The legal workplace, like all others, is a space of emotion. Emotions are present and displayed both within all work being undertaken and through interactions with other people, whether clients, co-workers, judges, opposing counsel or other third parties. The way emotions infuse, impact upon and are influenced by interactions with others was a sub-theme which arose during the focus groups. In working with others one can benefit from social support, guidance and camaraderie as well as the enjoyment of companionship. All these factors can positively affect wellbeing. On the other hand, working with others in an overly competitive professional environment can cause stress, annoyance and conflict, which can negatively affect wellbeing, and in the more serious cases can contribute to mental ill-health. As discussed in Chapter Three, the legal environment, like many professional spaces, is often considered to be an unemotional field, with practitioners adopting personas of rational, cool objectivity within it. Yet if an individual sat and consciously tracked their emotional states throughout their working day, they are likely to find that they are regularly emotionally impacted by their daily work and social interactions, both positively and negatively. These emotions, by extension, can affect the actions of that person and their perceptions about their own wellbeing or satisfaction within the workplace. In turn, what individuals say and do as a result of how they manage their emotional states is likely to also affect other people's emotions and wellbeing. Being cognizant of the working environment, the role of the people within it, and its daily uplifts, as well as its stresses or strains, is important for employers so that they can promote better wellbeing. Having supportive co-workers or management can engender positive emotions, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and enhanced productivity. An adverse working environment, it is obvious to say, will have the opposite effect.

This chapter will explore the interactional demands placed on legal professionals. These include meeting the demands of clients, dealing with vulnerable persons and working with colleagues and judges. It will also explore the nature of the relationship between legal professionals and other persons within their work environment.