One of the many ways we are working towards improving mental health in the solicitor profession is to partner with Elephant in the Room, a project to challenge mental health stigma and encourage open conversations in the workplace.

This global project was founded by Brent Pope, sportsperson, rugby pundit and media figure. The concept involves placing a large elephant sculpture, decorated by a professional artist, in a prominent position in the Law Society buildings. This elephant is a declaration of our commitment to creating an open culture in which no aspect of mental health is taboo. 

Samaritans Ireland is Elephant in the Rooms’ lead charity partner for 2024 and the Law Society is delighted to   collaborate with these experts on suicide as it is a particularly complex aspect of mental health, and one that continues to touch lawyers and their loved ones. The Elephant in the Room is about more than suicide – it represents a cultural shift to a more open, accepting and responsive legal community. 

Designing the Elephant

In April and me, we invited the profession to contribute to the design of the Law Society’s elephant by sharing one word to describe what helps them persevere through tough times and challenges in life.

Thank you to everyone who submitted their word. Your input will shape the artistic brief of our Elephant sculpture, representing the resilience of our big, wide Law Society community. You can see examples of artwork on the Elephant in the Room website.   

Launch of the Law Society’s Elephant in the Room  

Our designed Elephant will be unveiled in a celebratory event in September, during Suicide Awareness Month. Further information on this event will follow.