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Although close to 180 years old, the frequently cited legal quote describing the law as "a jealous mistress" who "requires a long and constant courtship"1 has never been truer than it is today. The successful practice of law in today's legal climate usually requires a strong work ethic, long hours, boundless energy, and a deep commitment to the profession. However, for many accomplished lawyers, success comes at a heavy price. The price is called professional burnout, a common occupational hazard for attorneys, particularly those who practice in the family law arena.
On a daily basis, family lawyers hear painful and tragic stories of families torn apart by anger, adultery, violence, sexual abuse, and a long list of other unpleasant experiences. They regularly see children torn apart by warring parents who seem to have lost all perspective. They work in a profession that is adversarial by its nature and that identifies itself by wins and losses. Yet, these factors, as unsettling as they may be, are only partially responsible for the high rate of burnout in the profession.
Overwhelmingly needy and demanding clients, a high percentage of aggressive and critical colleagues, overbooked schedules exacerbated by a chronically delayed and overburdened court system, and repeated exposure to behaviors that sometimes conflict with their personal values are only a few examples of the stressors experienced by family law attorneys. Together, these factors set the stage for eventual disaster for even the best and the brightest in the field if they do not recognize their risk for burnout and take measures to prevent it.
RECOGNIZING THE HIGH RISK
Yet, recognizing and preventing burnout is often easier said than done. Because of its insidious nature, professional burnout often catches even the most skilled lawyers completely off guard and unprepared for its challenges. It is a cumulative process whereby chronic stress and frustration lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, loss of motivation, and an inability to function effectively on a personal and professional level. Once this occurs, it is difficult to recover without significant lifestyle changes.
Lawyers are among the occupations at highest risk for burnout and other stress-related problems. As a group, they have high rates of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, divorce, and suicidality.2 Yet, when one considers the trends...