Paul Rawlinson, the former global chair of Baker McKenzie, took his own life while suffering from an ‘acute depressive illness’, an inquest into his death heard today (10 June).

Karen Henderson, assistant coroner for the county of Surrey, said Rawlinson had died while being treated at a Swiss clinic on 12 April 2019, according to a report in the Financial Times.

She said his death was not suspicious and it was clear that ‘an incredibly successful lawyer who was adored and loved by his family’ had been overcome by his illness.

Rawlinson, an intellectual property specialist, was elected as Bakers’ first UK chairman in June 2016 having been London managing partner for three years.

He stepped down to take a medical leave of absence in October 2018.

A spokesperson for the firm said: "Paul’s sudden death in April 2019 was a tragedy, most obviously for his family, but also for Baker McKenzie, where he had been a long serving partner and inspirational leader in various roles. He was a man of enormous charisma and energy.”

The spokesperson said that the firm regarded the circumstances surrounding his death to be a private matter for his family, adding: “Our thoughts throughout have been with Paul’s wife and children, and will continue to be, as they move forward.”

Concerns about mental health within the legal profession have mounted in recent years and there has been a plethora of initiatives globally to tackle the problem, including an ongoing project by the International Bar Association.

In January, the UK charity LawCare reported that calls to its helpline last year increased by 8% with stress (26%) and depression (12%) the most common problems cited by callers.

The inquest was held virtually, via a phone conference, due to the Covid-19 lockdown.