June 26, 2008
Too Many Lawyers Are Unhappy
The truth is that lawyers disproportionately suffer from depression and related problems. Many lawyers wish that they had chosen a different line of work. Students and individuals who are considering the practice of law should be aware that many lawyers are discontented. Those within the legal profession should acknowledge significant discontent among its members and should seek ways to raise levels of professional satisfaction. While it is true that lawyer discontent is not universal, and that there is a broad spectrum of career satisfaction within the legal profession, the profession needs to acknowledge more openly and frequently that discontent is a widespread problem that needs to be thoroughly studied and addressed. As pointed out by one prominent commentator back in 1993, lawyers are in a state of crisis wherein morale, professional fulfillment, and professional confidence are low. [See Anthony Kronman, The Lost Lawyer: Failing Ideals of the Legal Profession at 1-3 (1993)]. What was true in 1993 has become increasingly true over time.
Comments on Too Many Lawyers Are Unhappy »
I don't know if the profession itself can be changed, but I believe wholeheartedly that individual lawyers who are unhappy can change their own lives for the better. Perhaps if enough were able to do that, the profession could change. This may sound presumptuous, but the statistics seem to back it up, but I think a good starting point in Utah would be for those who are suffering from depression to recognize it and seek treatment through the lawyer's assistance program and get counseling through Blomquist Hale Consulting. I think that establishing that program may be the single best thing the bar association has ever done for its members.