When I was a very new lawyer almost 29 years ago, I heard it said that being a good lawyer is about not messing up. Perhaps you have heard one of the following statements, or something similar, in your years of practice:

  • At the end of the day, lawyers are fungible;
  • Mistakes are unacceptable.
  • You’ll never make partner unless …
  • If you didn’t want to be available 24/7, you should have chosen another profession.
  • This is critically important to the client … but don’t bill too much time to it.
  • Never show weakness at your job, and especially not to your adversary.

Faced with the implications of these types of statements, and the many other pressures to develop business, become an expert in a specific practice area, and collect as much revenue on your time as possible, is it any wonder that the mental and physical stress that lawyers experience leads to high rates of depression, alcoholism, failed relationships, and unhealthy levels of anxiety?