commission (ADC) found that abuse of older people has doubled since its establishment in 2019.

When we announced the commencement of an Elder Law Specialist Accreditation Program last year, the then Acting Commissioner for the ADC Katherine McKenzie said:

As the prevalence of abuse of older people is increasing in our community, it is important that there is specialist legal support to ensure that relevant matters are handled with sensitivity and expertise.

This year’s Specialist Accreditation Conference will feature an Elder Law, Wills & Estates stream, with sessions delivered by some of the newly formed Elder Law Advisory Committee, ahead of the Program opening to candidates at the end of this year.

Topics will include an interdisciplinary panel bringing together legal and medical experts to explore the complex dynamics of ageing and ageism, and an examination of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and a critique of the new Act and Rules coming into effect in July 2025 that followed from the Royal Commission's Final Report.

Whether you’re already an Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates or want to experience advanced learning in this area, I encourage you to register for the Specialist Accreditation Conference to be held at the International Convention Centre, Sydney on Thursday 28 August, and live online on Friday 29 August.

Jennifer Ball, President, Law Society of NSW