Biglaw

Associate At Top Biglaw Firm Dies By Suicide

News of the associate's tragic death comes during a time of renewed interest in mental health assistance for attorneys. If you are concerned about yourself or another lawyer, there is help available.

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We have some tragic news to report from Australia, where an accomplished Biglaw associate recently died by suicide.

According to the Australian Financial Review, in late March, an unnamed associate at Baker McKenzie took their own life, and colleagues attended the funeral this week. News of the associate’s suicide comes during a time of renewed interest in mental health and well-being assistance for attorneys in the wake of the death of a Pinsent Masons partner who was overworked and suffered from an “acute mental health crisis.”

Ann-Marie Allgrove, managing partner of Baker McKenzie’s Australian offices, offered a statement on the associate’s passing, per the Daily Mail:

‘We are devastated for their family and friends, and have extended our deepest sympathies and support at this very challenging time.

‘The firm and all who knew them are deeply mourning this loss.

‘We have provided onsite support for our staff in the Sydney office and engaged our Employee Assistance Program provider for additional support across all three of our Australian offices.’

We here at Above the Law extend our condolences to this associate’s family, friends, and colleagues during this extremely difficult time.

If you or someone you know is depressed and in need help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or a lawyer assistance program in your state (don’t be fooled by the name; these programs also provide services to law students). Remember that you are loved, so please reach out if you need assistance.

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Death of Baker McKenzie associate rocks law firm [Australian Financial Review]
Baker McKenzie lawyer takes their own life in Sydney [Daily Mail]

Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is a senior editor at Above the Law, where she’s worked since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on X/Twitter and Threads or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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