A member of a Law Society support network says demands on lawyers are far greater than they have ever been.
A high incidence of depression and stress in the legal profession, highlighted by the death of barrister Greg King in November, has led to an agreement between the Law Society and Lifeline for discounted personal counselling for lawyers.
Auckland barrister Ross Knight of the Law Society's Friends Panel said lawyers are working longer hours, sometimes on very difficult and complex issues, and there are more restrictions on and demands of lawyers.
He said new technology has also led to clients expecting immediate responses to their texts and emails.
Mr Knight said busy practitioners suddenly find themselves in a very difficult situation because they have not had time to reflect on what is going on.
