Mental Health for Members of the Legal Profession

MENTAL HEALTH FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION –
A MODERN CONUNDRUM[1]

Greg Walsh OAM

INTRODUCTION

I have been a legal practitioner for 45 years and as an articled clerk prior to my admission, I
have nearly 50 years of experience in the practice of law.

I have welcomed the opportunity of not only appearing in the State of NSW but all States of
Australia including as trial Counsel and also in respect of disciplinary matters.

By way of background, I was honoured to serve as a councillor at the Law Society of NSW
and also as a member of a number of committees, including a task force that examined many
years ago this very issue. As a result of the work of that task force, there was set up by the Law
Society of NSW a system for advising legal practitioners which is now known as the Senior
Solicitor’s Scheme. I am proud to be a member of that Scheme. In these circumstances and
having regard to the fact that like all members of the community, we bring to our work our
own life experiences and common sense, the issue of mental illness for not only legal
practitioners but the community is one of much importance.

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[1] The author acknowledges the assistance of Dr Olav Nielssen and Dr Andrew Ellis, Forensic
Psychiatrists, the Black Dog Institute and the Law Society of NSW