This is a national study of the Australian legal profession.
A number of recent surveys have highlighted the prevalence of mental health and wellbeing issues among Australian lawyers. This project will be the first systematic empirical research on the culture and practice of Australian lawyers. It addresses an important research problem of how professional/workplace culture affects the perception and handling of stress among practitioners. The project involves a national survey and interviews with early career and experienced lawyers working in a variety of communities and settings. Results of the proposed project will inform legal educators, reformers, policy makers and managers in implementing appropriate policies and support mechanisms for the handling of stress among practitioners.