“In order to look after and protect their clients’ interests, lawyers must first look after themselves”

From 2026 onwards, the Portuguese Bar Association will provide free psychological support to all lawyers in Portugal, following a survey carried out by the association which revealed that professionals deal on a daily basis with high levels of pressure, emotional strain and difficult decisions.

Commenting on CNN Portugal, on the programme CNN Fim de Tarde, Pedro Barosa stated that “this initiative views the lawyer not only as a legal technician, but also in terms of their full personal dimension”, with the aim of tackling burnout within the profession.

Partner at Abreu Advogados and President of the Portuguese Bar Association’s Advogado 360 Comission, Pedro Barosa ensures that “this measure helps to dismantle the stigma and address the issue head-on”. According to the criminal law specialist, “most lawyers are in a constant rush, always trying to catch up”. And, he adds, “in order to look after and protect their clients’ interests, lawyers must first look after themselves”.

Watch the full commentary here.