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A lawyer's job is described as one with a lot of decision-making freedom and high psychological demands. Law has always been a profession that requires careful analysis of legal issues and frequent interaction with the clients. As the number of lawyers in the legal profession has risen, as has the complexity of legal cases, occupational stress and burnout have increased proportionately. The dedication that lawyers have to their clients and their work sometimes translates into an attitude of "I'll sleep when I'm finished," resulting in an always-on atmosphere with little space for rest. 

A Lawyer’s work can be incredibly fulfilling but it can be stressful and exhausting at the same time. It is a well-known fact that the demanding hours of the work, combined with constant demands from both firm leadership and clients, can result in a high stress, fatigue, and eventually burnout. The words 'burn out,' 'break down,' and, in some cases, opting to leave the profession due to the toll on mental health are all too familiar in the legal profession.

Emotional fatigue, depersonalization, and a decrease in personal accomplishment are all symptoms of burnout. It is a condition of physical, emotional, and mental fatigue caused by long-term participation in emotionally stressful work situations.

WHAT CAUSES BURNOUT?

For two primary reasons, physical and emotional fatigue will frequently rear its ugly head for litigators:

Intense Job Demands: High Work pressure, excessive working hours and competitive environment force lawyers to work longer and harder, all while balancing strict deadlines, business expansion activities, and client demands. In a survey conducted by Thomson Reuters, the law firms cited attracting new clients and spending too much time on administrative activities as their top two challenges.

Lack of Sufficient Resources: Firms and Courts also lack tools that can help reduce tension in the workplace, such as flexible scheduling choices, open feedback, office participation, and social support groups, on top of the overwhelming stresses, encountered in the office.

What's fascinating is that many lawyers are attempting to achieve more work/life balance in order to avoid burnout, with 80 per cent claiming that it is a necessary measure of success. The challenge in finding this balance in the legal world is still a real and serious problem.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BURNOUT?

It is very necessary to know the signs of burnout and act as quickly as possible, as a lot of people actually do not know or don’t pay attention to, even when they are on the verge of it. 

Various studies have shown that the high rate of burnout symptoms is associated with a high risk of developing cortisol dysregulation and poorer mental health. Fatigue, social isolation, detachment, poor concentration, headaches, and absenteeism are all symptoms of burnout. But perhaps the most serious signs of burnout are inefficiency and a lack of attention to detail, all of which are critical skills for any practising lawyer. Firms depend on effective and detailed attorneys to be successful because of the extreme job demands and the necessity of billing the most hours.

Although there is no one-size-fits-all experience with lawyer burnout, there are a few warning signs to look out for.

While there’s no one experience of lawyer burnout, there are several common signs to be mindful of. Here are some of the common signs that you’re getting close to burning out:

1. You're worn out.

Even if you get enough sleep, intense fatigue could mean that you're suffering from more than just sleep deprivation after a long day at work.

2. You have an uneasy feeling about yourself.

Was there a time when you couldn't wait to get to work, but now it's difficult to muster the courage to act concerned? Burnout expresses itself in being disengaged from work and pessimistic (or, worse, absolutely dreading the day-to-day practice of a once-loved profession).

3. You are unable to focus

Burnout can manifest itself in a lack of focus and the overlooking of important information on cases, which can affect more than just you.

4. You don't have a balanced work-life balance.

Working so hard that you miss out on family and personal time degrades your health; feeling constantly unbalanced and depressed or guilty about it can be a sign of impending burnout.

5. You're caught in a rut

You may work day and night when you're burnt out, but you still don't feel like you're going anywhere or making any progress. The feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt that come with this hard-work-no-results experience can be difficult to deal with.

HOW CAN SUCH BURNOUT BE PREVENTED?

1. Understand your predicament.

The first step in dealing with a lawyer, burnout is to recognise the situation for what it is. For lawyers who have been taught to see themselves as superhumans, this can be tough, but if you can embrace yourself when you're tired, you'll be able to better care for yourself and your clients in the long run.

2. Pause for a moment

Taking time away from the workplace is one of the most effective ways to prevent burnout. Remember which months are the least busy for your business and set aside time to unwind and recharge. It's normal to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of work piling up when you're abroad, so prepare ahead of time to clear your calendar and alert clients. Also, keep someone up to speed on any sensitive cases or administrative duties you're in charge of so they can handle questions while you're away.

3. Take advantage of technology 

Lawyers claim they spend almost 40% of their time doing something other than practising law. When most companies are looking for ever-increasing billable hours, this is a massive amount of time spent on tasks that aren't directly linked to the bottom line. The good news is that technology is improving rapidly in the legal profession, allowing lawyers to make the most of their time. Artificial intelligence is used in tools like Westlaw Edge to provide quicker, more precise responses, all in the interest of saving time – and hopefully reducing stress.

4. Keep in mind the fundamentals 

When lawyers are under pressure at work, health and fitness are often the first things to go. Prioritising taking care of the mind and body can be very helpful. Small changes, such as taking regular lunch breaks or taking short walks outdoors, can have a huge effect on your mental and physical health. Take advantage of any options the employer provides, such as working from home or getting flexible work weeks.

5. Set boundaries

If you don’t want to be burned out, you need to know (and respect) your limits, learn to say no and let go of the belief that you can handle more than you actually can.

A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

If you’re feeling like you might be a burned-out lawyer, you’re not alone. But burnout doesn’t have to be forever. Successful lawyering doesn’t mean pulling all-nighters non-stop. In fact, by not working to the point of burnout, you can be more productive and effective during your working hours—and enjoy your life more outside of work. It’s possible to thrive, as a lawyer and as a human being.

Positive change to curb burnout is possible on a personal level. It’s also starting to happen at more and more firms.