Lawyers and Guilt

I get the impression that a lot of lawyers are heavily invested in what others (particularly their colleagues) think of them, and they need to be seen by those people as hard-working and committed. I think this reliance on external validation is to be expected, since it also seems like a lot of lawyers go to law school because (at least to some extent) it will help satisfy their need to be perceived by others as smart and successful and hard working. It relates to what appears to be the dependence of their self image on their academic and now career success.

I agree that many lawyers have a need to be perceived as working hard. Some law firms seem to have a "Puritan work ethic" that could be the result, in part, of a desire for external validation. Law school attracts many type-A personalities who also have a compulsion to compete and keep score through self-image, career success, and monetary success.

Thanks for the great comment.

Bentley

Hi Bentley,

I appreciate the issues that you addressing. I know so many unhappy attorneys who will benefit from your teachings.

Thanks for leaving your comment about responsible leadership on my recent video post:

http://www.christopheravery.com/blog/mental-leadership-cowboy-hat-and-shotguns/

Christopher,

Thanks for your comments. Your work on taking personal responsibility and on team-building is important for anyone, but should be of particular interest to lawyers. In light of studies on lawyer depression and lawyer well-being, I recommend that lawyers visit http://www.christopheravery.com.