World Mental Health Day

NOVA School of Law | 10 October

To celebrate World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we are inviting students, professors and staff at the NOVA School of Law to a special yoga class and roundtable discussion about mental health in legal professions.

The day will offer an opportunity to breathe, relax and recharge, as well as to reflect on this important topic and promote well-being within the community.

Activity 1: Yoga Class

Location: Studio 1 of NOVA Desporto, Campolide Campus.
Time: 12:30 pm
Registration: there are only 15 free spots available, which can be reserved by filling out the form below.

Registration form

Spots will be filled in order of registration. Registration is open until October 8, 2025

Activity 2: Roundtable Discussion: “Mental Health and the Legal Professions.”

Location: Amphitheater B of the NOVA Law School, Campolide Campus, Lisbon.
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m

The aim of this meeting is to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and promote critical reflection and the sharing of experiences between legal and psychological professionals regarding the current challenges facing their respective fields.

Confirmed attendees:

    • Raquel Barradas de Freitas, NOVA School of Law (Session Moderator)
    • Vânia Filipe Magalhães, Judge;
    • Edite Oliveira, Psychologist at the SASNOVA Human Development Office;
    • João Vieira de Almeida, Career lawyer;
    • Teresa Tudella, Psychologist at the SASNOVA Human Development Office;
    • Beatriz Diogo, President of the NOVA School of Law Student Association.

Please note that both activities will be conducted in Portuguese.

Programme

Opening 

Presentation of the topic and participants, and an overview of the relevance of mental health in the legal field.

Initial presentations

Each speaker will have around 10 minutes to share their perspective on the topic being discussed.

  • What are the main mental health challenges faced by law students and professionals?
  • What impact can academic and professional pressure have on mental health?
  • What institutional or individual strategies and resources can be adopted to promote well-being?
  • How can the stigma associated with seeking psychological support in the legal profession be overcome?
  • What advice would you give to people starting their legal careers?

The round table will include time for questions from the audience and an informal get-together during a coffee break for participants.

Questions from the audience

This is a space where students can ask questions and share experiences.

Closing

A summary of the key ideas and the final message, which raises awareness of the importance of mental health.

Social gathering

A coffee break is offered to participants.