A growing number of large law firms have rolled out initiatives aimed at improving mental health and wellness. When it comes to firms that have hired or redirected a full-time staff member to lead the effort, the list gets shorter.

One deterrent is likely the burden of another hefty salary for a non-fee-earner. But if any firm can shoulder the expense, it’s Kirkland & Ellis, which announced on Wednesday that it is hiring attorney and licensed clinical professional counsellor Robin Belleau to oversee a new wellness programme.