Very Large Caseloads and a Tough it Out on One's Own Attitude Contribute to Stress Felt by Australian Public Denfenders

Criminal defense practitioners of Legal Aid New South Wales, Australia face high levels of stress according to a staff health survey. See "Legal aid lawyes buckle under work stress," by Geesche Jacobsen, The Sydney Morning Herald, www.smh.com.au . Contributing to the high stress experienced by staff of Legal Aid NSW were the very high caseloads and an organizational culture of "toughing out" problems on one's own rather than seeking help. Due to the very serious nature of consequences faced by many criminal defense clients, practitioners are strongly advised to prioritize self care and to seek help when it is needed.