Let’s talk: a framework for supporting law students’ wellbeing – The Law Teacher
‘Law is frequently characterised as one of the most demanding university disciplines, with students facing complex and competing pressures. Alongside academic achievement, law students are expected to obtain work experience, build well-rounded CVs, and demonstrate “commercial awareness” and “resilience”, all while maintaining interests outside the discipline. These cumulative demands contribute to significant levels of stress and anxiety, with estimates suggesting that one in four law students will experience poor mental health. The increasing diversity and internationalisation of law classrooms further complicates the challenge of providing effective and equitable support. This article presents an evidence-based framework, developed in 2020/2021, designed to embed wellbeing within the law school curriculum. Drawing on the experience of a senior tutor, the framework details the creation and implementation of a pastoral care strategy that positions wellbeing at the centre of the student experience, spanning across induction week, teaching, and assessment. 13 pedagogically informed interventions are identified, each aimed at encouraging student reflection, fostering supportive communities, and reducing stigma around mental health. Collectively, these interventions highlight practical approaches by which law schools can integrate wellbeing into curriculum design and institutional culture, offering a model to strengthen student support and enhance educational outcomes in an increasingly pressured environment.’
The Law Teacher, 24th November 2025
Source: www.tandfonline.com
