Understanding behaviour, stress and addiction in law firms

As part of the development of the Law Society of Scotland’s Safe Conversations Toolkit, we are convening a member roundtable to explore how legal workplaces can better support colleagues when wellbeing concerns arise; including stress-related behaviours, substance use and addiction.

Legal practice is demanding. In high-pressure environments, coping behaviours can sometimes develop gradually. Substance use may begin as occasional or stress-related; addiction, by contrast, is a recognised health condition involving compulsive patterns of behaviour and loss of control, often developing over time.

Understanding this distinction helps reduce stigma and enables earlier, proportionate and compassionate support.

This facilitated discussion will explore:

• What “safe conversations” look like in practice
• Recognising early signs without judgement
• Language, boundaries, and escalation in a regulated profession
• Confidentiality considerations and signposting routes relevant to Scotland
• What managers, supervisors and small firms need to make guidance genuinely usable.

Participants are welcome to contribute  reflections based on professional observations or anonymised experiences, including situations arising in solicitor-client relationships. The purpose is to explore practical challenges and build guidance that feels realistic for legal workplaces.

The emphasis is on culture, awareness, and practical tools — not personal disclosure.

This session will inform the development of clear, stigma-aware and practical guidance to support wellbeing, strengthen workplace culture, and ultimately protect retention and progression across the Scottish legal sector.

This session is open to:

• Solicitors and legal professionals
• HR and wellbeing leads
• Managing partners and leaders
• People involved in culture, wellbeing or professional standards in legal organisations

What you will gain from attending:

• An opportunity to contribute to the development of the Safe Conversations Toolkit
• Insights into behaviour, stress and addiction in legal practice
• A chance to share perspectives on supporting healthier workplace cultures
• Early access to ideas and resources that may inform the toolkit

A calendar invitation and joining link will be shared after registration.