Alan Levin hears it all the time in his therapy practice: lawyers say they’re wracked with stress over targets for billable hours. Being short on hours often feels like an affront to their self-worth, says Levin, a former lawyer.

In her meetings with law firm associates seeking advice on how to avoid professional burnout, Paula Davis-Laack asks lawyers what would most boost their wellbeing and help them thrive. The most common answer? Escaping the grip of the billable hour.