‘Living with mental illness’: John Canning, Partner at KWM, 19th Nov., 7am Breakfast
‘Living with mental illness’: John Canning, Partner at KWM, 19th Nov., 7am Breakfast
Dear Members and Friends,
Please join us on Wednesday 19 November for our final Inspiration Over Breakfast Series with Guest Speaker, John Canning, Partner at KWM, who will share his story of mental illness, and the work of the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation.
Mental health issues are a growing concern amongst the legal profession. Too often, for various reasons, practitioners simply struggle with stress associated with their professional and personal lives and do not seek professional assistance. In a field where the ability to consistently perform competently at a very high level is expected, most are, understandably, reluctant to admit to any vulnerabilities. This trend is not only confined to long-standing practitioners, but also affects law students completing their studies, as well as recent graduates entering the profession for the first time. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that those in the early stages of their legal careers in practice are twice as likely to be depressed as their senior counterparts.
Ongoing evaluation and research of mental health and education will promote mental wellness and a balanced approach to managing the pressures of practice in the legal profession.
I would also like to take this opportunity to include a final reminder and invitation to join us for our year end Christmas Cocktail event on 20thNovember following our AGM, at the University Union and Schools Club Sydney.
Details for the events are noted below.
Kind regards,
Natasha Walls President
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Inspiration Before Breakfast Series Guest speaker: John Canning, Partner, King & Wood Mallesons
7-8.30am Wednesday 19th November 2014 Hosted by McCullough Robertson, Level 16, 55 Hunter Street, Sydney
What role can you play in adopting the TJMF – Best Practice Guidelines for psychological wellbeing in your work place?
Following the Foundation’s launch of the ‘Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation Psychological Wellbeing: Best Practice Guidelines for the Legal Profession’ earlier this year, John Canning joins us for the final ‘Inspirations before breakfast’ event for the year to share his personal story about living and working in the legal sector with a mental illness.
John will also discuss how firms and organisations in the legal sector can adopt the Best Practice Guidelines which are aimed at addressing factors in our workplaces which may contribute to mental illness and the role each of us can play in moulding work practices which are conducive to reducing the incidence of mental illness.
About John
John has been with King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) since 1995 and became a partner in 2000. In 2008 John was diagnosed with mental illness. John has worked with KWM positively to alter his lifestyle so he can continue in his role with the firm with the support of KWM.
John is a spokesperson for change and de-stigmatisation of mental illness in the profession and the wider community. John and his wife also work closely with Black Dog Institute in Sydney in a community role.
Formed in 1997, AWL is the national body representing and funded by women lawyers associations in Australia. The current AWL Patron is the Honourable Chief Justice Diana Bryant of the Family Court of Australia.
Please feel free to pass this email onto colleagues and ensure they are on our email list for future updates and invitations.