Solicitors supporting each other

The support network will use the Balint method, which is commonly used among peer groups who work closely with clients - including medical trainees, social workers, and other professionals.

Balint groups aim to: 

• provide a safe setting to talk about the interpersonal aspects of work with clients,
• encourage members to appreciate the vulnerability of their clients, even the most difficult, and
• support group members to develop a deeper understanding of their own feelings, and those of their clients, thus making these professional relationships easier to manage.

The Balint group ideally meets monthly in a neutral setting, for up to two hours, with eight to twelve participants. To comply with public health restrictions, meetings can take place in an online format.

Independent operation

To support free exchange and discussion, the Law Society will have no role in running the group meetings. However, it will offer guidance and assistance at the early stages to get the group set up and operational. 

It is intended that the programme will get underway early in the new year. Practice principals who are interested in participating should email belindamoller@gmail.com (Group Analyst and Organisation Consultant) or sonia@apartmentlaw.ie (Programme Ambassador and Law Firm Principal).

This programme is an initiative of the Law Society Professional Wellbeing Project, funded by Law Society Finuas Skillnet with the support of Skillnet Ireland.