Law Society survey reveals high stress but good general health among solicitors

Despite high stress levels across the profession and the widespread practise of going into work when sick, new research published by the Law Society has claimed that solicitors are in better general health than the general population.

According to the survey, 88% of solicitors reported being in good health, although 45% respondents reported going to work when they were sick and should really have stayed at home. Tellingly, 95% of solicitors said that they were stressed - with 16% reporting "severe" or "extreme" stress.

Nicholas Fluck, president of the Law Society, said: "By its nature, law is a demanding career with high expectations from clients and a changing legal market. Many of us are drawn to the intellectual challenge of law and thrive on the high pressure excitement that the work entails. Lawyers do not want to let their clients down, which explains why they go to work if sick. It is humbling to see this dedication, but sometimes we need to pause and put our health first. Solicitors experiencing stress or other sickness at work should talk to their manager about it. If for any reason they are not comfortable having that conversation, the Law Society has a free helpline to support them."