Trial Magazine

High stress, long hours, and nonstop pressure have long defined litigation. But the toll on lawyers’ mental health is undeniable. Lawyers face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance misuse than nearly any other profession.¹ The fallout isn’t just personal: It hits firms and clients hard, too.

Prioritizing lawyer well-being is smart business. Firms that invest in mental health boost performance, improve retention, and gain a clear competitive edge. Mentally healthy lawyers deliver better work and enjoy stronger client relationships.² Plus, today’s top candidates—especially newer lawyers—are choosing firms that truly support mental health and work-life balance. Firms create meaningful change through concrete policies and cultural shifts.

Create a well-being committee. A dedicated team focused on well-being keeps firms accountable and momentum strong. When employees at every level have a seat at the table, it results in clearer insight, broader buy-in, and real change in workplace culture.

Implement the ABA Well-Being Pledge. By signing the ABA’s Well-Being Pledge, firms do more than signal support—they commit to action.³ The pledge offers a clear, seven-point road map for advancing mental health—from education to policy reform. But signing is just the starting point. Real change happens when firms put the pledge into practice.

Make policy changes that matter. Here are some key steps firms can take:

Recognize that flexibility is a retention strategy. Remote and hybrid options aren’t perks. They are proven tools to support work-life balance.

Rethink billable hour expectations. Crushing hour requirements fuel burnout. Firms that still prioritize billable hours should reevaluate success metrics. Good places to start include crediting nonbillable work, decoupling bonuses from hours, or scrapping targets altogether.

Normalize mental health days. Clear, stigma-free policies around mental health leave empower lawyers to take care of themselves and stay in the game for the long haul.

Pay people what they’re worth. Review compensation regularly to ensure all firm employees are paid fairly and competitively. Financial stress and under compensation are mental health issues, too.

Build a culture that supports, not stigmatizes. Cultural change is the key to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Leaders must talk openly about mental health and convey that asking for help is a sign of strength. Training lawyers to spot and respond to distress turns the firm into a true support network.

Offer mental health resources. Therapy, employee assistance programs, and confidential help through lawyer assistance programs should be standard—not afterthoughts. Go further by creating an internal mental health hub so resources are easy to access when they’re needed most.

Make well-being events inclusive. Plan firm activities that don’t revolve around alcohol, so everyone feels welcome. Supporting recovery and inclusion means creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

Get leaders on board—or get left behind. Well-being wins need leadership backing. Find champions at the top who understand why mental health matters and back your case with hard data on the financial and ethical payoffs. Without leaders driving change, progress stalls.

The legal profession’s mental health crisis is not just a personal issue. It is a business imperative. Firms that prioritize lawyer well-being through meaningful cultural change, supportive policies, and proactive resources don’t just help their people thrive; they perform better. Healthier lawyers are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay. Investing in well-being isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a smart, strategic move that strengthens firms and secures the long-term success of the profession. The time for change is now.

Grace Chanin is an attorney with Nichols Kaster in Minneapolis and can be reached at gchanin@nka.com.

Notes

1. ABA, Report from the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being, tinyurl.com/yykuwnr9.
2. Michael Kasdan, How In-House Counsel Can Drive Improved Mental Health in the Legal Field, Lawline (May 1, 2023), tinyurl.com/5ctxeyam.
3. ABA, Well-Being Pledge Campaign, tinyurl.com/2sryw2vn.