A 2012 ABA Law Practice article states that burnout in the legal profession is greater than that of other professions.
Why does law practice lead to such extreme results for so many attorneys? This article will examine data from a broad spectrum of scientific research in positive psychology, exercise science, neurobiology, neuroscience, and complementary and alternative medicine (the new mind-body sciences) in order to identify factors that may lead to attorney burnout and to explain why those factors may contribute to attorney distress. Further, this article will introduce work trends that utilize the emerging mind-body sciences to pioneer smarter ways to be more productive and thus avoid burnout. Finally, this article will offer an overview of scientifically proven interventions and recharging techniques that may provide a buffer against the occupational hazard of attorney depression and burnout.
Read the article (PDF) Courtesy of the State Bar of New Mexico Bar Bulletin