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Importance of ‘lawyering with purpose’ highlighted
With the legal profession still suffering from a reputation of poor employee wellbeing, firms and corporations are being encouraged to offer greater tools and support.
Emma Musgrave
LOD – Lawyers On Demand has just released a new report, Lawyering With Purpose. The report, commissioned from mentor and author Paul Gilbert, examines how those in the profession can be a lawyer who looks after their own wellbeing and not solely that of their clients.
“We risk creating the least attractive working life experience imaginable," Mr Gilbert said.
“From my many experiences talking to and mentoring GCs, it is clear that this role is not about being a kick-ass, innovating, paradigm-shifting, award-winning, inspirational ego-jockey; it’s about how these lawyers can influence and value the choices that they make and better navigate a career by the light of their values, insight and potential.”
Commenting on the importance of the report, Paul Cowling, LOD’s managing director in Australia, reiterated damning reports of the legal profession having among the lowest wellbeing. He added stress, coupled with long hours and high-intensity work all lead to people burning out or jumping ship.
"In what can be such a highly pressurised professional environment, it is critical that lawyers are given the tools and support to allow them to maintain a sense of perspective and to focus on their personal wellbeing," Mr Cowling said.
"The benefit that balance can bring to professional and personal lives and to the broader community is unquestionable.
“I am certain that lawyers have a more vital role to play. This might well be the time to see this happen. I feel strongly that lawyers should advocate for this, loudly and proudly, and put their name in the frame to help lead this push.”
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
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