Heroically working around the clock on important matters is admired, even envied. Anyone who chalks up more than 24 billable hours in a day by working on aeroplanes across time zones is a legend. Unlike other business sectors, in the legal profession policies and practices aimed at reducing the risks of fatigue are virtually unknown. Typically it is up to individual professionals to decide if they are fatigued and if their performance is suffering. Yet we now know from sleep deprivation research that it is not good enough to rely solely on individuals recognising their own deteriorating performance and acting appropriately.
Intervention is needed.
I don't know about you, but I'm off to bed early tonight. The Law Society of New South Wales is the professional association for the solicitors branch of the legal profession in the State of New South Wales, Australia. 170 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.