We have done this before, we can do it again

I want to start this week’s message by acknowledging the resilience of our profession. When the stay at home orders were applied more than four weeks ago, there was very much a sense of, “we have done this before, we can do it again”.

As time progresses, and with the uncertainty of the current situation, many of us are no doubt experiencing mixed emotions. I know that many people, myself included, are at times finding the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown incredibly challenging. Many of our colleagues are juggling carer commitments, home schooling, dealing with clients remotely, the inevitable IT issues, and supporting other team members. Our colleagues who live alone might be feeling isolated. I appreciate there are also practitioners who work and/or live in ‘hotspots’ (or have staff that do so), or who are still required to attend court in person in certain circumstances. The experience of lockdown will be different for everyone. I certainly have more insight into how difficult it must have been for our colleagues in Melbourne who endured an even more stringent lockdown for 112 days last year.

There is a possibility that this lockdown could be prolonged. Many of us will already have the technical systems in place to be working remotely. We can also be drawing on our experiences from last year to guide what works and what is helpful.

Our Wellbeing Portal has information, articles, webcasts and other resources which may be of assistance; and the Solicitor Outreach Service (phone 1800 592 296) is available for NSW solicitors who want to speak with a psychologist. Many of us also have Employee Assistance Programs available through our respective workplaces.

It is normal to be experiencing a mix of emotions in response to the current situation. We know from last year the importance of maintaining social connections with family, friends and work colleagues. Please show kindness and support to others, and importantly, have compassion for yourself too.

In the meantime, we will continue to keep you up to date with the latest COVID-19 information via Monday Briefs, our “COVID-19 Updates” and on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. If you are not receiving the COVID-19 Updates and would like to, you can subscribe on our website.

Until next week, stay well and stay safe.

Juliana Warner, President, the Law Society of NSW

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