Too Many Lawyers Dislike Their Work

Many lawyers at large law firms are simply biding their time until retirement.  It is typical for lawyers to wish that they were doing something else and to be envious of officers or employees of their corporate clients.  Many lawyers proclaim that they would not go to law school again, if given the choice.  Numerous lawyers also state that they would not recommend that their children attend law school.  One senior lawyer in a commercial law firm has been rumored to tell new associates in the firm that they should have chosen a different job and profession.

It is important for lawyers to evaluate their happiness periodically and take steps to increase their level of satisfaction if it is lagging.  Students considering careers in the law should carefully consider their motives, be aware of the causes that contribute to career-choice regret among lawyers, and plan carefully to avoid frustration down the road.  Being aware of risk factors and trends can help lawyers and would-be lawyers take care to implement and protect healthful lifestyle choices in the face of professional pressure.  There are important steps that lawyers can take to make individual health and personal relationships a priority despite the demands of the work they do.