This webinar took place on Time to Talk Day (Feb 2025) and our panel was made up of
- Mark Hepburn – Mental Health Counsellor & Psychologist
- Ian McCann – Legal Studio Solicitors
- Catherine Hart – Partner and Head of Professional Support at Digby Brown Solicitors
- LawCare Champion Nick O’Neill – chair
Anxiety is common in law, and it isn’t a personal failure
Anxiety is very common in the legal sector and is completely normal. It can come and go, often rising during busy periods or when work feels particularly pressured. Rather than being a sign that someone isn’t suited to law, anxiety is actually a natural reaction to high expectations, uncertainty and responsibility.
A clear message throughout was that you can feel anxious and still be good at your job, and you don’t need to feel calm all the time to be capable or professional.
Stigma
The webinar highlighted that stigma around anxiety still exists in many legal workplaces. It is often seen as weakness or something people should just cope with on their own. As a result, many people hide how they really feel and put on a brave face at work.
Speak out before it becomes a huge problem
The panel members pointed out that many conversations about mental health often happen too late, only when someone is already in crisis. Many people keep going until they reach breaking point because they are worried about speaking up or are unsure about how they will be treated. This can make things worse for both individuals and workplaces, as problems are much harder to fix once someone is already overwhelmed.
Feeling safe to talk
A key message was that people need to feel safe at work to talk about anxiety. When they trust that they will be listened to, treated fairly and supported, they are much more likely to speak up. Without that trust, wellbeing initiatives can feel like box-ticking rather than real help.
Anxiety feeds on uncertainty
Uncertainty at work can fuel anxiety. When priorities keep changing or expectations aren’t clear, people can feel constantly on edge and worried about getting things wrong. Clearer communication and more realistic priorities were presented as simple but powerful ways leaders can reduce stress.
Ability versus capacity
The webinar made a clear distinction between ability and capacity. People can be very capable but still overwhelmed if they simply have too much on. Capacity changes depending on workload, health and life pressures, so it’s important that workplaces recognise this when setting expectations.
What support feels unhelpful, even when well-intended
The webinar showed that support can miss the mark, even when people mean well. Telling someone to “cheer up” or just be more organised can feel dismissive and unhelpful. Instead, the session emphasised that good support starts with listening, empathy and understanding, not rushing in with solutions.
It can be really helpful to have one trusted person to talk to at work. Talking can make things feel clearer and less overwhelming. However, not everyone has that option, which is why workplaces need to build proper support systems rather than leaving people to cope on their own.
Managing anxiety
The panel shared practical ways to manage anxiety when things feel out of control. One helpful approach was focusing on what you can do right now or today, rather than worrying too far ahead. Small steps like breaking work into manageable tasks, prioritising, and noticing what you’ve achieved can reduce overwhelm and help you feel steadier.
Anxiety about mistakes, perfectionism and imposter feelings
The webinar highlighted how many lawyers fear making mistakes, which can drive a lot of anxiety. Instead, the panel encouraged seeing mistakes as part of learning, and creating workplaces where people feel safe to speak up early and get support. The discussion also covered perfectionism and imposter feelings, which can affect lawyers at all levels. The key message was to stop comparing yourself to others, focus on what ‘good enough looks like for you, and remember that careers are not a race.
What organisations can do
The webinar stressed that real change comes from how organisations work day to day. Helpful actions included making it safe for people to speak up early, responding with practical support, being clearer about priorities, and recognising that people have limits to their capacity.
Managers and leaders were encouraged to have regular, genuine check-ins with their teams and to be open about their own challenges to reduce stigma.
The overall message was that workplaces that look after people don’t just improve wellbeing, they also perform better and keep staff for longer. People do their best work when they feel safe, supported and clear about what is expected of them.
To conclude
- The webinar ended with a hopeful message. The high number of people who attended showed that the legal sector is starting to talk more openly about mental health.
- Anxiety is still common, but conversations about it are becoming more honest and supportive.
- The main takeaway was that anxiety may not go away, but it can be better understood and managed, especially when workplaces focus on early support.
Useful links
Anxiety in the legal sector
Anxiety can feel overwhelming – constant worry, physical tension or panic can really affect day-to-day life and work. Understanding how anxiety works and picking up a few practical tips can make those feelings easier to manage.
Supporting individuals and firms following the Mazur ruling
The Mazur ruling has understandably left many across the legal sector feeling anxious and unsettled.
How to talk about mental health
Talking to a colleague about mental health can be difficult, but it is not necessary to be an expert in mental health to start a conversation.
Are you a perfectionist?
While perfectionism is often seen as a positive trait, especially in the legal sector, research shows that perfectionistic tendencies can lead to depression, anxiety and stress.
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