Reversing The Course For Burnt Out Lawyers
Our careers are supposed to be a marathon, not a sprint. But unfortunately, most law firms have a culture of a marathon run at a sprint pace. This is not sustainable and usually leads to burnout. It can be too difficult to prioritize self-care when something always seems to be on fire. It makes sense that many lawyers are burnt out. It's also important to know that burnout can look different for people in different circumstances. Let's explore burnout in lawyers, what we can do about it, and how to prevent it.
What Defines A Burnt Out Lawyer?
The word burnout is thrown around a lot, so it's important to define what we're talking about. Burnout has three main elements:
1. Constant exhaustion
Feeling constantly tired, physically and emotionally. Some people start to experience medical issues that can't be explained simply. Some people feel simultaneously anxious and exhausted.
2. Growing cynicism
Becoming detached and negative about work. An attitude of futility or apathy is common in people who are burnt out.
3. Reduced accomplishment
Feeling less achievement and purpose. Even when you write a great brief or turn in high quality work, you feel disconnected from it.
The Consequences of Burnout for Lawyers
We often forget that burnout doesn't just affect the person experiencing it. While certain physical and emotional symptoms are personal, the true impact affects others.
The Physical Toll of Burnout for Lawyers
While acute stress has actually proven beneficial for health and healing, chronic stress has the opposite effect. Burnout takes a significant toll on physical health. Lawyers often report sleep disturbances, headaches, and even more severe health issues like heart problems. The long hours and intense pressure can lead to a weakened immune system and a heightened risk of illness.
Mental and Emotional Impact of Burnout for Lawyers
Lawyers sometimes feel a sense of obligation to endure mental and emotional suffering. It's often the norm at the firm. This creates isolation and discourages self-compassion. Lawyers may experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness, and feel they must wether it alone. It can compound with insomnia and pre-existing PTSD. The emotional toll can be overwhelming, affecting both professional and personal life.
Professional Consequences for Burnt Out Lawyers
Sometimes the pressure to perform in the short term can severely impact a lawyer's longevity. Burnout may have a long-lasting impact on a lawyer's career. Reduced productivity, poor performance, and strained relationships with colleagues and clients are common outcomes. It can result in a lack of motivation and engagement in one's work. It can mean a person misses promotions, bonuses, and isolation from colleagues.
Strained Personal Life In Burnt Out Lawyers
Burnout seeps into personal life as well. It can lead to strained relationships, a diminished quality of life, and a sense of isolation. Lawyers may find it challenging to disconnect from work, which further exacerbates the strain on personal life.
A Note About Female Lawyer Burnout
Due to various societal and interpersonal factors, women in law firms experience more burnout than men. You can read about female lawyer burnout in depth here. You can also read two case examples below.
Stages of Burnout In Lawyers
Burnout is not a sudden crash. It's a gradual slide through different phases. Let's explore the three phases of burnout, from the early symptoms to late-stage burnout.
1. Early Symptoms of Burnout In Lawyers
The journey into burnout often begins with subtle signs that something isn't quite right. At this stage, you may notice:
Increased Fatigue: You're feeling more tired than usual, and it's not easily relieved by rest.
Cynicism: You might become more cynical about your work or feel a growing sense of detachment.
Reduced Productivity: Tasks that used to be manageable now feel like overwhelming challenges.
Sleep Problems: Your sleep might start to suffer, with difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep.
During this phase, these symptoms may come and go, making it easy to dismiss them as typical work stress. However, it's important to recognize them as early warning signs. Intervening at the beginning will prevent a lot of problems down the line. Your recovery time is likely to be much shorter.
2. Moderate Burnout In Lawyers
As burnout progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced and impactful. In the moderate burnout phase, you may experience:
Chronic Exhaustion: The fatigue becomes constant, no matter how much rest you get.
Increased Negativity: Cynicism and detachment deepen, affecting your attitude and interactions.
Declining Job Performance: Your ability to perform at work declines, with more errors and lower productivity.
Physical Symptoms: You might experience physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, and muscle tension.
During this phase, you're likely to acknowledge that something is amiss, but it can still be challenging to identify burnout as the root cause.
3. Late-Stage Burnout In Lawyers
Late-stage burnout is when the consequences become severe and pervasive. At this point, you may face:
Severe Physical Symptoms: Chronic stress has taken a toll on your body, leading to prominent physical issues like heart problems, pain, and chronic illnesses.
Emotional Collapse: You might experience intense anxiety, depression, or even a complete emotional breakdown. Many lawyers in this stage of burnout quit their job or take medical leave. They may even contemplate ending their life because their suffering is so severe.
Professional and Personal Crisis: Your job performance may suffer significantly, and your personal life may be in turmoil. Ended relationships, ruptured trust, and sense of being completely alone are common.
Social Isolation: Burnout can lead to a sense of isolation, making it challenging to seek support.
Late-stage burnout is often a wake-up call, but it's also the point where recovery can be a more complex and lengthy process.
Strategies to Combat Burnout For Lawyers
Take Stock Of Your People-Pleasing Tendencies
It's true that many law firms have a culture of Yes. This can be particularly harmful for people who are prone to being accommodating in the first place. If you struggle with saying no or setting and enforcing boundaries, consider reading books or working with a therapist to set better boundaries.
You might like: Quiet Quitting Is Actually Just Having Good Boundaries with Work
Consider Your Options
One of the problems with the pace of life in a law firm is that there's rarely a time to take stock of what's next. If you're not sure about where you want to end up, it's too easy to keep grinding. If you're not sure you want to make partner, or aren't sure you're willing to make the sacrifices to get there, that's important. Access resources at your firm or from people who specialize in helping lawyers figure out career steps.
Fitting In Doable Self-Care
We've all heard about self-care. It's nothing new. You've probably been mandated to attend a few trainings about it. And yet lawyers in particular struggle to implement effective self-care. A common misconception about self-care is that it needs to be time consuming or expensive. It really doesn’t have to be. Sometimes even two minutes of breathing can make a huge difference. There's also great power in saying no and setting boundaries. We've got plenty of practical self-care ideas for you to read about here.
Seek Out Trusted Colleagues
Building a support network at work can make a world of difference. While it can be tricky to wind your way through office politics, take time to find like-minded people. Even a rushed ten-minute lunch together can help you feel less alone in your experience. They may have ideas about how to help you reverse your burnout. If there's a senior lawyer who you trust, they may be able to advocate for you and prevent more matters from being put on your plate.
Examples Of Burnt Out Lawyers
Case 1: John, the Married Father of Two
John is a dedicated lawyer, but his law firm job means long hours at the office. He's also a loving husband and father of two young kids. The stressors in his life start to take a toll:
Work-Life Imbalance: John's late nights at the office lead to missed family dinners. He struggles to find quality time with his kids.
Expectations at Home: His wife, Sarah, shoulders the majority of domestic responsibilities. She also works a full time job. From cooking to managing the kids' schedules, her stress is high. This creates strain on their marriage, making John feel less supported and relaxed when he gets time to unwind.
Guilt and Burnout: John feels guilty for not being more present in his children's lives and sees Sarah's exhaustion. As a result, his burnout gets worse, compounded by the pressure to excel in his career.
Case 2: Emily, the Single Lawyer
Emily is a single lawyer who is passionate about her career and values her independence. She's also hoping to meet someone and start a family, but she faces challenges:
Long Hours: Her law career's demanding nature often leaves her little time for socializing or dating. She feels guilty she isn't able to maintain important friendships or show up for her nephews the way she wants to. When she's able to schedule a date, half the time she has to cancel due to a moved deadline or crisis at work.
Expectations for Single Women: Emily feels the societal pressure to prove herself at work and find time for dating. Some days she can barely figure out meals for herself, let alone check in with people she cares about. She's not sure how she'd actually make time for a partner if she met someone she liked.
Domestic Labor: Because no one is at home to help her out, all the household maintenance, food, laundry, and small tasks fall to her. A task like renewing her driver's license takes more time and energy than she has to spare.
Case 3: Marta, Lawyer and Mother of Three
Marta is a lawyer with three young children. Juggling work, domestic responsibilities, and her role as a mother is incredibly demanding:
Double Shift: Like many working mothers, Marta works the "double shift", handling her career while also managing the lion's share of domestic tasks and childcare. It's common for straight women to be the "default parent." She loves her kids and would do anything for them. But her burnout makes it hard for her to be present and truly enjoy her time with them.
Exhaustion: The constant juggling of responsibilities leaves her physically and emotionally drained, leading to burnout. She has more pain and gets sick more often than she used to. But because of her job, she can't take time off. She pushes through, getting more tired by the day.
Spousal Support: While her husband helps when asked, societal norms place more domestic burden on Marta. This adds to her stress. She wishes her husband would take initiative for things without having to be told. The strain on their marriage has been going on for a while, but it's added to the long list of things Marta will get to "someday."
These are just a few of the challenges that lawyers face, and how gender dynamics can contribute to lawyer burnout. Addressing these issues requires strategies that promote work-life balance and shared domestic responsibilities.
Therapy For Lawyers Who Are Burnt Out
Early intervention with burnout is the best chance at recovery. But many lawyers find themselves in the later stages of burnout by the time they recognize it. If that's you, that's okay. We are ready to support lawyers in California and Florida with online therapy.
Online Therapy for Lawyers
Online therapy, also known as teletherapy or telehealth, has emerged as a powerful tool to combat burnout in the legal profession. Online therapy offers flexibility, accessibility, and convenience, making it a great option for busy lawyers seeking burnout support. Lawyers often have demanding schedules that can make attending in-person therapy sessions challenging. Online therapy offers the flexibility to choose appointment times that align with their busy routines.
Moving Towards Preventing Burnout In Lawyers
Burnout is a pressing issue within the legal profession that cannot be ignored. Lawyers face many challenges in their pursuit of balance, but their mental well-being should remain a priority. By recognizing the signs of burnout, prioritizing self-care, seeking support, and engaging in online therapy, lawyers can safeguard their mental health.
