Lawyers: Unique Stress and Creative Solutions

This blog will avoid the usual tips such as self-care, support and work-life balance which may have your typical attorney yell, “Are you kidding?! Do you know what I do?”
 
Lawyers face unique stressors due to the type of work they do. Here are some common stressors and strategies for each category.
 
Demanding Work Load and Long Hours:
 
Some firms require 40 billable hours each week, which can be taxing.
 
*Prioritize tasks by breaking things down into small manageable steps.
*Delegate when possible.
*Take breaks: 15 minutes is better than no break at all. Take time to eat lunch, step outside and walk around the block to recharge.
*Time and project management tools: There are a range of tech tools such as Calendly and Trello to help with organization and management. Seek out support staff and colleagues to find the best tools.
 
High Pressured Environment:
 
Lawyers deal with high-stakes cases and demanding clients. Divorce, Family and Criminal Law bring a unique set of stressors.
 
*Develop breathing, mindfulness and an exercise regimen.
*Speak to colleagues who are in a similar situation.
*Maintain a support network of family and friends that provide balance.
*Seek professional support: There are trained clinicians who understand unique circumstances that lawyers face. A few have law degrees and/or have worked in the legal field.
 
Ethical Dilemmas and Professional Responsibilities:
 
*Seek guidance and consult with mentors and Senior attorneys.
*Stay informed by educating yourself on legal ethics and professional responsibilities.
*Try to foster an open environment at work to be able to have a dialogue about ethics and challenges in legal work.
 
 
Each lawyer and workplace has unique challenges and responsibilities. Taking time to self-reflect and speak to others is critical in this profession.

Kay Gimmestad, LCSW-C is a business coach and clinician in New York City with 20 years of experience working in the profit and not for profit sectors of Human Resources, Health and Human Services. She has built a reputation for being highly skilled in facilitating behavior change while working with employees, both individually and in groups, on matters relating to performance management, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and stress/wellness.