Wellbeing at the Foundation of the Legal Profession: Research & Insights
This new research explores the experiences of trainee solicitors who accessed the Law Society of Ireland’s free counselling service between 2015 and 2023.
Drawing on anonymised feedback from over 500 trainees, the findings offer valuable insight into how early psychological support influences professional development, resilience, and wellbeing at the beginning of a solicitor’s career.
About the Research
The study highlights a meaningful cultural shift within the legal profession. Trainees reported engaging with counselling not only during periods of heightened stress, but also proactively for personal insight and self-development. This reflects an emerging view of mental health support as a constructive and normal aspect of professional life.
The research identifies key themes including:
- Improved stress management and coping skills
- Increased confidence and communication abilities
- Enhanced emotional self-awareness
- Greater resilience in high-pressure environments
- Positive impact on career clarity and progression
These outcomes demonstrate that personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness are deeply interconnected, and that early access to psychological support can contribute to a more sustainable and reflective legal culture.
Changing Culture
The accessibility of counselling during the Professional Practice Course helped normalise help-seeking, challenging stigma and perfectionist norms that have historically shaped the profession. Some trainees accessed the service before reaching crisis point, signalling a move towards more proactive engagement with mental health supports.
Launch event
Join us for the launch of groundbreaking research on the Law Society’s Trainee Counselling Service, sharing eight years of insights from over 500 trainee solicitors.
Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025
Time: 6.30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Presidents' Hall, Law Society Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7
Related Supports
- Trainee Counselling Service – contact counselling@lawsociety.ie (full time PPC) or HybridCounselling@LawSociety.ie (Hybrid PPC)
- LegalMind counselling support for solicitors
Contact
For further information, please contact: ps@LawSociety.ie