This Mental Health Week, the Law Society of Ireland’s Younger Members Committee (YCS) is promoting the importance of mindfulness and mental health at work and at home.

Tomorrow (10 October), young legal professionals from across Ireland will attend the YCS Conference 2019, titled ‘The Mindful Lawyer’.

Up for discussion will be the importance of mindfulness, and how to incorporate mindful practices to improve general mental health and productivity, both at work and at home.

Mental-health experts will address the conference, including Antoinette Moriarty (psychotherapist and Law School Psychological Services Manager), Gerry Hussey (performance psychology consultant), and Ursula Cullen (solicitor and mind-set coach), among others.

Stressful situations

Law Society Director General Ken Murphy says: “Traditionally, solicitors and legal professionals are known for working in fast-paced and often stressful situations. We have a responsibility to look after ourselves, both physically and mentally.”

It is important for solicitors, and all working professionals, to recognise the signs when they need to take a break, and to achieve ‘work-life balance’, he said. “Anything that can help us to manage the daily challenges of law, such as mindfulness tools, skills and daily thoughtful practices, should be embraced.”

“Studies have shown that practising mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration, resilience, focus and more,” he explained. “Happier and healthier staff will lead to a more productive and efficient workforce,” he said.

“As the conversation around wellbeing and mental health is still opening up, events like ‘The Mindful Lawyer’ should be encouraged.”

And earlier this week, the Law Society also launched its Wellbeing Hub for solicitor members. It provides practical supports, education and guidance for the profession across three pillars: workplace culture, resilience and well-being, and emotional and psychological health.

Practical toolkit

The conference will provide a practical toolkit for mindful practices, discuss how to work thoughtfully in a pressurised environment, and how to improve productivity through mindfulness and focus.

The conference, which has been organised by the YCS in partnership with Law Society Finuas Skillnet, will take place on 10 October from 2pm - 5pm at the Green Hall, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7, and is priced at €135.

A total of three CPD points will apply (‘management and professional development skills, by group study).

The event is being chaired by Jennifer Dorgan (Coakley Moloney Solicitors, Cork). More information and the full line-up of speakers are available at The Mindful Lawyer.