lawyer burnout

For a long time, the narrative around wellbeing in the legal profession has been a lonely one, often placing the burden squarely on the shoulders of individuals. “Just be more resilient.” But what if the problem isn’t just about individual coping, but about the very systems we operate within? What if the intense pressures and the constant push aren’t just part of the job, but actively eroding the foundations of a thriving profession?

Burnout prevention is a complex matter for all organizations and industries, and the legal profession throws a few extra curveballs. So, what will it take to end lawyer burnout? Before we look at solutions, let’s first unpack burnout and its root causes, then zoom in on the specific causes for lawyers and why so little seems to change in the legal profession. Finally, we’ll look at how senior leaders can start to create a burnout-free law firm culture.