How independent law practice supports lawyer health and well-being

Most of the lawyers we know entered the profession to help people, feel a sense of intellectual stimulation and to earn a comfortable living. However, following a traditional law career path can often negatively impact lawyer health and well-being.

Independent law, on the other hand, offers a more balanced and flexible option for lawyers who seek better balance and ease in their lives.

A look at the numbers

The law profession has an unfortunate reputation for long hours and high levels of burnout. Recent survey data indicates that this reputation has merit. According to market data firm Gitnux, lawyer well-being remains a significant concern:

“Recent statistics show that approximately 28% of licensed attorneys experience depression, 19% suffer from anxiety, 21% qualify as problem drinkers, 61% are concerned about their mental health and 63% report that it negatively affects their work. Additionally, 84% of law firms have no policies to support lawyers with mental health concerns.”

With well more than half of lawyers reporting mental health concerns, but the vast majority of law firms proving no mental health support, we think it’s time to change that trend.

In fact, we think that the many lawyers who have left Big Law in pursuit of better work-life alignment and autonomy have started to reshape law firm culture. These entrepreneurial lawyers have created small law firms with non-traditional and hybrid schedules. Many choose shared offices like LawBank and stick to regular office hours, which leaves more time and space to recharge and to pursue personal interests.

To your health

Those who left Big Law likely hoped to leave behind long hours and burnout, but both can creep in for independent lawyers who have not created routines focused on balance.

Studies show that the right routines can support your health in a number of ways, including:

  • Better focus and cognition
  • More creativity
  • Better sleep
  • More time to exercise and prepare healthy meals
  • Improved relationships and social support

Writing for the World Economic Forum, health sciences professor Megan Edgelow observes:

“Research has found that having regular work processes allows workers to spend less cognitive energy on recurring tasks, which can support focus and creativity for more complex tasks…

Regular routines can also help people feel like they have control over their daily lives and that they can take positive steps in managing their health.”

While a perfect balance between work and personal time is unrealistic, you can take steps to create a work flow and routine that supports both personal and professional growth.

Love what you do and make room for love

Intangible rewards also play a role in both career and life satisfaction. For lawyers, professional intangible rewards include:

  • A sense of purpose
  • Contributing to society on a substantial level
  • Connections with other intelligent and influential professionals
  • Meaningful impacts on the lives of individuals
  • Supporting organizations or industries doing meaningful work
  • Status and reputation

For independent lawyers growing small law firms, the challenge comes in making room for both professional and personal intangibles. At the end of the day, a happy life includes more than work, regardless of how much you love your work.

As you create structures and systems in your small law firm, make room in your schedule for real life. You know what’s important to you, so plan accordingly and intentionally to preserve space for fun, relationships and personal development. For example:

  • Set a weekly date night with your partner
  • Block off time to attend your kids’ events
  • Book that dream vacation for next fall
  • Enroll in a Tuesday night art class or volleyball league
  • Attend a conference where you can connect with new people and ideas
  • Learn a language or start that writing project you have delayed

Turning off your work brain gives you the physical and mental energy you need to pursue your personal priorities. Even better, that time away from work leaves you recharged and more able to focus on the growth of your law firm.

Money matters

Let’s face it, money allows us more freedom to live the lifestyles we want, so don’t ignore it. You want your law practice to do well, and revenue provides one measure of success.

However, success involves much more than the bottom line, so consider what will make you feel most proud and accomplished at the end of your career beyond money:

  • The clients you served
  • Your firm’s reputation for excellence and service
  • Professional contributions to others in your field or practice area
  • A well-rounded life complete with meaningful relationships and personal accomplishments

Work to structure your law firm for success according to your personal values. Set an ideal income target that you can realistically achieve while also allowing time to be you.

Looking for a shared office community for lawyers where you can connect with likeminded professionals pursuing success on their own terms? Reach out to us. We offer coworking space and affordable offices in Denver and Las Vegas.