“The Long Hours”: Wellness in Law School & The Legal Profession
A discussion about the rewards of the legal profession is often coupled with remarks about “the long hours” and the tiresome lifestyle of lawyers. I have often received the “exhaustion warning” from family, friends, and colleagues who have heard from others about the practice of law (“at least,” they say, “in your first few years as a lawyer”). Like many other professions that have demanding expectations and work hours, people who love what they do persevere through the tough times. If the burnout that I keep hearing about is true— how do lawyers keep up with this level of stress and how can a lawyer achieve work-life balance?
Surely, it must be possible. Speaking to practicing lawyers would probably provide a first-hand perspective for ways to manage this stress. In our early stages, however, as a law student or junior lawyer, where we might be eager to take on challenges and build our capacity for demanding work, we might be hesitant to ask these questions.
If we, as current law students or prospective law students are to change this narrative, however, asking these questions early will help us form good work habits. By being aware of the resources that are available for preventing this burnout early, we may be more receptive to them when we might require them in our careers. After doing some research, I came across some wellness resources that support law students and lawyers in their careers.
Interestingly, I came across The Canadian Bar Association Young Lawyers’ podcast called “The Every Lawyer”. The show has featured episodes on a variety of topics, including some on managing stress and promoting wellness for law students. This resource might be an engaging way to feel connected with others with similar experiences in the profession and gaining tips for navigating and managing stress.
Some research indicated to me that several full service and mid-size firms offer wellness support and run initiatives to promote the well-being of their lawyers. The types of support vary across firms, but it will be beneficial to consider these resources when selecting a future place of work.
There are external ways of accessing wellness as well. The Law Society of Ontario and LawPRO offer a Member Assistance Program (MAP) which is a confidential online service offering supports for law students in Ontario, paralegals as well as practising lawyers.
The Canadian Bar Association’s Wellbeing Subcommittee has outlined similar assistance programs for lawyers across provinces in Canada.
I was also impressed to find that judges are provided access to a counseling program of their own at no cost — provided they are registered with the plan. These services are one testament to the profession’s recognition of wellness as a priority.
There may be other support initiatives and programs that I have yet to discover. The effectiveness of these resources for lawyers depend on a number of factors, some of which include their accessibility and the individual’s willingness to take advantage of them. My sense is that the latter, which is definitely within our own control, can always be encouraged.
Thus far, I can see that wellness is a priority for members of the legal profession. At the same time, however, my sense is that the seamless integration of wellness practices in the day-to-day lives of working lawyers & law students (regardless of whether they are members of professional organizations or not) is a goal that will take continuous effort and time to achieve. If law students each year commit to enhancing wellness and providing supports, I am hopeful that the “long hours” burnout can be prevented — or at the least, become much more manageable.
Simply by acknowledging the impact of wellness practices (e.g. mindfulness or counseling) in the legal practice, I envision a great level of difference for the upcoming cohort of young lawyers. Put another way, it might be up to us — prospective law students & lawyers — to change the impact that “the long hours” have on us, and set an impressive example for the profession.
