“Strong minds build strong justice systems” – A Call to Prioritize Well-being in Law
In recognition of World Mental Health Day 2025, legal scholar and advocate, Professor Foluke Dada-Lawanson, has issued a powerful message to members of the legal profession, urging a cultural shift toward prioritizing mental health and emotional well-being within the justice system.
Acknowledging the immense pressures inherent in legal practice, long hours, high expectations, and unrelenting deadlines, Prof. Dada-Lawanson reminds legal professionals that “behind the titles and achievements are human beings who also need rest, balance, and connection.”
“You cannot pour from an empty cup,” she states. “You cannot advocate effectively if you’re emotionally drained. You cannot lead with clarity if your peace is constantly under pressure.”
The message, shared as part of the ongoing #PossibilityMovement, challenges long-standing perceptions in the legal field that equate mental resilience with silence and endurance.
Instead, Prof. Dada-Lawanson calls for a redefinition of strength, one that embraces self-care, openness, and collective responsibility.
She encourages all lawyers and legal workers to:
- Seek help when needed
- Check in on colleagues regularly
- Make space for rest and reflection
“Taking care of your mind is not a sign of weakness, it’s a mark of wisdom,” she affirms.
As mental health continues to gain recognition as a pillar of professional sustainability, Prof. Dada-Lawanson’s statement echoes a growing movement within the global legal community, one that recognizes that a healthier legal ecosystem begins with the individual.
Because strong minds build strong justice systems.
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