Running for Mental Health: LIV Legal Fun Run and Walk

The Botanical Gardens in Melbourne were busy with legal professionals from across Victoria, as a team of Melbourne Law School staff and students made their final preparations ahead of the starter’s gun for the 2025 LIV Legal Fun Run and Walk in support of mental health and the Black Dog Institute.

Dean Michelle Foster gathered with the team as they readied themselves for the four-kilometre run around the track encircling the Botanical Gardens – ‘The Tan’. A team of 20 MLS staff and students was excited to get underway - so much so that they had completed a pre-event training run the week before. The LIV Legal Fun Run and Walk proved an excellent opportunity for staff and students to connect in a new setting, away from the classroom.

Almost 1000 runners and walkers warmed up together to electronic music as an event host led participants through stretches and warm-up exercises. At the finish line, we met the MLS team, where in an impressive performance, MLS JD student Lucas Williamson won the four-kilometre race.

Dean Michelle Foster said the event stood out as an exciting opportunity for MLS staff and students to participate in a fun industry initiative while also assisting the Law Institute of Victoria in supporting the Black Dog Institute.

“The legal profession in Victoria is large, but there is a unique and familiar collegiality evident in the crowd today, with professionals and students coming together to support each other. It was wonderful to see so many of our students excited to represent Melbourne Law School,” she said.

The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit medical research organisation that provides evidence-based treatments to the community, works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, and improves access to early intervention.

“Mental health issues affect professionals across our legal industry, as it affects many in our MLS community. We know from recent research conducted by my MLS colleagues that lawyer wellbeing, affected by stress, pressure, long hours and work-life balance, is a major issue we must continue to take seriously,” Professor Foster said.

“Thank you to the Law Institute of Victoria for providing a welcoming space for lawyers and law students to meet each other, prioritise physical exercise, and raise support for the Black Dog Institute. I look forward to running in the event again next year.”