Tag Archives: mental health at work

Networking as an introvert

As I mentioned, I have recently changed roles (again). I’m still in private practice doing largely legal aid work so I wasn’t expecting much of the job to change, just the people and the work environment. My current firm is much more vocal about employees’ skills and successes, though. I’m also one of the firstContinue reading “Networking as an introvert”

Bearing a burden that isn’t yours to carry

The purpose of this blog is primarily to provide insights into the legal concepts and processes at play within adult social care. I am aware that most of you are here for that information. But I also believe in looking at concepts in context, and some of that context is personal. Burn out, compassion fatigueContinue reading “Bearing a burden that isn’t yours to carry”

What its like to work as an in house local authority lawyer: what I loved

For many, New Year is a time for reflection and 2021 has certainly been an eventful year. As regular readers of this blog will know, 2021 is also the year I left local authority and took a private practice role. It’s been nearly 6 months since then and I am (probation period dependant) settling intoContinue reading “What its like to work as an in house local authority lawyer: what I loved”

Square pegs and round holes: mental health at work and knowing when it is time to move on

It feels like a betrayal, having started this blog as a local authority lawyer, to now be telling you that I am no longer working for a local authority. But its true. The blog will continue, but my day job has changed. If you’ve been reading this blog for a little while, you’ll have comeContinue reading “Square pegs and round holes: mental health at work and knowing when it is time to move on”

Putting emotion to the side, and the personal price of impartial legal advice

When I was at university, I was trained to put emotion to the side. It weaves through all the work we do, particularly around professional conduct. After all, lawyers can be asked to undertake any number of tasks they find morally or emotionally objectionable. Lawyers defend child molesters; they support parents that may seem unfitContinue reading “Putting emotion to the side, and the personal price of impartial legal advice”

Burn out, fatigue and a hypothetical fresh start

It may (or may not) surprise you to learn that whilst a large number of people study law each year, a fairly small proportion of those people actually have careers in law. And an even smaller proportion actually end up as qualified solicitors or barristers, but it’s true. Using just my own experience, I wouldContinue reading “Burn out, fatigue and a hypothetical fresh start”

Finding time to relax… without feeling guilty

I am not sorry that it has taken me so long to get the final post in my series about court processes up on here. Yes, you read that correctly. I’m not sorry. I would have liked to get it sorted for you nice and quickly, but the thing is, I have taken some leaveContinue reading “Finding time to relax… without feeling guilty”

Mental Health Awareness Week

It is, I believe, Mental Health Awareness week. Whilst the purpose of this blog is largely to address legal issues, I am aware that none of those issues occur in a vacuum. Being a professional does not make us immune to emotion and stress, however much we wish it did sometimes. And working in theContinue reading “Mental Health Awareness Week”

Maybe we should all learn to be a bit more ‘cat’

I confess that I am not exactly thriving under social distancing conditions. I am, of course, abiding by all of the restrictions in place but I am, like many of you, finding this a less than pleasant experience. I am used to working from home 2 days a week. Video and telephone conferencing are enablingContinue reading “Maybe we should all learn to be a bit more ‘cat’”