Our recent research into the dire state of mental health within the legal profession has led us to deliberate on what exactly can be done to help our lawyers manage their sanity and wellness. Enters a recent study conducted by the University of Missouri, which set out to answer one simple, yet impactful question: “What makes lawyers happy?” Join us as we examine the key findings of the study and reflect on how achievable this “measure of happiness” is, given the nature of our profession.
What We Think Makes Us Happy.
- High Income and Financial Rewards:
The allure of a substantial pay check is often seen as the ultimate reward for the demanding hours and rigorous work lawyers put in. Many believe that financial security and the luxuries it affords are key to happiness.
- Prestigious Titles and Partnership Status:
Attaining the rank of partner or holding a prestigious title within a firm is often viewed as a pinnacle of success. These titles bring a sense of accomplishment, respect, and authority within the legal community.
- Recognition and Accolades from Peers:
Being acknowledged and celebrated by peers for one’s contributions and successes in the field can be a significant source of motivation and satisfaction.
- High Billable Hours and Productivity:
Logging high billable hours and maintaining high productivity are commonly equated with professional success and diligence. Many lawyers take pride in their ability to handle heavy caseloads and deliver results under pressure.
What Actually Makes Us Happy.
- Autonomy Over Work and Decision-Making Processes:
Having the freedom to make decisions about one’s work and schedule fosters a sense of control and independence. This autonomy allows lawyers to pursue cases they are passionate about and manage their workloads in a way that suits their personal and professional needs.
- Feeling Competent and Effective in Professional Roles:
Confidence in one’s abilities and effectiveness in handling cases contributes to higher self-esteem and job satisfaction. When lawyers feel skilled and successful in their roles, it boosts their overall happiness.
- Strong, Supportive Relationships Within the Workplace:
Building positive relationships with colleagues and clients creates a supportive work environment. Emotional support and camaraderie can act as a buffer against stress and increase overall well-being.
- A Sense of Purpose and Meaningful Work:
Engaging in work that feels meaningful and aligned with personal values provides a deeper sense of fulfilment. Lawyers who see their work as contributing positively to society or making a difference in clients’ lives experience greater satisfaction.
Our Reality.
The study essentially concludes that the same things that make other people happy make lawyers happy, and that the things we think make us happy are not necessarily what actually does. It is rather intriguing that studies like these would explore whether happiness looks different for lawyers than for other people. Of course, it wouldn’t. We are, after all, human; we cut, we bleed, we cry.
What is very different, though, is the very nature of our profession. The legal profession comes with a unique set of challenges that are not necessarily experienced in other professions, and the pressures inherent in the legal profession can make it difficult, if not impossible, to achieve the ideal balance suggested by these findings.
The suggestion to simply realign priorities for happiness can feel more like an added burden rather than a solution. It sets a noble but often unattainable standard – given the profession’s demands.
Sarah’s Story: A Cautionary Tale.
Consider Sarah, a young associate at a prestigious firm. Fresh out of law school, she was determined to balance personal happiness with professional success. However, as months passed, the pressures mounted. Long office hours, sacrificed weekends, and the relentless push to meet billable hours targets left little room for the autonomy and relationship-building the study highlights.
Sarah’s experience is a cautionary tale shared by many. The legal profession demands a level of commitment that often comes at the expense of personal well-being. The pursuit of happiness can seem like an impossible goal, essentially just leading to increased stress and dissatisfaction.
Wisdom from Seasoned Advocates.
Auxcon conducted its own research, gathering wisdom from seasoned advocates.
Their experiences offer valuable lessons for young and aspiring lawyers:
- Accept the Nature of the Beast and Work with It:
Let’s be honest: The idea of achieving work-life balance as a lawyer is a myth. When urgent matters arise—a last-minute application, a crucial ruling—you have no choice but to drop everything to respond. Placing yourself under pressure to achieve work-life balance similar to those in 9 to 5 jobs can create the opposite effect: setting you up for inevitable failure and negatively impacting your well-being.
Instead, accept that your life will be different and purposefully build a life and environment that is forgiving of the “dysfunctions,” accommodates the demands of your profession, and enables you to shine in a high-functioning, high-performing job. Choose a life partner who is understanding and supportive, hire help for household tasks, and ensure you have a robust support network. Embrace the erratic hours, and take mini breaks when the opportunity presents itself, such as a half-day off to recharge after a gruelling court case.
- Reevaluate What Success Looks Like:
In the highly competitive legal fraternity, success is predominantly measured by the number of billable hours you log, the material wealth you accumulate, and the status you enjoy. There is a pervasive “keeping up with the Joneses” trend. However, this relentless pursuit can come at a significant cost.
Don’t let others’ opinions define your life, and don’t let the chase for money or status be your primary driver. Reflect on what truly matters to you and whether the sacrifices are worth it. In the end, the desire for recognition and status is a zero-sum game, as it comes at a price. When it comes at a cost to your soul and your own happiness, it is a price too high to pay.
- Relinquish the Illusion of Control:
Understand that you can only do your best in the moment and have minimal control over outcomes. As Carl Sagan famously said, “If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.” This perspective highlights the countless variables beyond our control.
Once you’ve submitted your application, drafted your argument, or presented your case in court, let it go and focus on the next task at hand. Recognise that the outcome is influenced by a myriad of factors, including judicial discretion, opposing counsel’s strategy, and unforeseen developments. Relinquishing the illusion of control can reduce stress and allow you to maintain focus on what you can impact.
- Play to Your Strengths:
Don’t force yourself into roles that don’t suit you. Collaborate with colleagues to focus on what you excel at and enjoy. Attempting to master areas outside your strengths adds unnecessary stress. Recognise and cultivate your natural talents, allowing them to guide your professional journey.
For example, if you excel in courtroom litigation but struggle with drafting detailed contracts, consider partnering with a colleague who thrives in legal writing. This approach not only enhances your work quality but also reduces personal stress.
What Do the Experts Advise on Playing to Your Strengths?
Renowned consultant Curt Liesveld wisely noted, “You cannot be anything you want to be, but you can be a whole lot more of who you already are.”
Instead of fixing weaknesses, focus on leveraging your strengths. Here’s what the experts advise:
- Identify Your Strengths So You Can Focus on Them:
Seek feedback from mentors, peers, and career coaches to identify your core strengths. Tools like Myers-Briggs or Gallup StrengthsFinder can help. Embrace what makes you unique and passionate, and channel these attributes into your work. - Learn from Others:
Engage with people who inspire or challenge you. Surround yourself with colleagues who complement your skills, and learn from their expertise. This collaboration can enhance your capabilities and professional satisfaction. - Capitalise on Team Strengths:
Leverage the diverse talents within your team. Collaborative efforts can lead to greater success and a supportive work environment. By focusing on collective strengths, you can achieve more and foster a culture of mutual growth. - You’re the Legal Expert, Let Financial Experts Handle Your Billing and Finances:
You cannot be everything in your profession and you cannot be everything for everyone. Financial stress is one of the top stressors, so partner with experts like Auxcon, who can help you manage your billing administration and debtor management seamlessly and on the go. This can make your life easier and cause less stress, enabling you to better manage your finances and put some money away.
Small Adjustments for a Big Impact.
In Summary:
- Work with Your Profession, Not Against It:
You can’t change the nature of the profession, but you can change your environment. Purposefully design a life in which you can flourish despite the “dysfunctions” of the profession. - Avoid the Pursuit of an Unattainable Balance:
The nature of our profession makes work-life balance an almost impossible ideal. Take mini breaks and moments where you can get them. - Be Wary of Keeping Up with the Joneses:
The pursuit of money and status is a zero-sum game that often comes at the cost of your well-being, relationships, or happiness. Decide what matters to you, and let that define your top priorities. - Stick with Your Design:
You can’t be everything. Find your passion and strengths, and collaborate with those whose strengths counter your weaknesses and vice versa. - Let Go of the Idea that You Can Control Everything:
Simply show up, do your best from moment to moment, and accept that the rest is not up to you. Don’t waste your inner resources worrying about judges’ rulings and the myriad variables in legal scenarios that are out of your control. - Get Your Billing and Finances Managed by Experts:
Making sure the billing and financial administration side of your practice is handled by experts will take a massive burden off your shoulders. It will allow you to put money away for breakaways and slow periods.