Former army chief David Morrison has urged the legal profession to change its culture to encourage lawyers to speak out about mental illness amid high rates of depression among the state's barristers and solicitors.

The Australian of the Year, who shot to prominence after delivering a speech telling sexist soldiers to "get out", said the profession needed to take responsibility for the mental health of lawyers.

Former army chief David Morrison said the legal profession needed to take responsibility for the mental health of lawyers. Credit:Martin Ollman

"What are solicitors and barristers, especially those starting their legal careers, being asked to do?" Mr Morrison said in a speech to the Sydney legal fraternity on Thursday.

"How far do the everyday workplace pressures intrude on how members of your profession live their lives?"