Attorney Wellness and Mental Health:
A Seldom-Discussed Crisis of the Legal Profession

The legal profession, long revered for its intellectual rigor and societal influence, harbors a sobering secret. While lawyers are often seen as the sources of reason and resilience, mental health challenges plague many professionals in the legal field. The immense pressure, long hours, and high-stakes nature of legal work contributes to alarming statistics surrounding attorney mental health and wellness.

A number of studies have been conducted over the past decade to better understand mental health and wellness trends. Here are the results of a few:

A 2016 collaborative study, sampling nearly 13,000 licensed and employed attorneys and conducted by the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, found that:

• 19% suffered from Anxiety Disorder
• 21% of attorneys qualify as “problem drinkers”, compared to about 12% in other highly educated professions, and
• 28% of lawyers currently struggled with depression
• 23% experienced excessive stress, and

The study also found that, at some point in their career:

• 61% reported significant symptoms of anxiety disorders
• 46% struggled with depression
• 10% had considered suicide.

Another study, conducted in 2021 by Bloomberg Law, found that:

• 52% experienced career burnout
• 47% felt their mental well-being declined in late 2021

A 2022 survey conducted by Law.com found:

• 67% of attorneys were currently experiencing anxiety
• 35% were experiencing depression
• 44% felt a sense of isolation

The 2021 Survey of Law Students Well-Being (SLSWB), conducted by the American University Washington College of Law and surveying law students from 39 law schools across the nation, revealed that, since the SLSWB survey done in 2014:

• 70% felt they needed help for emotional or mental health problems within the past year, representing a 28% increase
• Rate of diagnosis of depression and anxiety almost doubled to 33% and 40%, respectively
• Rate of suicidal thoughts within the past year nearly doubled, from 6% to over 11%
• Increase in suicidal thoughts over lifetime, from 20% to 33%
• One in five screened positive for PTSD (new data in 2021 survey)

It is not unexpected that many of these statistics have worsened across the board since the pandemic, with mental health challenges, isolation, substance misuses, and professional burnout exacerbating these already concerning trends.

These findings, while troubling, do not surprise many in the legal community, as they only confirmed what many insiders already knew: the pressures of the profession and recent events have taken, and continue to take, a toll on mental health.

What’s Fueling the Crisis?

1. High Stakes and High Stress: The legal profession is well-known for its stressful nature. Whether representing clients in life-altering injuries, high-value corporate deals, or heated family law disputes, attorneys often deal with extreme emotional and financial pressures. These high-stakes environments can lead to chronic stress, which is a known contributor to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
2. Long Hours and Work-Life Imbalance: Lawyers are notorious for working long hours, often sacrificing personal time and relationships. Billing demands, court deadlines, and the non-stop nature of legal work frequently make it difficult for attorneys to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It is not uncommon for lawyers to experience sleep deprivation, poor physical health, and career dissatisfaction/burnout as they push through a seemingly endless workload.
3. Perfectionism and Fear of Failure: The legal field attracts high-achievers, many of whom grapple with perfectionism and an intense fear of failure. Losing a case, making a mistake, or even appearing less knowledgeable than a peer can feel catastrophic in the competitive legal arena. This fear drives many to overwork, leading to an unsustainable pace that erodes mental well-being.
4. Stigma Around Mental Health: Despite growing awareness, mental health remains a taboo topic in many law firms and legal environments. Lawyers are often expected to be tough and emotionally resilient, making it difficult for many to admit when they need help. A cultural stigma surrounding mental health challenges often prevents attorneys from seeking support and treatment, with many fearing career repercussions, or judgments from colleagues.

The Toll on Physical Health and Professional Performance

The consequences of poor mental health are not limited to emotional suffering. Many lawyers experience physical health issues such as chronic headaches, digestive problems, and heart conditions linked to stress. Additionally, the cumulative effects of stress, anxiety, and burnout can result in decreased job performance, lower client satisfaction, and higher rates of professional misconduct. Much of the research reflects how mental health struggles can impair decision-making, reduce focus, and increase the likelihood of ethical lapses, which are dangerous in a field that requires sharpness and exacting precision.

Addressing the Crisis: What Can Be Done?

While the statistics are grim, steps are being taken to address the wellness crisis among attorneys. Many legal organizations, including the ABA, the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP, a program of the State Bar of Texas), the Texas Center for Legal Ethics (TCLE), and the Houston Bar Association (HBA) are spearheading efforts to improve mental health awareness and resources for legal professionals. These initiatives focus on reducing stigma, providing access to confidential mental health services, and promoting work-life balance.

1. Law Firm Wellness Programs: A growing number of law firms are launching wellness programs that offer mental health counseling, mindfulness training, and stress management workshops. Some firms also are adopting policies that encourage employees to take time off and avoid excessive work hours, acknowledging that long-term health is more important than short-term productivity.
2. Peer Support Networks: Peer-to-peer support networks, such as the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program, have gained popularity as a way for attorneys to seek help from colleagues who understand the unique pressures of the profession. These programs offer a safe, confidential space for attorneys to share their experiences and receive guidance from peers who have faced similar struggles.
3. Mental Health First Aid Training: Some law firms and bar associations are offering mental health first aid training to help attorneys recognize the signs of mental health struggles in themselves and others. These programs teach legal professionals how to respond appropriately and provide support to colleagues in need, fostering a more compassionate and understanding workplace culture.
4. Embracing a Culture of Wellness: Creating a culture of wellness in the legal profession involves shifting attitudes toward mental health. Bar associations, firms, and law schools must emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Leadership within legal organizations plays a key role in setting the tone, and when partners or senior attorneys speak openly about mental health, it helps destigmatize the issue for others.

The wellness crisis in the legal profession demands urgent attention. For too long, attorneys have accepted mental health struggles as a necessary part of the job. But this mindset must change. By addressing the root causes of stress, promoting mental health resources, and fostering supportive environments, the legal profession can prioritize the well-being of its practitioners.

We at the Herd Law Firm, PLLC, embrace these principles as we fight for victims of injuries of all kinds in all types of personal injury and death claims (and other matters we handle), and never waver in our commitment to help these victims and their families in seeking the assistance and compensation they so need and deserve.

9/24/2024

Sources: Journal of Addiction Medicine (lww.com), texasjcmh.gov, Wellness (hba.org), Texas Bar Journal,  www.legalethicstexas.com, National Task Force on Lawyer Well Being (americanbar.org), American University College of Law “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”: The 2021 Survey of Law Student Well-Being”