The research was conducted by the University of New South Wales, and quotes employees questioning the concern of their firms. Professor Janet Chan, the author of the report, Lawyering Stress and Work Culture, said: 'People are not stupid; if they think this is a kind of lip service then they know the real priorities of the organisation are something quite different from what they say.'

Moderate to severe depression

Nearly a third (32%) of respondents reported moderate to severe depression. Some 45% of respondents said that their work hours made it hard for them to fulill obligations to their family. One 29-year old man said: 'I do not enjoy my life and do not look forward to going to work, indeed, the weekend is not something to look forward to as I will be expected to come in at least one, if not both days.' Source: Lawyers Weekly