Published in the Legal Intelligencer
In an article published on 9/25 in The Legal Intelligencer, Associate Morgan Lester reflects on her experience as a younger lawyer navigating the competitive nature of the legal space and the pressure to consistently perform. Lester understands this can often lead to burnout and provides three steps to avoid burnout, encouraging young lawyers to begin prioritizing their physical and mental health/well-being.
“The feeling of inadequacy is often compounded by guilt,” said Lester. “Even when given the opportunity to recharge their mental battery, young lawyers struggle to shake the nagging feeling that they should be doing more. This feeling is heightened by the billable hour model, seemingly constant client demands, and the competitive culture of the profession.”
Young lawyers are not robots and should begin by shifting their mindset, accepting that rest is a necessary component to the job that allows them to work effectively long-term. Additionally, self-care should not be neglected, as it sets the foundation for both your personal and professional life.
“Protecting time set aside for exercise, keeping up with medical appointments, and committing to getting a full night of rest aren’t luxuries; they’re the bare minimum. Your mental and physical well-being require regular attention to sustain the stress that comes with the practice of law,” said Lester.
Read the story in full, click here (subscriber-based).