Barristers' Safe Place meets tomorrow, 19 November

18/11/2021

Wellbeing

On Friday 19 November 2021 we will be discussing a condition experienced by many barristers. We take on work - often too much work - in the fear that if we say ’no’, it will have negative consequences for our practice. We exhaust ourselves. After a tiring stretch of work, we feel less able to work effectively and productively. Notwithstanding that, we continue to take on work.

When we are quiet, rather than taking a holiday or enjoying the lull, we fear that we will never be briefed again, so as soon as work comes through the door, the cycle continues.

Such a “feast or famine” mentality can be a major source of stress, and can be a cause of:

• difficulties in our practice, if by over-stretching ourselves we then struggle to deliver;
• difficulties at home, if we are unable to meet obligations in our personal lives; and
• general unhappiness and dissatisfaction.

The upcoming court-closure period in January is a natural time for people in our profession to reflect. We hope to share stories about what we have each been struggling with, and hopefully some personal anecdotes as well about what we have found to assist.

All members of the Bar are welcome to share about their experiences – or, to listen anonymously as others discuss their experiences. Our hope is that Safe Place may assist barristers to feel supported, to know that others have faced similar difficulties and (to the extent participants are comfortable identifying themselves) to build connections with one other.

Safe Place is a confidential discussion group that takes place every two weeks. All participants are admitted to a Zoom webinar anonymously. You can:

• choose to identify yourself and speak;
• speak without providing your name; or
• listen, with other participants not knowing you are there.

The next Safe Place will take place on Friday, 19 November 2021 at 5.00pm.

Please register here.

Should you have any questions about the webinar, please contact wellbeing@nswbar.asn.au

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