Omnibus Report Reveals Key Insights and Recommendations
The Law Society of Manitoba is sharing the Omnibus Report for Phase II of the National Study on the Psychological Health Determinants of Legal Professionals in Canada, recently released by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC). This groundbreaking study, conducted under the scientific direction of Dr. Nathalie Cadieux from the Université de Sherbrooke, provides vital insights into the mental health and well-being of legal professionals across the country, including those practising in Manitoba.
Key Findings:
The report highlights significant challenges faced by legal professionals, including high levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. In Manitoba, the study revealed that the most important themes for lawyers are work-life balance, working conditions and cognitive demands as well as coping strategies and lifestyle, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to support the mental health of our legal community.
We recognize the critical importance of this study and are committed to reviewing these findings carefully in Manitoba. The well-being of our members is a top priority, and we are dedicated to exploring ways to create a healthier work environment for all. – Law Society President, Gerri Wiebe, KC.
Phase II Highlights:
Phase II of the study involved in-depth interviews with legal professionals across Canada, including from Manitoba, providing a deeper understanding of the unique challenges they face. The report calls for systemic changes in work culture, enhanced support systems, and the promotion of work-life balance to improve the overall well-being of legal professionals in Manitoba.
This report is a significant step forward in our understanding of the mental health challenges faced by legal professionals. It underscores the importance of taking action at all levels—individual, organizational, and regulatory—to foster a culture of wellness in the legal profession. – stated Dr. Nathalie Cadieux, the study’s principal investigator
Recommendations:
The Omnibus Report offers a series of recommendations that the Law Society of Manitoba will be reviewing. These include focusing on risk factors that compromise the mental and physical health of lawyers, recommending and promoting actions to better support lawyers in dealing with emotional demands and developing a measurement culture to better assess the impact of programs that have been put in place.
We are committed to carefully considering these recommendations and to working with our members to foster a culture of wellness within the legal profession in Manitoba, added President Wiebe.
Read the reports and their detailed findings and recommendations:
Manitoba Report
Full Report
About the Law Society of Manitoba
The purpose of the Law Society of Manitoba is to uphold and protect the public interest in the delivery of legal services in the province with competence, integrity and independence.
For more information, please contact:
Leah Kosokowsky
Chief Executive Officer
lkosokowsky@lawsociety.mb.ca
204-926-2030
