Resource for in-house counsel covers time management, self-care, leading effective teams
The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) has introduced a resource aimed at supporting the mental health and well-being of in-house lawyers. The guide includes practical strategies for legal professionals to manage stress, maintain work-life balance, and lead healthier teams.
In-house counsel often face pressure and stress as they navigate complex corporate challenges, said the ACC in its news release.
A report from the International Bar Association’s Well-being Taskforce found that one in three lawyers claimed that their work had a negative or extremely negative impact on their well-being, the news release noted.
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“A consistent, comprehensive focus on well-being and mental health for in-house professionals, and all employees, has never been more important,” said Veta Richardson, the ACC’s president and chief executive officer, in the news release. Richardson identified burnout as a particularly pressing issue.
The ACC’s well-being toolkit for in-house lawyers includes contributions from ACC members around the globe and insights from the American Counseling Association (ACA).
Shawn Boynes, CEO of the American Counseling Association, praised the ACC’s initiative and highlighted the potentially serious impacts of a demanding, fast-paced, and high-stress job on one’s mental health.
“ACA’s mission is to advance mental health and well-being through advocacy, community, inclusion and research,” said Boynes in the news release. “We were thrilled to provide expert input and partner with ACC on the development of this toolkit, which aligns with what’s important to counselors who provide mental-health support to a broad variety of people.”
Well-being checklists
The guide seeks to equip in-house counsel with tools to prioritize their well-being, to address burnout and other mental health issues prevalent within the legal profession, and to foster a supportive environment for their teams within their respective organizations.
The ACC structured its toolkit around five checklists relevant to in-house legal professionals, namely:
- maintaining and improving work-life balance, time management, and self-care
- seeking help in rough times
- helping others ask for help
- overcoming adversity, crises, and failure
- leading effective teams and supporting their well-being
The ACC added in its news release that its members could avail of its wellness resource centre and could engage with over 250 peers and colleagues via virtual discussions in the ACC wellness community.
The ACC is a global legal association that supports the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel at corporations, associations, and other organizations through initiatives focused on information, education, networking, and advocacy.
