Attorney Well-Being: A Pressing Concern for the Legal Profession

Attorney well-being has become a public health concern, and for good reason. The statistics are sobering: Recent studies indicate that 10 to 12 percent of lawyers have contemplated suicide, compared with 4.2 percent of adults in the general U.S. population. The root causes of these issues—overcommitment to work, high stress levels, and loneliness—are all too common in the legal profession. The 2024 Mental Health Survey by Law.com and ALM Intelligence highlights these concerns, reporting that 36 percent of attorneys experienced depression in the past year. The 2022 survey found that 67 percent of attorneys reported anxiety, underscoring the ongoing mental health crisis among legal professionals.

From the earliest stages of their careers, attorneys are often driven by a highly competitive environment. The pursuit of partnership and the demands for extensive face time and billable hours establish a foundation for a culture in which stress is normalized and, in some cases, celebrated. Networking events and firm gatherings with free-flowing alcohol further enable unhealthy coping mechanisms. This stress culture creates a precarious balance, where the body’s natural fight-or-flight response is repeatedly triggered. While this physiological reaction is intended to help us respond to immediate threats, prolonged activation leads to harmful outcomes, including migraines, insomnia, weight changes, autoimmune disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, high blood pressure, ulcers, and even hair loss.

This article explores these challenges and offers practical strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of stress and cultivate a healthier professional environment.

Recognizing and Addressing Toxic Behaviors

The legal profession has been grappling with elevated rates of mental health issues for years. A 2021 study noted that U.S. attorneys face higher levels of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse than many other professions. Women, in particular, bear a disproportionate burden, with female attorney attrition rates 150 percent higher than those of their male counterparts. Furthermore, excessive workloads can undermine the quality and reliability of legal work, as chronic stress is consistently associated with decreased cognitive function and increased errors.

One example that illustrates the unhealthy habits perpetuated in law firms occurred during an interview I attended after reentering the legal field. The partner conducting the interview was continuously distracted, checking his phone every few minutes to answer emails and texts. This type of constant interruption and inability to focus is not just distracting—it’s a toxic behavior that reflects the deeply ingrained issues with attention and presence in many legal environments.

From Stress to Burnout: Understanding the Continuum

Stress is not inherently bad; it’s part of the body’s natural defense mechanism. However, when it becomes chronic, stress can lead to burnout. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is a condition characterized by chronic exhaustion, persistent cynicism, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. Simply put, burnout represents a state in which individuals feel ineffective or as though they have lost the ability to make a meaningful impact. While self-care can be helpful in managing stress, it is often an insufficient remedy for true burnout. 

Building Resilience Through Practical Strategies

Attorneys can take steps to protect their mental well-being, mitigate the effects of stress, and build resilience in their professional lives. Here are some key strategies for achieving a more balanced approach.

1. Define and commit to your core values. To build a resilient career, start by identifying your core values. These values serve as the foundation of your professional life. Ask yourself: What is most important to you? What are your non-negotiables? Which aspects of your life and career are you willing to compromise on? By understanding and honoring your core values, you can make more aligned decisions that protect your well-being and prevent burnout.
2. Use time blocking to manage your workload. Time blocking is an effective strategy for increasing productivity and reducing overwhelm. By setting specific blocks of time for tasks, you can minimize distractions and better manage the demands on your time. For example, email is a common culprit of lost productivity. Designate certain times during the day to address nonurgent emails, and remember that you control what is and isn’t urgent. Prioritizing your tasks and minimizing distractions help create boundaries that allow you to focus and recharge.
3. Recognize overcommitment, and practice saying “no.” The culture of overcommitment is pervasive in the legal profession, beginning in law school and extending through practice. Overcommitment is often rewarded with accolades and external validation, satisfying psychological needs for competence and success. However, overextending yourself can have damaging effects on your well-being. Empower yourself to say “no” when necessary—recognizing that “no” is a complete sentence. It is a tool for protecting your mental health.
4. Set healthy boundaries, especially around technology. The pandemic blurred the boundaries between professional and personal lives, as remote work increased accessibility and, in many cases, created a hyper-responsive work environment. The omnipresence of technology, while convenient, can also elevate anxiety and stress levels. Recognize the role technology plays in your work life and set boundaries to prevent it from intruding on personal time. These boundaries are essential for maintaining mental well-being in a profession where being “always on” is often expected.
5. Listen to your body’s signals. Your body provides important feedback about your mental state, often before you are consciously aware of an issue. If you experience recurring headaches, chest heaviness, or constant heartburn, pay attention. These physical symptoms are signals that something may be wrong. Anxiety attacks, persistent muscle tension, and other stress-related symptoms are your body’s way of communicating that you need to address underlying stressors. Don’t ignore the signals—prioritize your well-being and make changes to support a healthier lifestyle.

A Culture of Well-Being for Legal Professionals

It’s time for the legal profession to acknowledge and address the mental health crisis among its ranks. A culture of well-being isn’t just beneficial for individual attorneys; it has far-reaching implications for the profession as a whole. When attorneys are mentally and physically healthy, they can serve their clients more effectively, engage in meaningful work, and experience greater career satisfaction. Reducing stigma around mental health, promoting healthier work practices, and encouraging attorneys to set boundaries are essential steps in transforming the legal profession.

Every attorney has a role to play in fostering a healthier workplace. By practicing self-awareness, committing to your core values, and setting boundaries, you can build a more sustainable, fulfilling legal career. Your well-being is not just a personal matter—it’s a professional imperative that has impacts on your performance, your clients, and the legal profession at large.

By recognizing the causes of stress and burnout, implementing practical strategies, and fostering a culture of support, attorneys can protect their mental health and thrive in their careers. Well-being is not a luxury; it is a necessary component of a successful, impactful legal practice. Prioritize yourself and create a professional life that aligns with both your values and your well-being.