EDITOR'S LETTER

WELCOME TO THE WINTER EDITION OF CITY SOLICITOR MAGAZINE.

The idea of truly separating work from personal life feels almost impossible— no matter how much we try. Even as I binge-watch Severance on Apple TV, a show where office workers have their memories surgically divided between their professional and personal lives, I find myself thinking about work.

In this issue, we explore whether law firms are doing enough to combat workplace stress and improve the well-being of lawyers. Mental health isn’t just an individual concern—it’s a widespread issue that affects everyone, from trainees to senior partners. We look at generational differences in how lawyers approach work-life balance and whether well-being initiatives truly address the pressures of the profession.

The City of London Solicitors’ Company’s charitable initiatives are a key part of this discussion. We speak with Dominic Griffiths, the newly appointed Almoner, about his role in supporting members during times of need and why mental well-being is high on his agenda. LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal profession, also shares practical strategies to counter unhelpful thinking patterns and improve day-to-day resilience.

For many, sports and physical activity are powerful stress relievers. We talk to Luca Cordelli, recently appointed Captain of Livery Sports, about his plans to reignite participation in inter-livery sports events—including rugby, golf, football, and netball (which, as a longtime netball player, I’m particularly excited about). If you’re interested

in getting involved, reach out to Luca (luca.cordelli@ studiopirola.co.uk) or Oliver (oliver.williams@cms-cmno. com) to sign up.

And if your idea of switching off involves good food and music, BAO City offers the perfect escape—stylish dining and a hidden karaoke bar to sing away the stress of the day.

Finally, in our wine column, we take a trip to Venice to discover the wines of Venissa on the island of Mazzorbo. Following the devastating floods of 1966, Venice’s vineyards were nearly lost—but now, the Dorona de Venezia grape has made a remarkable comeback. A reminder that resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about rebuilding too.

We hope this issue offers both insight and inspiration, whether you’re looking to recharge, rethink work-life balance, or simply enjoy a good glass of wine. 

Salome Coker

Editor

mail@citysolicitors.org.uk