Lawyer burnout is avoidable if you work smart in your small law firm

Lawyer burnout is far from a stereotype or myth. It’s a real issue in our field, but attorneys can arrange their work lives to avoid it. Whether you operate your own firm or work in a larger group, you can change the dynamic.

What is burnout?

Attorney At Law Magazine sums up the state of burnout succinctly:

“Burnout is best described as an enduring state of exhaustion that manifests mentally, physically, and emotionally and is caused by the stressors of the workplace. Attorneys are especially susceptible to burnout because of the competitive and demanding nature of practicing law.” 

If you have worked in law practice for any length of time, you will see yourself in those words. Especially if you have worked in some of the more traditional big law firms where long hours and competitive culture reign.

An ABA survey from 2020 highlights some of the well-being challenges many lawyers face, including:

  • Depression (28% of respondents)
  • Problem drinking (21% – double the rate of other professions)
  • Anxiety (19%)
  • Suicidal thoughts* (11.5%)

The ALM 2021 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Survey paints an even bleaker picture with 71% of lawyers reporting periods of anxiety in the past year; 37% said they felt depressed.

Even for lawyers who don’t report any of the above symptoms, burnout can express itself in trouble sleeping, feeling stressed or anxious more often or irritability. It can also impact your ability to focus and, at worst, could leave you feeling hopeless about your career.

*September is National Suicide Prevention Month:
If you need to talk to someone, call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

A culture change

Many of our members started their own law firms in an effort to challenge the industry paradigm around work-life balance. They knew they could create a purpose-filled and successful career without sacrificing their well-being. They wanted a personal life in addition to their lawyer title, and many of them have succeeded in achieving both.

We also work with some larger law firms who have challenged the status quo by testing out new business models and client service processes.

Think about how you can contribute to your firm’s culture – and how that culture either supports or hinders work-life balance. The success of your firm depends on people (including you) who feel focused and who bring their best selves to work. If you and your team are not operating as your best selves, it’s time for a culture change.

How to address burnout

If you feel yourself edging toward lawyer burnout, it’s time to take action. Start with these steps:

  • Create space between work and personal life. A dedicated workspace and clear working hours can help you turn off “work brain” and relax.
  • Set expectations. Communicate with clients only during work hours, and only work outside of those hours for true emergencies.
  • Say no. Set boundaries with clients, colleagues and individuals in your personal life who ask for more, more, more. You don’t have to honor every request.
  • Work smart. Use tools and resources that help you do better work and that allow you and your staff to work reasonable hours.
  • Take breaks. Nobody wins a prize for working through lunch. Take a real lunch break and step away from your computer at least once an hour for five minutes. While you’re at it, plan your next vacation – and leave your computer at home when you go.
  • Find a hobby. Hobbies encourage us to hit the DND button and leave our desks. They also allow your brain and body to engage in something enjoyable and energizing.
  • Move your body. Exercise releases stress-reducing endorphins and can help you feel refreshed when you return to work.
  • Relax your mind. Yoga, meditation, deep breathing or even working a Sudoku can help your brain move out of burnout and stress mode.
  • Socialize. Studies show that a strong social support network improves both physical and mental health, so make time for family, friends and social time with professional peers.

As lawyers, we sometimes want to do it all, but that’s not possible in burnout. Working longer hours and adding more to your plate does not equate to success or more money. It can equate to devastating impacts on your health and relationships.

Shift your mindset and allow yourself to visualize both professional success and personal satisfaction. You can define your own success, and you can create a law firm culture that helps support it.

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