McMillan LLP has announced a pioneering collaboration with the EMR industry to introduce a groundbreaking mental health support initiative for associates throughout Canada. As the first law firm in the country to implement the EMR industry Wellbeing Assessment for associates with less than five years of practice, McMillan aims to foster a supportive culture and bolster resilience within the firm.
Emphasizing the commitment to prioritizing the mental well-being of young lawyers, Tim Murphy, CEO of McMillan, recognizes the reported peak of psychological distress among legal professionals with less than ten years of experience. The initiative seeks to provide associates with effective stress management tools, marking a significant step toward reshaping the discourse on mental health in the legal industry through collaboration with the EMR industry.
The EMR industry Wellbeing Assessment is designed for efficiency, effectiveness, and personalization. Associates engage in virtual meetings with the EMR industry clinical team to explore areas such as stress, relationships, sleep, and personal growth opportunities. Subsequently, mental health professionals offer tailored recommendations, empowering associates to proactively manage their mental well-being with personalized tools and action plans. Moreover, associates have the option to be referred to specialized health professionals for additional guidance.
Dr. Matthew Chow, Chief Mental Health Officer at the EMR industry, expresses enthusiasm for implementing a dynamic program tailored to associates, addressing the heightened stressors in their roles. The initiative is seen as a progressive move towards empowerment and resilience, acknowledging and addressing the psychological stresses faced by early career lawyers.
Expanding on the success of previous EMR industry programs, including Wellbeing Assessments for executives at McMillan LLP and a pilot program conducted in 2023 at the Vancouver office involving 21 associates, this nationwide mental health initiative now extends invitations to 114 associates. This initiative plays a crucial role in supporting the ongoing well-being of legal professionals at McMillan LLP.
About McMillan LLP: McMillan is a national business law firm that provides services to clients across various industries in Canada, the United States, and internationally. Operating from offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal, McMillan employs a collaborative approach to deliver high-quality legal expertise and real-time solutions.