In the demanding world of criminal law, long hours, emotional toll, and high-pressure cases are often accepted as the norm. But behind the courtroom doors, many professionals are living with hidden disabilities or chronic health conditions - both physical and mental - and often struggle in silence. Legally Lifelong, Co-Founded by Bar Course student and aspiring Criminal Barrister Lucy Fegan-Earl and Serious Fraud Office Paralegal and aspiring Criminal Barrister Morwenna Hocken, together are working to change that.
The Story Behind the Initiative
The two met by chance during a mini pupillage at the Old Bailey. Morwenna was navigating tests for ulcerative colitis, feeling uncertain whether her health could withstand the pressures of the profession. Lucy had recently been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, an unexpected life shift that brought new challenges. A shared lunch turned into a shared conversation and an immediate sense of relief that neither was alone in their experiences, and it was here that the idea of Legally Lifelong was born.
“Within minutes, Lucy’s honesty made me realise how much we need spaces where we can speak openly,” says Morwenna. “Once we started talking to others, we realised we were in far better company than we thought.”
Why Legally Lifelong Exists
Their mission is clear: to build a supportive community within criminal law, raise awareness for those living with health conditions (visible or invisible, temporary or lifelong) and make the profession more sustainable for everyone.
“Many conditions are invisible, and it can be a challenge for those living with such conditions to be understood’’ says Lucy. “We want to change perceptions and create a comforting support network for those going through challenging times.”
Awareness is central to Legally Lifelong. We want to encourage those in the profession to speak up and show that anything is possible.
Breaking the Silence
Awareness sits at the heart of Legally Lifelong. They’re encouraging professionals to speak up, share experiences, and dismantle the stigma around disability and wellbeing at the Bar. This includes fostering open conversations at every stage, from law students to seasoned barristers, and sharing resources that help people manage their health while pursuing their careers.
A Vision for the Future
For Lucy and Morwenna, success is more than awareness, it’s systemic change. They want criminal law to be a place where practitioners can thrive without sacrificing their wellbeing. That means normalising flexible working, understanding the impact of health conditions, and ensuring no one feels they have to “tough it out” alone.
As part of bringing that vision to life, LegallyLifelong officially launched on Thursday 18th September 2025. The evening gave people the chance to hear more about their projects and mission, connect with others in the criminal law community, and enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere over a drink. They were joined by Barbara Mills KC, Chair of the Bar Council and Michael Turner KC of Garden Court Chambers as their guest speakers, sharing their insights and support for their cause.
Legally Lifelong is just getting started, but their vision is ambitious: a profession where sustainability, support, and community are as integral to the job as legal skill and courtroom advocacy.
In an industry that prizes resilience, Lucy and Morwenna are proving that strength isn’t about silence - it’s about solidarity and camaraderie. Legally Lifelong is here to remind the legal profession that behind every robe and wig is a person, and that person matters.