Do lawyers suffer from anxiety?

Asked by: Oleta Nikolaus IV  |  Last update: May 29, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (66 votes)

Recent studies have found that lawyers are more prone to depression and anxiety than the general population.

Is anxiety common in lawyers?

If you're a lawyer, you're probably right. It's not your imagination: A recent study found that almost more than 1/4 of lawyers suffer from anxiety and/or depression. That's more than double the rate in other similar-level professional cohorts, where the rate of similar symptoms is closer to 11 percent.

Can you become a lawyer if you have anxiety?

Success as a lawyer with social anxiety is indeed possible, although it may present some unique challenges. Individuals with social anxiety can excel in the legal profession by employing strategies to manage their condition effectively.

What is the stress level for lawyers?

Lawyers were listed in the most stressed sector that had a rating of 2.7 on the six-point scale. The American Bar Association reports one of the main causes of stress in the legal field is the pressure to constantly perform at a high level.

Do lawyers suffer from mental health issues?

As a group, lawyers are known to suffer from poor mental health in greater numbers than many other professions. According to the American Psychological Association, lawyers are 3.6 times more likely to suffer depression than non-lawyers.

Understanding Depression and Anxiety in a Law Firm

22 related questions found

Is being a lawyer high stress?

While lawyers might benefit from having an elite reputation and plenty of cash in the bank, it can also be incredibly stressful. Many attorneys grapple with long hours, difficult clients, and ever-increasing demands daily.

Are lawyers more stressed than doctors?

Listokin and Noonan compared Kessler 6 scores from lawyers and medical professionals (medical doctors, veterinarians, and dentists) and concluded that lawyers did endorse slightly higher distress scores than doctors, yet they found no statistically significant difference in the rates of mental illness between the two ...

Can I be shy and a lawyer?

Feeling introverted, shy, or socially anxious doesn't have to hold you back as a lawyer. Learn to understand yourself and succeed.

What is the depression rate for lawyers?

A nationwide study of ~13,000 lawyers indicated that 28% experienced depression, 19% reported anxiety, 21% had alcohol use problems, and 11% had problems with drug use [3].

What is the least stressful lawyer?

Fields of Law Generally Considered Less Stressful

It focuses more on drafting wills, trusts, and estate plans for clients. Transactional law, such as corporate or real estate law, involves lawyers primarily handling negotiations, contracts, and business transactions without the intensity of courtroom litigation.

Do lawyers get nervous in court?

To many of them, the prospect of speaking “off the cuff” makes them anxious. While many trial lawyers are comfortable speaking without notes to a jury, many feel just the opposite when asked to speak publicly.

How to be a lawyer with anxiety?

7 tips to cope
  1. Go to therapy. Talking to someone like a trusted counselor or therapist that you feel comfortable with can be a powerful step for lawyers to proactively improve their mental wellness. ...
  2. Exercise. ...
  3. Know your limits and draw boundaries. ...
  4. Keep up your hobbies. ...
  5. Make time for loved ones. ...
  6. Practice mindfulness. ...
  7. Set goals.

What personality type is most likely to be a lawyer?

According to a 1993 study conducted by Larry Richard, the most prevalent personality types for lawyers are: ISTJ (17.8 per cent) INTJ (13.1 per cent) ESTJ (10.3 per cent)

What is the hardest thing about becoming a lawyer?

Lawyers often find themselves in conflict, negotiating and arguing cases, defending clients' rights, prosecuting wrongdoing, and more. This constant exposure to conflict can take a psychological toll and contribute to heightened levels of stress and anxiety.

What percentage of lawyers have anxiety?

Almost 77% of lawyers under ages 25 to 34 have anxiety, that cohort reported, while anxiety rates fell to 63% for lawyers ages 55 to 64 and to 40% for lawyers over 65.

Are introverts good lawyers?

In fact, many of the qualities that make a lawyer effective—such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strategic planning—are often found in introverts.

Can a highly sensitive person be a lawyer?

That's why I believe being sensitive to people's needs is one of the most important qualities you can have as a lawyer. One of my strong qualities as a lawyer was my sensitivity, although I would never have described it as such. Being sensitive doesn't sound cool, professional, or hardcore, does it?

What is the stress level of a lawyer?

Fifty-six percent of lawyers working 50 or more hours per week reported chronic stress compared to 25% of those working up to 50 hours a week.

How hard is law school?

In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.

What is the most stressful doctor job?

Emergency medicine reported the highest burnout rates among physicians, with 65% of emergency doctors experiencing burnout. Close behind were specialties like internal medicine and pediatrics.

Who has the happiest job in the world?

Construction workers were also the most satisfied with their compensation (73.1) and the cultures and values (74.9) in their industry. The second most satisfied industry was Accounting and taxes (71.92), which also scored the highest in the career opportunities category (75.3).

Which job is the most stressful in the world?

Here are some examples of the most stressful career options:
  • Physician. National average salary: $272,872 per year Primary duties: Physicians or doctors are medical professionals who treat various diseases and injuries. ...
  • Nurse. ...
  • Soldier. ...
  • Patrol officer. ...
  • Anesthesiologist. ...
  • Chief executive officer. ...
  • Lawyer. ...
  • Police officer.

What jobs aren't stressful?

Below, we've rounded up the top low-stress jobs that also offer excellent salaries.
  • Professor. Teaching is an incredibly rewarding profession, offering the opportunity to impact lives and impart essential skills. ...
  • Art Director. ...
  • IT Managers. ...
  • Dentist. ...
  • Librarian. ...
  • Copywriter. ...
  • Cartographer. ...
  • Software Engineer.