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WORKLOAD
Solo and small-firm lawyers are often expected to perform a variety of tasks that might otherwise be
handled by teams of professionals in larger practices (human resources, accounting, marketing, etc.).
Additionally, while a larger firm may be able to devote considerable resources to a given task, a smaller
firm may be forced to place individuals under intense strain for prolonged periods of time. Workload can
take on an air of uncontrollability that may exacerbate an already stressful situation.
LONG HOURS
The tendency of lawyers to work long hours comprises a chronic, unremitting stressor, which is often
viewed as uncontrollable and something that must simply be tolerated. Working long hours can be
particularly harmful because it removes the lawyer from important sources of social support, including
family and friends, which can ordinarily help buffer against the negative effects of stressful events.
In addition, long-hours may be at odds with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which is necessary to deal with
the demands of our busy lives. For example, it may be difficult to find the motivation or energy to prepare
a healthy meal or go to the gym after three straight 14-hour days.
LACK OF VACATION
Many lawyers complain of a real (or perceived) inability to a take a vacation. Of course, this has
potentially serious implications for both mental and physical health, and can be attributed to a variety of
factors.
First, workload and demanding clients may simply not permit them to be away from the office for
extended periods of time. There is also a pressure on lawyers, especially those who are self-employed, to
take on projects to remain competitive in the marketplace or to keep from feeling like they are “missing
out” on potential business. Similarly, cues from coworkers and management may make the individual feel
as though it would be unwise for them to take an extended vacation, even when entitled to it. Of course,
even when a lawyer is able to sneak away for a week or two, modern technology ensures that we are
never out of reach of those who are trying to contact us.
INTERPERSONAL DIFFICULTIES
Whether facing criminal prosecution, financial distress, family or marital breakdown or public humiliation,
lawyers must often interact with individuals who find themselves in perilous circumstances. To put it
politely, clients may not always interact with their lawyers in a constructive fashion.
Lawyers are acutely aware that their client may be depending on them for freedom, quality of life, custody
of a child or financial viability. Lawyers may feel enormous pressure to preserve some aspect of a client’s
wellbeing. For self-employed lawyers and those in smaller firms, they may have to negotiate sensitive
issues with clients themselves (e.g., missed payments). To make matters worse, a lawyer’s hard work for
his or her clients often goes unrecognized. The fact that “lawyer jokes”, almost invariably unflattering,
remain commonplace is testament to this.
Finally, lawyers may have to frequently deal with colleagues that are under similar pressures, which itself
may be stressful.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
Despite your best efforts, you may need occasional outside advice on how to best cope with work-related
stress. Fortunately, services and outlets are available to help lawyers deal with stressful aspects of their
profession:
1. The CBA’s Legal Profession Assistance Conference (LPAC) – Dedicated to helping lawyers,
judges and law students and their families with personal, emotional, health and lifestyle issues through a
network of Lawyer Assistance Programs, a national 24-hour helpline and through provincial programs.
2. Family physician – Your family doctor is a vital resource for dealing with stress-related problems, as
he/she can provide you with information, resources and treatment for a variety of illnesses, including
depression and anxiety. If he/he refers you to a psychiatrist, forget the stigma associated with a shrink.
Instead, remember that depression is a common problem, likely reflecting excessive use of biological
resources.
3. Professional stress management consultants – Stress management consultants can provide up-to-
date and effective advice on how to create a less stressful work environment, as well as facilitate the
education of both management and employees on the harmful aspects of stress and stress prevention.
Owen Kelly is a researcher in social neuroscience at the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health
Research, and the Department of Psychology, Carleton University. He is also a partner in Stress
Biometrica, a consulting group specializing in the assessment and evaluation of organizational stress.