Four Quatrains for improving mental health and well-being in the law

Abstract

This article looks briefly at two famous judges, Lord Bowen in the 19th century and Sir Owen Dixon in the 20th century and asks what made them somewhat lugubrious about studying law? The article makes four suggestions for improving the mental health and well-being of the profession: these are mentoring, pro-bono work, ethical training and creative opportunities. These four pervasive ‘law plus’ areas of endeavour, or quatrains, which form part of the literature on legal professional wellness, could be pervasively woven into the law school curriculum. These elements could likewise unite the various stages between education, training and professional development.