It’s no secret that the legal profession is a stressful one. According to the American Bar Association, lawyers have a higher rate of suicide, substance abuse and depression than the typical population.

The law, by its very nature, is adversarial. Constant conflict. There are lawyers who feel they have to be difficult and aggressive to “zealously advocate” for clients, and lawyers who feel that creating animosity and strife best serve their clients’ interests. In doing so, they refuse simple and professional requests that spike stress levels and tension.