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Six Ways D.C. Lawyers Can Stave Off Burnout
June 15, 2023
For lawyers, burnout is a real and ever-present threat. In Bloomberg Law’s Attorney Workload and Hours
survey in the fourth quarter of 2021, attorneys reported experiencing burnout more than half the time, and an increasing number of them were experiencing a decline in well-being, which can have serious consequences.
However, there are steps legal professionals can take to prevent burnout and maintain their mental health. Here are some examples.
1. Take stock of your situation.
The first step to preventing burnout is to recognize that you are at risk. If you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, disengaged, or unable to concentrate, it's time to step back and assess your situation. Take a break from work and reflect on the factors contributing to your burnout. Once you have identified the causes, you can start taking action to address them.
2. Rest and recharge.
To prevent burnout, it is essential to prioritize your physical and mental health. This means getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and taking breaks throughout the day. As a lawyer, it can be easy to get caught up in work and neglect your own needs. However, taking care of yourself is critical to maintaining your productivity and preventing burnout.
3. Make time for life outside of work.
It's also important to find time for activities outside of work that make you happy. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with friends and family, and pursuing other interests can help you feel more fulfilled and energized, boosting your overall health and productivity.
4. Set boundaries.
As a lawyer, it can be challenging to say no to work or set boundaries with clients. For example, Clio’s 2022 Legal Trends for Solo Law Firms Report found that 86 percent of lawyers work outside of the typical workday (beginning between 8 and 9 a.m. and ending between 5 and 6 p.m.), and 73 percent work outside of regular business days (Monday to Friday).
Set realistic expectations for yourself and your clients, and learn to say no when necessary. It's okay to prioritize your own limitations and take on less work if it means maintaining your mental health.
5. Revisit your values.
If you're working in a way that doesn't align with your values, consider making a change. Continuing down an unsustainable path is a recipe for burnout. Instead, take a step back and reflect on what you truly want from your career. Whether it's a different type of practice, a different work environment, or a different set of values, make sure you are working toward a career that fits with your goals and values.
6. Automate your legal practice.
Finally, technology can be a valuable tool in preventing burnout. Tech tools that streamline workflows and save time can help you achieve a better work–life balance. For example, payment plans and automated reminders with Clio Payments make collections a breeze, and tools like Task Lists in Clio Manage make it easy to assign the tasks you need for a given type of matter in a single step, ensuring nothing gets missed. By automating certain aspects of your legal practice, you can free up time to focus on your well-being and prevent burnout.
Burnout is a serious threat to the mental health and well-being of lawyers and legal professionals. However, by taking proactive steps to prioritize your physical and mental health, set boundaries, and align your career with your values, you can prevent burnout and maintain a fulfilling career. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential to being the best lawyer you can be.
Sharon Miki writes about legal technology and the business of law for Clio. An experienced freelance professional writer and editor, she is passionate about creating articles that are intriguing, useful, and well-researched.
