Episode Details

Content Warning: This episode discusses burnout, workplace stress, mental health, emotional exhaustion and the psychological impacts of working in the legal profession. Some listeners may find these topics distressing. Please take care while listening and seek support if needed.

If you or someone you know needs crisis support, contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

In this episode of This Week in Family Law, we cover the latest updates in Australian family law, including the passing of two prominent jurists and the latest on the Women in Law Awards.

In Law in Motion, we look at burnout in the legal industry, what the research says about it, and how can we address it.




Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
0:59 - What's Up? - Updates in Family Law for this week
4:15 - Burnout in the legal industry




Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general information and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. The views expressed are general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice before acting on any information discussed.



About the podcast:
This Week in Family Law is the go-to podcast for busy Australian family lawyers looking to stay updated without the overwhelm. Whether you’re a family lawyer in Australia, a practitioner working towards CPD, or simply interested in family law, this podcast delivers clear, practical insights in a bite-sized format. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments in Australian family law. New episodes drop every Monday.

Wellbeing Services for Legal Practitioners
NSW: SoWell (Law Society of NSW) - 1800 592 296
VIC: Law Institute of Victoria Member Assistance Program (AccessEAP) - 1800 818 728
VIC (Bar): Victorian Bar Health & Wellbeing Portal - Via the Bar website
QLD: QLS LawCare (Converge International) - 1800 177 743
WA: LawCare WA (Law Society of WA) - (08) 9324 8600 (Law Society reception)
TAS: LawCare (Converge International) - 1300 687 327
NT: LawCare (EASA) - 1800 193 123
SA: Law Society of SA LawCare - See the Law Society SA website
ACT: ACT Law Society Resilience and Wellbeing - See the ACT Law Society website

Topics covered in this episode:
- The Honourable Mary Gordon has passed away
- High Court Justice William Gummow has passed away
- 15th Annual Women in Law Awards 2026 - 266 Finalists have been shortlisted, winners announced Thursday 12th November
- Burnout in the legal industry
- Why family lawyers experience burnout
- Research on the prominence of burnout in law
- Practical takeaways - how can we address burnout?





Links
Women in Law Awards 2026
https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/women-in-law-awards/

Mental Health Study from the American Bar Association Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs
https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2026/09/new-lawyer-mental-health-study/





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