Contemplating a career in law? That's fantastic, but it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the profession's demands before fully committing to working for a law firm.
On the positive side, law is a highly-respected field, ranked as the world's second-most respected profession by the World Economic Forum, right after being a doctor. This recognition is well-deserved, as lawyers are acknowledged for their high performance, intellectual prowess, and hard work, often accompanied by a substantial income.
However, there's another side to the story. Despite the elite reputation and financial rewards, the legal profession can be profoundly stressful. Many attorneys contend with extended working hours, challenging clients, and a constant influx of demands.
This blog delves into the real stressors of being a lawyer. It explores the significance of workplace environments, identifies the sectors where lawyers find the most satisfaction, and provides valuable tips on securing a legal job without compromising your overall well-being.
Where you work is important
Unfortunately, there’s generally a tradeoff between the amount of stress you’re willing to take on, and your income.
Corporate law
Corporate lawyers, for instance, command an impressive average base salary of $137,424. It's noteworthy that this figure solely represents their base pay, and on top of that, they have the potential to receive performance-related bonuses. Additionally, there's the opportunity for substantial bonuses, reaching up to $75,000, for successfully referring candidates.
However, the corporate law landscape is far from a walk in the park. While these lawyers earn substantial fees from their clients, it comes with the implicit expectation that they will consistently go above and beyond, remaining available at all hours. As expected, numerous accounts abound of corporate lawyers departing from the sector, citing stress and burnout as major factors in their decision.
Litigation
Litigators find themselves in a comparable situation. Operating in this practice area can be extraordinarily stressful, with cases stretching over months, and sometimes even years. Yuriy Moshes, Founder of Moshes Law, P.C., notes, "Litigation attorneys necessarily work with very difficult people for a living; people who will refuse to give an inch unless they are allowed to take a mile in return."
While litigators advocate for their clients, they also bear the brunt if things do not unfold as planned. Given the high stakes and intense stress, litigators command an average base salary of $100,962.
Fortunately, not all legal practice areas are equally stressful. In other words, there are ways to practice law while mitigating stress, allowing for a more balanced professional experience.
Estate planning
Consider estate planning as an illustration. Estate planners aren't required to spend nights addressing urgent requests or devising strategies based on sudden case developments. With fewer working hours compared to litigators or corporate lawyers, they generally experience lower stress levels. However, this reduction in stress comes with a trade-off in their earnings, as estate planning attorneys earn an average salary ranging from $63,042 to $77,886.
Similarly, lawyers involved in public-interest work often report higher job satisfaction despite earning significantly lower pay than their counterparts in private practice. On the other end of the spectrum, animal law attorneys, who typically prioritize mission over money, earn an average salary of $47,000.
Now, the question arises: What's the optimal balance between stress and income? Which legal roles offer a decent salary without an overwhelming level of stress?
Intellectual property law
While there isn't a precise answer, intellectual property lawyers appear to strike a balance between favorable earning potential and lower stress levels. According to our 2021 Legal Trends Report, intellectual property lawyers had the joint-highest average billing rate by practice area at $362 in 2021. Interestingly, this field is often cited as one of the least stressful practice areas.
However, it's worth noting that the perceived stress among lawyers might be more related to the size of the law firm than the specific legal specialty. Research suggests that lawyers working for mid-sized firms tend to experience the least stress. Larger firms, known as Biglaw, are notorious for their "always on" culture, while smaller firms may face challenges due to limited additional resources, requiring lawyers to handle their own administrative duties.
If you're contemplating a career in law, consider the age-old saying, "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." Opt for a practice area that genuinely ignites your passion, and if stress is a concern, consider working for a mid-sized firm. While there may still be late nights and hectic schedules, the key is that if you're genuinely passionate about your work, the stress levels are likely to be significantly lower compared to someone who is solely motivated by financial gain or prestige.
Who are the happiest lawyers?
Indeed, studies consistently reveal that lawyers engaged in public-interest jobs tend to experience higher levels of job satisfaction, even though their compensation is generally lower than their counterparts in private practice. The satisfaction derived from public-interest work often stems from the meaningful and impactful nature of their responsibilities. Additionally, those in public-interest roles often enjoy greater control over their work, contributing to a more fulfilling professional experience.
How to find a job in the legal profession without sacrificing your wellbeing
By keeping the following points in mind, lawyers can forge a successful career without sacrificing their personal wellbeing.
Find a practice area that interests you
Fully committing to an area that lacks personal interest can be challenging. Given that some lawyers invest up to 14 hours per day, including weekends, in their work, it's essential to recognize that sustained engagement in an uninteresting field has its limits. Enduring 70-hour workweeks in a field that fails to capture your interest can lead to disillusionment, and in extreme cases, may even prompt individuals to exit the profession altogether.
Opting for a long-term strategy involves constructing a career around your genuine interests. This approach not only facilitates continuous learning but also enhances performance and overall job satisfaction. Playing the long game by aligning your career with your interests ensures that you derive greater fulfillment from your work.
Work at a law firm that’s a good culture fit
Law firm culture, although it might appear somewhat abstract or elusive, essentially encompasses the "core values, communication norms, time and output expectations of lawyers, career development opportunities, social connections between colleagues, and approach to decision-making." Despite being challenging to precisely define or quantify, the firm's culture significantly influences its success and contributes to the overall well-being of attorneys.
If there is a misalignment between an individual and the firm's culture, it can lead to challenges in building rapport with colleagues or clients, disagreement with the firm's approach, and potentially hindered career progression within the organization. In essence, understanding and fitting into a law firm's culture is integral to a harmonious and successful professional experience.
Opting for a law firm that aligns well with your personal values and work style can lead to a heightened sense of engagement and value. In such a environment, you may find yourself more inclined to invest additional hours when required and readily offer support to colleagues when necessary. Genuine care for your individual work and a vested interest in the overall success of the firm often accompany a strong culture fit.
Recent studies highlight that dynamic law firms, particularly those achieving market-leading growth, attribute their success to collaborative cultures that effectively maximize the contributions of their personnel. In essence, choosing a firm with a culture that resonates with your own can significantly enhance your professional experience and contribute to both personal and organizational success.
Have realistic expectations about work hours and pay
Millennials and Gen-Z individuals are displaying less tolerance for cultures that contribute to burnout, evident in the significant number of resignations during The Great Resignation. While the trend towards emphasizing work-life balance is gaining momentum in various industries, it's essential to acknowledge that not all legal practice areas align with this shift. In particular, roles in Biglaw serving multinational corporations are unlikely to offer a laid-back nine-to-five experience.
Prior to pursuing a job at a law firm, it's crucial to be realistic about the demanding nature of the work. If the prospect of consistently working long hours doesn't align with your preferences, considering less stressful positions, such as working for the government (albeit likely with lower pay), could be a viable alternative.
Realistic expectations about your salary are crucial. While some recent graduates may secure high salaries due to a historic labor shortage, it's unrealistic to expect to earn millions right after college. Acknowledge that you'll need to put in significant effort and gain experience before enjoying substantial financial rewards.
During interviews with law firms, candidly inquire about their expectations for attorneys. If they emphasize that the initial years involve hard work with relatively modest pay, it provides valuable insight. This information allows you to make an informed decision about whether the firm aligns with your career goals and financial expectations. Whether you choose a different path or decide to endure the initial challenges, asking questions empowers you to make a well-informed choice.
Find a mentor to help guide you
Legal mentors serve as invaluable resources, imparting guidance, experience, and advice to their mentees. The wealth of knowledge mentors have accumulated over decades in the field benefits mentees by enabling them to rapidly acquire new skills, establish appropriate goals, and foster productive career development.
Beyond individual growth, mentorship has a broader impact on employee engagement. Studies show that 91% of employees with mentors express satisfaction with their jobs, while 4 in 10 workers without a mentor have contemplated leaving their jobs in the past three months. Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 57% of attorneys noting a decline in mentorship at their firms, those with a mentor highly value the relationship. Notably, 72% of millennial attorneys attribute significant or crucial roles in their careers to informal mentors.
Mentorship extends beyond finding the right person to learn from; it involves cultivating a long-term, often mutually beneficial relationship. This can be achieved by posing targeted questions that delve into their experiences, establishing clear goals for what you aim to achieve from the relationship, and consistently respecting their time. Building a meaningful mentorship requires active engagement, a genuine commitment to learning, and a respectful approach to the mentor's valuable time and insights.
Have a backup career plan
Obtaining a JD doesn't obligate you to pursue a career exclusively within a law firm, especially if it doesn't align with your preferences. Various alternative avenues are available:
In-House Roles: Opting for positions within a company's legal team allows you to delve into a specific industry, applying your legal skills without the constant pressure to increase billable hours.
Public-Interest Paths: Exploring careers in public-interest sectors offers opportunities to work with government agencies, advocacy groups, or charitable organizations.
Diverse Career Options: Law graduates have the flexibility to explore diverse fields such as management consulting, banking, or even politics. The intellectual acumen, organizational skills, and work ethic cultivated through a law degree seamlessly transfer to a range of sectors and roles.
See more
The Original Plan of a Professional Legal Career, and Thereafter
When Being a Lawyer Is Not for You: How to Successfully Transition into the Job of Your Dreams!
Afterall, which industries wouldn’t want these types of employees?
Have a long-term goal in mind for your career
Establishing long-term goals provides lawyers with a sense of purpose, allowing them to align their daily, weekly, and yearly activities with their ultimate life aspirations. This sense of purpose becomes a crucial motivator during demanding workweeks and interactions with stressful clients. In the words of Victor Frankl, "He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how."
Research indicates that individuals who set goals tend to be more motivated, exhibiting higher levels of self-esteem, self-confidence, and autonomy compared to those who don't. Moreover, they purportedly earn up to 10 times more than their peers.
However, the essence of goal-setting lies not only in reaching the destination but also in the journey. By setting goals, individuals evaluate what truly matters in life—whether it's prestige, financial success, integrity, contributing to societal betterment, or maximizing personal potential. This evaluative lens serves as a guide for decision-making, shaping a future that aligns with individual strengths and inclinations.
Know that being a lawyer isn’t for everyone
If you have an interest in the legal sector but don't envision yourself as a lawyer, there are still numerous ways to make a valuable contribution within the industry.
You might find a fitting role as a paralegal, take on a legal administrative position, or explore opportunities as a law firm accountant, personal assistant/secretary, legal SEO writer, performance coach, or legal journalist. These roles offer diverse avenues for involvement and contribution within the legal field, allowing you to leverage your interests and skills in a variety of capacities.
In conclusion: Is being a lawyer stressful?
The level of stress you experience as a lawyer is ultimately within your control. While high-powered practice areas in prestigious firms offer significant stress, they also come with substantial financial rewards. Conversely, public-interest work may be less lucrative but allows attorneys to contribute to societal good with lower stress levels.
Prospective lawyers should engage in self-reflection before committing to a legal career. Assess your ability to handle pressure, understand how stress affects your performance and well-being, and determine your preference for daily challenges or the desire to leave work behind after office hours.
Taking the time to understand yourself and your preferences is crucial. Align your legal career with your unique interests and characteristics. If you're contemplating law school, explore educational requirements for a lawyer in our guide to kickstart your legal journey.
