GTC Lawyers Support R U OK? at QLS Law Ball

On Friday night, Go To Court Lawyers from our Queensland offices stepped out in their finery to help raise money for the R U OK? organisation at the 2016 Queensland Law Society Annual Ball.

As the grand finale to Law Week, the evening called for lawyers to ‘shape up for the geometric experience of the year’, and invited stargazing in the garden. With more than 260 guests in attendance, the evening was an outstanding success and thoroughly enjoyed by all. More importantly, it raised much needed funds for this year’s charity partner, the R U OK? organisation.

Representing Go To Court Lawyers were (pictured in group photo left to right) Ali Rana, Sebastian Jennings, Boba Djordjevic, Travis Finter, Russell Tannock, Max Russ, Mitchell Cavanagh, Brianna Edwards, Michelle Makela, Nicola Harkin, Melissa Jarvin, and (missing from picture) Tanguy Mwilambwe.

The R U OK? organisation is a cause dear to the hearts of Go To Court Lawyers. It aims to prevent suicide by encouraging people to ask others whether they are okay, and to do so in a way that is meaningful and so that a person who is struggling can ‘feel connected’.

Most lawyers are faced with client after client facing some sort of personal difficulty and are often expected to take on something of a counselling role. While shouldering the burden for the clients, the lawyers themselves can struggle with the pace and pressure of the legal environment.

Lawyers in Australia bear the dubious honour of having the highest rates of depressive symptoms of all professions in Australia. Statistics indicate that up to 13% of lawyers have been diagnosed with a depressive illness, but a further 49% exhibit or experience symptoms. Even more shocking, up to 11% of lawyers contemplate suicide every month. More generally, in Australia, 8 people die each day as a result of suicide. It is the leading cause of death for people aged between 15 and 44 years, even above road deaths.

So, what can we do?

According to R U OK?, first understand that you don’t need to solve anyone’s problems or provide them with the answers to the big questions of life. You just need to be there and support them as they find their own way through.

Make time to talk to your work colleagues – find out how they are feeling and whether they are coping with life. Look for indicators amongst your colleagues that something is not quite right. If you ask and they deny there is a problem, let them know you are there for them regardless. Ensure you follow up the conversation later. You can download a communications toolkit from the R U OK? website for more useful tips.

Finally, if you are struggling, ask for help. There is no shame in admitting you need a hand. And you might just be surprised at how many people are ready, willing and able to help.

Lifeline:
Ph: 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support
Crisis support online chat: https://www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/Online-Services/Online-Services

Suicide Call Back Service
Ph: 1300 659 467
Online counselling: https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/registration/

Beyond Blue:
Ph: 1300 224 636

Griefline Helpline:
Ph: 1300 845 745 12pm – 3am every day

Laura Turner

Senior Associate

Laura Turner holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland. Laura began her legal experience through volunteering with the Student Legal Service offering free advice to students, and through a clerkship in the conveyancing team of a law firm in Hobart. She also volunteered at a Prisoner Legal Service, assisting inmates to obtain parole. Laura has a strong focus on family law, criminal and traffic law, although looks to broaden her knowledge into migration and civil law.

Home Court Lawyers Queensland GTC Lawyers Support R U OK? at QLS Law Ball

Laura Turner

Senior Associate