As we step into another year filled with hope and opportunity, we must pause and confront a reality that is often overlooked: the immense personal toll that criminal defence lawyers bear in their work.
This noble profession demands more from us than many outside it could ever imagine. Countless defence lawyers are struggling in silence, too afraid to speak out for fear of being misunderstood by judges – or worse, will face harsher treatment if their struggles become known.
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A timely piece.
Having acted for many lawyers facing distressing events, and not being a stranger to them myself, I have seen these reminders from time to time, but we remain a hard-nosed, self-regarding profession.
Although not universal, by and large the judges are understanding, but they too experience strain and may become grouchy or terse as a result, which lawyers should try to take in their stride (unless it gets over the top).
Some people have greater resilience than others – the more thick skinned types often don’t understand why other lawyers don’t cope. We are all imperfect human beings, despite those who may in the fullness of their power at the height of their career think themselves to be super-human.
My experience is that if we look after our circle of close colleagues we are doing what we can, often just by keeping in touch.